PORT CLINTON — Dates for the largest spring in-water boat show anywhere on the Great Lakes, the 18th annual Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show, have just been announced by the Ohio Marine Trades Association (OMTA).
The show’s three-day run at the prestigious Catawba Island Club is set for April 26 to 28.
The in-water format permits the showcasing of many of the larger power and sailboat models that cannot be trucked to winter shows like Cleveland.
So many show goers will be getting their first look at these boats.
Overall, more than 100 power and sailboats ranging from personal watercraft to motor yachts will be featured.
In addition, the picturesque CIC yacht basin will be surrounded by nearly 100 displays of marine equipment, services, marinas, clothing fashions and much more.
“Of all the shows we produce annually,” says Michelle Burke, president of OMTA, “dealers and attendees alike say this one has a genuine festival atmosphere.
“It’s been dubbed by boaters as the official kick-off celebration of the new Ohio boating season.”
For example, on the Shores and Islands Main Stage, live musical entertainment in trademark islands flavor will be performed daily.
Meanwhile, visitors will enjoy kick-back comfortable seating in the new Yacht Lounge presented by the Bauman Auto Group.
When attendees aren’t climbing aboard boats, they’ll also enjoy food trucks featuring hand-picked local vendors like Put-in-Bay’s iconic Boardwalk Lobster Bisque truck, Berardi’s Fry Trailer, and the great tastes of The Gaucho and the Gringo truck.
But the party atmosphere notwithstanding, the boats and accessories remain the real focus for show visitors.
Moreover, the in-water format allows dealers to offer demonstration rides and sea trials to qualified prospects.
Similarly, the show’s unique “Discover Sailing” program enables would-be sailors desiring to find out if sailing is really right for them to have a true hands-on sailing experience aboard a sailboat headed out on the lake.
Participants will board a Jeanneau 36 from the popular “Learn To Sail Cleveland” program, hoisting the sails, taking the helm and more.
CIC is located on the Catawba peninsula, off Northwest Catawba Road in Port Clinton. All designated show parking lots and shuttles are free.
More than 10,000 people attend each year.
Show hours will be: Friday (April 26) from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday (April 27), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday (April 28), from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Advance discount admission tickets will be available online soon at: www.catawbaislandboatshow.com