New York Boat Show Sans Sail

On Saturday the family, including my dad, went to the New York Boat Show at the Javits Center in New York. I enjoyed this Show from my toddler to teenage years, so was eager to return with my own two kids. (It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 20 years since my last visit.) Our toddlers Julian and Celeste had a great time exploring the nooks and crannies of dozens of sparkling-new powerboats — seemingly designed just for them. Laura, a sucker for “fat-cat-Barbie-style” yacht interiors, also enjoyed the Show. Despite a fun experience, it still was a huge disappointment that the Show has mutated into nearly a pure mainstream powerboat extravaganza. I recall three sailing dingies and only one substantial sailboat (a Beneteau). Not surprisingly, exhibitors that weren’t powerboat manufacturers were surely dedicated to powerboat owners.

If you appreciate powerboats, the New York Boat Show is a great investment. If you’re on the East Coast and hoping for any semblance of sail, you should simply stay home and wait for the Newport Boat Show.

(Photo Credit: mattstone2k)