The 55th Newport International Boat Show will offer one of its most extensive educational lineups yet when it returns to the waterfront Sept. 17-20, with programming ranging from free walk-up seminars to on-water instruction with certified captains.
The Cruisers Classroom, presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship, returns with complimentary interactive sessions running all four days below deck at the Hammetts entrance. Topics include navigation, docking, weather, diesel systems, maintenance, chartering, offshore cruising and boat buying. Seating is first come, first served.
Tech Talks, presented by IYRS School of Technology & Trades — the show’s official educational partner — are three-hour, small-group workshops covering electrical troubleshooting with multimeters, cable sizing and crimping, and gel coat repair. Registration includes same-day show admission, and advance booking is recommended given limited class sizes.
BoatClass, powered by Freedom Boat Club, puts participants at the helm in 90-minute on-water sessions with certified captains, departing from slips outside the G-Tent entrance on Perry Mill Wharf. The sessions are aimed at beginners and anyone wanting more confidence behind the wheel.
New this year is a Docking Workshop, offered Thursday only. The classroom program covers situational awareness, wind, current and prop walk, line handling, crew communication and close-quarters maneuvering.
Also new for 2026 is the Fishing Village, presented by Tashmoo Boatworks, an exhibit for recreational anglers featuring product demonstrations and a 50-foot casting pond. A Fishing Education Center presented by The Saltwater Edge will host seminars through the weekend on fly casting, sonar and electronics, bass fishing, false albacore, midshore bluefin tuna and bottom fishing tactics, plus “Take a Kid Fishing” sessions on Sunday.
The show spans more than 17 acres of Newport waterfront with hundreds of exhibitors showing powerboats and sailboats from 15 to 90 feet. Organizers say the 2025 show generated $22.5 million in economic impact locally.
More information is at newportboatshow.com.
