8 Great Yachting Events You Don’t Want to Miss in 2023
Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
While we tend to think of boating as a summer activity, the truth is there are amazing yachting events happening from January through December all around the country. Here are eight great yachting events you don’t want to miss:
- Miami International Boat Show
- New York Boat Show
- The Ocean Race
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
- Seafair Milk Carton Derby
- Great Lakes Grand Prix
- United States Sailboat Show
- Winterfest Boat Parade
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1. Miami International Boat Show
Escape winter and head south to the Magic City. From February 16 to 20, this show is one of the most famous yachting events on the boat-show calendar. Besides featuring hundreds of boats to buy, it includes kids’ fishing clinics. Further check out the AquaZone, for hands-on watersports learning and testing.
2. New York Boat Show
From January 25 to 29, the Javits Center in New York City hosts the world’s longest-running boat show. It started humbly enough in 1905 and now brings together boats and great gear from around the globe. If you have kids, daily build-a-boat workshops let them create nautical toy masterpieces to take home as souvenirs.
3. The Ocean Race
Alongside the Olympic Games and America’s Cup, The Ocean Race is one of sailing’s Big Three events. In fact, it’s one of the toughest professional sporting events periods. Leg five of this relentlessly demanding, ’round-the-clock race takes it to Newport, Rhode Island, on May 10, depending on the weather. It’s the only leg in North America, too. Get up close with the teams as they compete in an in-port race on May 20 before they depart on May 21.
4. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
FLIBS is the famous shortened name for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. For 64 years, it’s been growing and growing (and growing…), becoming the world’s largest in-water boat show. See everything from skiffs to superyachts from October 25 to 29 across seven locations. More boats and yachts debut at FLIBS annually than at any other national boat show.
5. Seafair Milk Carton Derby
One of the more unusual yachting events, the Seafair Milk Carton Derby, on July 23, features colorful milk-carton boats of every conceivable shape, size, and design. Builders of all ages race them on Seattle’s Green Lake.
6. Great Lakes Grand Prix
Those of you with a need for speed will love the Great Lakes Grant Prix in Michigan City, Indiana. From August 2 to 6, some of the world’s fastest offshore powerboats blast along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. You can meet and speak with the racers and team members, too.
7. United States Sailboat Show
The oldest and largest in-water new-sailboat exhibit in America, this yachting event dates back to 1970. Historic downtown Annapolis, Maryland, is the host. The show suits first-time buyers as well as old salts. Check out the new models as well as great gear with the Chesapeake Bay as the perfect backdrop.
8. Winterfest Boat Parade
“The best show on H20” kicks off the holidays in Fort Lauderdale each December. Boats as small as 20 feet and as large as 200 feet deck out their decks to participate. Although the 2023 date isn’t announced yet, the parade travels along the New River to the Intracoastal Waterway, then heads north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Various viewing areas are along the course as well.
Mark your calendars to participate in the best yachting events, and if you’ve never been on a yacht before, experience yachting for next to nothing.
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A journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Diane M. Byrne is the owner
of MegayachtNews.com, a daily website educating American superyacht owners, buyers, and
their circles of influence about the leading builders, designers, cruising destinations, and more.
She founded the website in 2007 as the first, and still the only, American-focused online media
outlet exclusively covering this market. It features all-original content, for real stories of real
interest.
Diane is additionally one of the most-sought-after journalists for expert editorial coverage and
commentary about not only superyachts, but also general boating and yachting. Her byline
appears in Boatsetter.com, DiscoverBoating.com, and the magazines Luxury Guide, Ocean,
Yachting, and Yachts International.
Additionally, Diane is the Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association, having been on the Board of
Directors since 2015. Outside of yachting, she’s a trustee of Sempre Avanti, a non-profit
resource supporting Italian and Italian-American individuals, businesses, and organizations in the
United States and Italy.
