A recent announcement from the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) that unveiled plans for the inaugural Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show, May 17 through 20, naturally prompted curiosity about specifics. The driving force behind the show is a partnership between the NMTA and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce (ACC).
“In looking for a producer of a boat show in Anacortes, we were all so impressed with the professionalism of the staff at the NMTA,” said Stephanie Hamilton, President of the ACC. “We have a shared vision of building a show that is for everyone.”
Although, as with any new show, there is a steep learning curve, NMTA President George Harris says exhibitor applications are coming in. At the time of this writing, there are 28 official applicants with an expectation of around 125. The physical layout of the show will mostly be hosted at Cap Sante Marina with a shuttle bus connecting exhibitors at the Anacortes Marina hub to the south. A circus-style tent for boating accessory exhibitors and space for trailered boats is planned for the parking lot of Cap Sante.
“The timing is right,” says Harris. “Boat business is good right now, and manufacturers are building more boats and new models, and dealers have more inventory.”
Within the NMTA, familiar industry names sit on the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show Committee, with Chair Andy Schwenk of Northwest Rigging at the helm. Other members include Mary LeFleur (ALT Insurance Group), Howard Bean (North Harbor Diesel), Kelly Hawley (Tom-N-Jerry’s Boat Center), Russ Meixner (West Yachts), Larry Graf (Aspen Power Catamarans), Paul Sorensen
(BST Associates), Steve Brown (Seaworthy Yachts and Brokerage), and Mark Bunzel (Fine
Edge Publishing).
Notably, the timing is not far off from the Bremerton-based Trawlerfest (May 5 to 8). Perhaps a boater can set a northerly course through the Sound to attend both shows? For those interested in exhibiting, the deadline is March 30. Point of contact is Katie McPhail via phone (206-634-0911) or email (katiemc@nmta.net). More info is available at nmta.net/abysapplication.
