SEATTLE, WA (April 4, 2023) – The Spring Boats Afloat Show spotlights luxury and boating fun as it returns to Seattle’s scenic South Lake Union April 27-30 with a sparkling on-the-water display of power and sailing craft. With shoreside exhibitors and a full line-up of activities for the entire family, the region’s largest on-the-water boat show is presented by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (NYBA).
Encompassing distinctive designs, elegance and performance, the four-day showcase is an opportunity to explore some of the region’s largest motor yachts, impressive sailboat offerings, luxury cruising/fishing models, high-end cruisers ideal for Northwest waters, power and sail catamarans and much more. Quality exhibitors will spotlight innovations in boating technology, accessories and marine services.
A Northwest boating tradition since 1978, showgoers can visit with the West Coast’s top brokers and dealers sharing information about the vessels on display and learn about the latest boating lifestyle trends. There’s plenty to see and do with free activities, daily entertainment and tasty food and beverage choices.
“Boats of Note” – a stunning collection of luxury craft to discover
An early sampling of the show’s featured “Boats of Note” includes the Outer Reef 700 MY Journey, presented by Irwin Yacht Sales. Ideal for both shorter excursions and long-range cruising, the popular 700 and 720 models showcase custom woodwork tailored for each owner, spacious and elegant custom interiors and built-to-last construction. Irwin Yacht Sales will also showcase three models (222CC, 272CC and 272DC) from Blackfin, equipped for Pacific Northwest waters and known for their combination of power, durability and comfort.
The new, Italian-designed Solaris 40 Open is another head-turner with its sleek main deck and sharp, flared bow. Presented by SeaNet Yachts, below deck features two spacious cabins and an inviting interior with light-colored wood paneling.
Silver Seas Yachts introduces the 2023 Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS, making its Pacific Northwest debut. Built for performance and entertainment, it features a slick barstool-equipped summer kitchen, a space-expanding power beach door, sunroof and power cockpit sunshade. This will also be the debut of the Arksen 28 and 30, presented by Oaksmith Yachts. Both models are designed to take on the challenges of our region’s weather and seas with rugged aluminum hulls coupled with refined, comfortable interiors.
Looking for a luxurious day charter experience on Lake Washington and Lake Union? Worth Avenue Yachts is spotlighting the 45-foot CUP DYNASTY catamaran, originally designed for VIP spectators at the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco. Her layout promotes a connection to the outdoors – including an airy salon with 360-degree views.
A festive atmosphere with a scenic Lake Union cityscape backdrop
The show includes a big line-up of family activities, a variety of dining options and live music performances by top local talent.
Seattle’s only full-time “pirate ship” cruise company, the Emerald City Pirates, mark their debut at the show by offering free rides aboard the 50-foot “Queen’s Anne’s Revenge” noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more family fun, The Center for Wooden Boats will host “Kids Toy Boat Building” from noon to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
With its expansive views of Lake Union from the North Dock, the 90-foot Olympic Star will feature light bites and a full bar with specialty cocktails. Showgoers’ tastebuds will be further tantalized by the Five Hooks Seafood Truck’s award-winning seafood tacos, hand-cut fish and chips and more. Dog in the Park, the originator of the famed “Seattle Dog,” features a selection of hot dog options, including vegetarian varieties, while the U Café Coffee Cart will serve up lattes, “sweet bites” and soft-serve ice cream. And the show’s Beer Garden, courtesy of Waterways Cruises & Events, will include a variety of regional craft brews on tap.
Adding to the fun top local musicians bring their talents to the Music Stage, starting with Stanley Alleyne (Thursday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) featuring steel drum selections with calypso, reggae, oldies, jazz influences, followed by The Scratch Cats Jazz Band (Friday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) with their “Cool Jaxx,” West Coast jazz stylings. Saturday features classic and contemporary jazz standards by the outstanding Ballard High School Jazz Quartet (10 a.m. to noon) followed by The Wednesday Club, a vocal bossa-jazz-pop-blues infused quartet (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.). On Sunday the Ballard High School Quartet returns for an encore performance from 10 a.m. to noon, with the Jewel Tones closing the show with their Motown-inspired sound from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours, tickets and more
Hours for the 2023 Spring Boats Afloat Show are Thursday and Friday (April 27-28), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday (April 29), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday (April 30), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $22 for adults 18 and over, $5 for teens ages 13-17, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets may also be purchased through the show’s website, including discounted adult tickets ($20) and a multi-day “All Access Pass” for $35, available exclusively online at boatsafloatshow.com.
For more information visit www.boatsafloatshow.com. The Boats Afloat Show is located on the shores of South Lake Union at 901 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.
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Boats Afloat Show images available at: https://boatsafloatshow.com/news/images/
Media Contacts:
Barry Bartlett, The Bartlett Group, 206-335-4694 (m), barry@bartlettgrouppr.com
Karli Houlé, NYBA Director of Operations, 206-748-0012 (o), Karli@nwyachtbrokers.com
About The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (NYBA) is a nonprofit marine trade group consisting of hundreds of marine brokers, dealers, and industry related professionals in the Pacific Northwest. Formed in 1988, it is the second oldest marine trade association in the region. Members receive boat show marketing opportunities, representation with governmental agencies, code of ethics and mediation, association networking opportunities, and access to the popular NYBA Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) program.