WINDWARD VIP LOUNGE
The Windward VIP Lounge offers a private oasis with views of Narragansett Bay and the sounds of an active waterfront. Enjoy premium open bar with endless options, gourmet food served all day, private restrooms and a place to relax and lounge, indoors and outdoors. Guests can relax in an exclusive setting while being amid the energy of the Newport Boat Show. Arrive in style through your very own VIP entrance, conveniently located at the Midtown Oyster Bar on Perry Mill Wharf. We proudly welcome our sponsors of the Windward VIP Lounge; St. Regis, Alicia Davis art collections, Drambuie scotch., daily activations and more!
TECH TALKS PRESENTED BY IYRS
Presented by IYRS School of Technology & Trades, will be host to a variety of all-new Tech Talks during this year’s Show, featuring hands-on technical training classes for boaters of all experience levels led by industry experts. American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) expert and Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman will lead two separate workshops during the 2025 Show, covering lithium batteries and electronically controlled diesel engines. Composites Hall-of-Famer Bob Lacovara will lead a three-hour workshop exploring gel coat technology and repair. It is recommended to register in advance. Pricing is $125 per person for each course. This purchase does include one admission ticket to the Newport International Boat Show.
CRUISERS CLASSROOM PRESENTED BY THE ANNAPOLIS SCHOOL OF SEAMANSHIP
Join us in the Cruisers Classroom presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship, located Below-Deck at the Hammetts entrance to the Boat Show. Enhance your boating knowledge and skills (sail or power), whether you are new to boating or a seasonal mariner. This educational experience features interactive presentations covering an array of marine-related topics such as docking, navigation, safety, boat safety and maintenance, offshore cruising, marine systems and more.
This educational classroom is walk-up only. It is a complimentary experience for all to enjoy and being offered all four days of the show. Seating is limited to 40 per class.
BELOW-DECK HAMMETTS HOTEL – DISPLAYS, CRUISERS CLASSROOM, LOUNGE & BAR
Join us BELOW-DECK underneath the Hammetts Hotel. This space is host to our Cruisers Classroom education area sponsored by Annapolis School of Seamanship, where all boating enthusiasts are welcome to take a seat and enjoy. This is a complimentary experience, no registration required.
You will also find a place to kick back with our dedicated lounge and bar area offered by Guisto, and you will never want to leave Below-Deck. Additionally, there are plenty of exhibitor displays to browse and enjoy, inflatables, marine accessories, charitable partners, and more!
ON-WATER TRAINING CLASSES – BOAT CLASS POWERED BY FREEDOM BOAT CLUB
On-water training classes are being offered by BoatClass, powered by Freedom Boat Club. Whether looking for a confidence boost on the water, or brand new to boating entirely, BoatClass offers the optimal start point to a lifetime of memories on the water. These 90-minute on-water training sessions led by a certified captain will guide attendees through essential boating skills from top to bottom.
Classes will be offered from the slips at the Newport Harbor Hotel during the show at 10am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm daily. Pricing is $99 per person. While onsite registration may be available, it is recommended to book your session online in advance as limited spots are available.
EVEN MORE BOATS AT THE BROKERAGE BASIN!
#NIBS2026 will offer brokerage boats located within the boat show in the brokerage basin north of Bannister’s Wharf, as well as Perry Mill south docks within our Windward VIP area. These displays offer an array of yachts ranging up to 100 ft, both sail and power.
WATER TAXIS, FERRIES, SHUTTLES, & MORE!
If you need a launch to the mooring field, Oldport Launch is operating from Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina. The water taxi service to the Newport Shipyard Brokerage Show is operating from this same location as well. This location is marked on the show map..
Also noted on the map is the Easton’s Beach bus shuttle pick-up and drop-off location - right outside the Red Parrot located on the corner of Thames and America’s Cup, just a few steps away from Hammetts Hotel. This shuttle is complimentary to all showgoers who park at the Easton’s Beach parking lot, running 8am to 8pm all four days of the show.
Express Ferry for Newport Boat Show out of Jamestown, RI.
All four-days of show, Jamestown Ferry to run their route from Jamestown to Perrotti Park, Newport, dropping you just steps from the entrance of the boat show. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic cruise across the bay. With a refreshing drink from our onboard bar, your journey becomes part of the experience.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The Newport International Boat Show is making significant contributions to the local community by partnering with organizations like IYRS (School of Technology & Trades), RIMTA (Rhode Island Marine Trade Association), Sail Newport, and Save The Bay.
These partnerships aim to enhance marine industry education, support workforce development, promote public sailing, and protect the natural beauty of Rhode Island’s waters.
Through events, educational programs, and fundraising efforts, the show is actively fostering a sustainable future for the region's maritime economy while providing opportunities for both students and the broader community to engage with Rhode Island’s boating culture.
Newport’s waterfront is one of the oldest working harbors in the nation, with more than 375 years of history as a bustling colonial seaport. While at the Newport International Boat Show, stroll the 2.5-mile Harbor Walk—marked with FOW (Friends of the Waterfront) signage—from Washington Street to King Park—and enjoy the charm, history, and stunning views along the way.
STOP DREAMING, START BOATING.
BankNewport, and its marine division, OceanPoint Marine Lending return as the show's Presenting Sponsor. Their team of finance experts are eager to engage with showgoers and assist with their boat buying needs. Make your boat buying experience one that is enjoyable! Stop by to learn more at their OceanPoint Marine Lending Land Display B-2, just outside the entrance to North Commercial Wharf.
International Superyacht Society (ISS) presents Navigating Ownership – Educational Leadership Series at NIBS
Join the International Superyacht Society on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3pm–5pm, at the Seamen’s Church Institute within the show grounds for Navigating Ownership, part of the ISS Educational Leadership Series. Industry experts including James Bishop from Marsh & McLennan and Erika Moore from MCM. will share insights on advisory teams, insurance, flag selection, ownership pitfalls, charters, financing, and claims—offering practical guidance for owners, captains, crew, and yachting professionals.
Limited capacity, recommended to register in advance.
NIBS OFFICIAL OUTERWEAR SPONSOR
We’re proud to welcome BIG WEATHER GEAR as the official outerwear sponsor of the 2026 Newport International Boat Show, featuring the launch of the Henri-Lloyd line. Designed for life on the water, their premium performance gear keeps our team comfortable, stylish, and ready—rain or shine.
WELCOME FAMILIES, FRIENDS, MILITARY, & VETERANS!
On behalf of Hogan Associates Real Estate and Carey, Richmond & Viking Insurance, we welcome and appreciate all military families and veterans, as well as residents of Newport County!
Thank you for joining us on Sunday, September 20th, and a big thank you to Discover Newport for sponsoring our opening Preview Day on Thursday, September 17th.
SHOW SPONSORS
