Boat show, despite weather challenges, sets new attendance record

ST. PETERSBURG — The 44th Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, held Jan. 20-23, attracted thousands of boating enthusiasts to St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront, with organizer Informa Markets saying attendance grew by 30% despite cool, blustery weather conditions.

“The reconfiguration of the show enabled us to host more boats in the water and on land,” states Andrew Doole, the president of Informa’s U.S. boat shows division, in a news release. “The feedback from exhibitors who experienced significant sales has been phenomenal.”

Several new models from manufacturers, such as Sunseeker, Jupiter, Grady-White and Regal boats, debuted at the show, the release states, and on-water training and certification sessions — offered by the Annapolis School of Seamanship program — were well attended.

“It was a great opportunity to serve the market in Florida,” Annapolis School of Seamanship Founder John Martino states in the release. “We saw a lot of people who wanted to get out on the water, become familiar with boating, build confidence and get advice about where to learn more.”

The show was also fertile ground for sales and quality leads.

“Even with minor weather challenges, the team saw promising crowds looking to purchase,” Galati Yacht Sales Marketing Director Mary Strauss states in the release. “Our team sold several pre-owned models and one new model, with other prospects still in consideration. Great work by Informa for a well-planned affair.”

Next up is the Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota, scheduled for April 22-24.