A big boat show is coming to Connecticut. Here’s what you need to know.
The 7th Connecticut Spring Boat Show is scheduled for April 28-30, 2023 at Safe Harbor Essex Island, located in Essex, according to organizers.
The in-water boat show will raise money for Sails Up 4 Cancer, a non-profit organization that supports “cancer care, education, prevention and research,” according to event organizers. Sails Up 4 Cancer will receive benefit from 50% of ticket sales proceeds; the show last year raised $23,000 for the non-profit, according to organizers.
Those who go will have an opportunity to compare boats, dealers and options in one location, according to organizers. The show will include more than 30 exhibitors on display, including yacht brokers, boat gear, artists, accessories, and service companies, organizers said.
There will be more than 55 new and brokerage, power and sailboat models of many sizes, including yachts longer than 40 feet, organizers said.
These include: Arrowcat, Aviara, Axopar, Back Cove, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Brig, Bully Bay, Catalina, 248 Center Console, Coronado, Eastbay, Elan, Everglades, Grand Banks, Jeanneau, Nimbus, Nordic Tug, North River, Pioneer, Ryck, Sabre, Scout, Sea Born, Sea Ray, SeaWay, Snug Harbor, True North, Wilbur, World Cat, X-Yachts and other boat brands. There also will be select opportunities for sea trials during the weekend; to give prospective buyers a “try-before-you-buy experience,” organizers said in a statement.
There also will be educational talks on fishing experts, live music all weekend, food, and family style fun, organizers said in the statement.
Friday, April 28
Live Music
1 to 3 p.m.: DGE Acoustic Duo, inspired by the generational piano rock genre, Dan & Jim’s acoustic jam taps music from the last 50 years.
3 to 6 p.m.: SoundWaves acoustic repertoire covering an eclectic range of styles, including old standards to contemporary.
Saturday, April 29
Maritime & Fishing Talks
12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Captain Mike Roy, fishing CT River and Long Island Sound
1:30 to 2 p.m. Bill Lucey, Long Island Sound Keeper
2:15 – 3 p.m. Matt Stone, Kayak fishing for striped bass
3:15 – 4 p.m. Captain Brian Moskey, Proactive offshore fishing
Live Music
12 noon to 2:30 p.m. Lewis & Merritt are an acoustic duo comprised of two members of Wicked Peach, a cover rock band in the New London County area for over 25 years.
3 to 5 p.m. Wooly Mammoth officially started in 2013, “most of the players have been jamming together for years in various places, parties, open mic nights and wherever they found each other with instruments lying around.”
Movie Premiere
10:30 a.m. MELGES: The Wizard of Zenda, a film about the life of sailing legend Buddy Melges, will have its Connecticut premiere in conjunction with this year’s Connecticut Spring Boat Show at Safe Harbor Essex Island in Essex on Saturday, April 29. The 90-minute movie will have two showings at the Essex Yacht Club at 10:30 and 1:30. Tickets will be $20 with half of the proceeds going to benefit Sails Up 4 Cancer. The RSVP-only tickets will also provide access to the Connecticut Spring Boat Show all weekend long. Tickets are available at https://www.windcheckmagazine.com/shop/. See a preview here: https://vimeo.com/530499376.
Fundraiser Cruise
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunset Cocktail and Dinner Cruise for Sails Up 4 Cancer, on Adventure, a restored 65-foot vintage riverboat, sponsored by Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Cruises.Tickets are $50/pp and include cruise, dinner, complimentary cocktail or glass of wine, sponsored by Angelini Wine and Cancion premium tequila, followed by cash bar. Purchase tickets in advance at https://www.windcheckmagazine.com/shop/.
Sunday, May 1
Live Music
12 noon to 2 p.m. The Vitas, three musicians heavily influenced by grunge and classic rock music.
2:30 to 5 p.m. The Fake Experience, a blend of rock, reggae, pop, country, and original material.
3 Day CT Spring Boat Show Tickets will be offered at $20 per adult and free for children 13 and under, granting access to the show and talks all weekend long, rain or shine. Advance tickets can be purchased by visiting: www.ctspringboatshow.com.
The is produced by WindCheck Magazine at Essex Island Safe Harbor Marina.Show sponsors include Hoffman Audi of New London, Essex Boat Works, Avelo Airlines, Surfridge Brewing Co., Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, Gowrie Group, Maritime Insurance International, The Griswold Inn and Yacht Brokers Association of America, organizers said.
Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina is on a 13-acre private Island, accessed by a complementary ferry service.
Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C) is a non-profit organization based in Mystic.
