It’s coming, the Big Seattle Boat Show. Biggest show on the West Coast. We’ve been featuring some of the new boats, and more are coming. We’ll also be cruising the show for things interesting and exciting, so check in often during the show itself. For now, here are some little tidbits to get excited about. Also, if you’re interested in being part of the show by volunteering for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Boating Program, go to the end of this post for a great opportunity.
Line up of fun includes SUP jousting tournament, wine and beer tastings, amphibious craft and tons of kids activities
SEATTLE – January 12, 2015 – From stand up paddleboards to superyachts and everything in between, there’s lots to take in at the Seattle Boat Show (Indoors +Afloat). The 2015 show drops anchor on Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 1. The largest show on the West Coast, it features some 1,000 boats and yachts in two locations, more than three acres of accessories, electronics and boating gear, 430+ exhibitors, 225 free seminars and advanced training classes for a fee. There’s also tons of fun to be had at the show. Highlights this year include:
Uncorked— Opening Night, Friday Jan. 23, 5pm – 9pm
Showgoers can sniff, swirl and sip their way through the show, tasting a variety of award-winning Washington wines. Tasting stations will be set up throughout the indoor location. Tickets are $27 and include show admission, tasting tokens and a souvenir glass.
Inaugural Seattle Boat Show SUP-er Joust Tournament
Pairing one of Seattle’s most popular water sports with a medieval pastime, competitors in outrageous costumes will jab, poke, bump and shove each other and attempt to outwit their opponents and knock them off their stand up paddle boards and into the water in the jousting pool. Competitors can sign up in advance for a spot or try their luck during Open Jousting times throughout the show. The champion will be crowned on SUPer Joust Sunday, Feb. 1 and will win an adventure cruise for two in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés.
Boatless in Seattle – Free admission Monday – Thursday after 5pm
Those who don’t own a boat but would like to learn more about how to get into boating shouldn’t let the ticket price get in the way of deciding whether to attend the show. They can simply show up any weeknight of the show after 5pm, announce that they are Boatless in Seattle and they will be admitted for free.
Biggest and Most Expensive Boat in the Show’s 68-Year History
Built locally in Westport Wash., the ‘Evviva’ is 164 feet of pure luxury for $25 million. She features: six luxurious suites; helicopter landing pad; elevator; hot tub; gourmet galley; marble and granite heated floors; spa tub for two in the master suite; and a yacht garage housing a 23’ ski and dive boat. Tour her and a host of other luxury boats at South Lake Union.
Kids Zone
There’s tons of fun for the little boaters too. Kids can enjoy time on the water using the Aqua Paddler boats, build a wooden toy boat with help from the Center for Wooden Boats and learn some fundamentals of boating while having fun with Plankton Races, Tug o’ War, the Rain Gutter Regatta and more. See http://www.seattleboatshow.com/kidszonefor a schedule of activities.
Wakeboard trampoline tricks and demos
Members of the Central Washington University wakeboard team will be demonstrating tricks on a 13×13 Springfree trampoline. Showgoers can watch them do whirlybirds, 720s, grabs, glides and other impressive moves. When not being used for demos, kids and adults can test jump the world’s safest trampoline.
Most Unusual Boats in the Show
For those who have always daydreamed of being James Bond, they have a chance with two unusual amphibious boats at the show. Quadski: an ATV that converts to a jetski, is powered by a high performance BMW engine and can reach speeds of 45 mph on both land and water. (At CenturyLink Field.) Sea Legs: an amphibious 20’ dinghy that goes from land to water and vice versa with the simple push of a button and can top 60 mph on the water. (At South Lake Union.)
Is it a Boat or is it a Plane? It’s both.
The MVP is a revolutionary amphibious aircraft that transforms from an airplane into a fishing and camping platform. When you get to a marina you taxi up, shut down the engine, fold the wings, and propel the MVP towards the slip with an on-board trolling motor. Hinged panels create a flat platform large enough for two people to stretch out and sleep in the custom tent fitted to the platform.
Women’s Day – Monday, Jan. 26
By downloading a special Women’s Day pass, women can attend the show for free on Jan. 26th and enjoy a slate of seminars designed specifically for women, by women boaters. Starting at 5 pm, women can enjoy also complimentary libations, live music and tons of great giveaways in the Boater’s Lounge.
Sails & Ales – Friday Jan. 30, 5pm – 9pm
What better combination than hops and props? That’s what’s on tap for Sails & Ales Craft Beer Night at CenturyLink Field. Attendees will be able to cruise the show with ale in hand and enjoy the best of NW beers and boats. Tickets are $27 and include show admission, tasting tokens and a souvenir beer glass.
New for 2015 – See the floating portion of the show from the water with complimentary boat rides
The 20-minute guided tours in all electric 21′ enclosed, heated Duffy boats will point out fun facts about South Lake Union and the unique qualities of the spectacular yachts in the show. It’s a great way to see the show from a new perspective. Blankets are provided for an added snuggle factor.
About Seattle Boat Show
The 68th annual Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat opens Jan. 23 and runs through Feb.1, 2015 at CenturyLink Field Event Center and South Lake Union with a complimentary shuttle running continuously between both locations. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for youth (11-17). No charge for kids 10 and under. A 5-day pass is $24. There is a wide variety of special ticket packages, including evening and mid-week packages, with bonuses such as free parking and magazine subscriptions at www.SeattleBoatShow.com
CenturyLink Field Event Center hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 pm,
Fridays: 11 am – 9 pm, Saturdays: 10 am – 8 pm,
Sundays: 10 am – 6pm*
South Lake Union hours:
Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 5 pm.
Weekends: 10 am – 5 pm*
* The show will close at 3pm on Sunday, February 1st
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Boating Program
Boat show volunteers will receive the following:
· One pass per shift for free entry to the show.
· Reimbursement for parking expenses.
The State Parks Boating Program’s booth this year will be a “Boater Education and Information Center,” with various boating education organizations together in one location. Volunteers will greet the public, provide information on safe boating, hand out materials and answer questions. (State Parks will provide talking points and Q&A info to volunteers.)
The boat show is Jan. 23 through Feb. 1, at Century Link Field Event and Exhibition Center in Seattle. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Ideally, volunteers are being sought to staff the booth throughout the show, however the greatest need is for people who can volunteer for an entire day. Especially needed is help with the following shifts:
· Mondays through Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
· Fridays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3 to 6:30 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
· Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2 to 5:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
· Sundays: 10 a .m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
· Sunday, Feb.1: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
To volunteer, send an e-mail to boating@parks.wa.gov with “SEATTLE BOAT SHOW VOLUNTEER” in the subject line or call (360) 902-8555. Please include contact information and be sure to specify what day(s) and shifts are desired.
