Tidewater Boat Show coming to Hampton March 26-28

These days everyone is looking for ways to save money and boaters are no exception. Organizers of the 6th Annual Tidewater Boat Show say it’s all about one word this year: “SALE.”

The dealers are pricing boats to sell, with no reasonable offer refused, says Dave Body of Affinity Events, producer of the show coming to the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA March 26-28.

“The dealers will handle the financing for you, and we are seeing some signs that the banks are starting to cooperate. Trade-ins will be considered. If you are considering buying a boat, this is the time,” Body said.

Another ‘sale’ is the cost of admission itself. New this year are on-line ticket sales, with a savings of $3 off the adult ticket price of $7. Children 16 and under are free.

All types and sizes of boats will be on display: runabouts, saltwater fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, deck boats and jet boats.

In addition, there will be exhibits of boat lifts, floating docks, marine electronics, water sports and safety equipment. Experts will be able to answer questions about a variety of topics: marinas, financing, insurance, boat maintenance and repair and boating safety.

And if you don’t see it all in one day, go to the Show Office and ask for a free return pass to come back!

Show Hours
Friday (3/26): Noon to 8 pm
Saturday (3/27): 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday (3/28): 11 am to 5 pm

Dealers include:
Lynnhaven Marine, Norfolk Marine, Bill's Marine, Centerville Waterway Marine, Master Marine of Williamsburg, Nautical Marine, Ed's Marine and Chesdin Boat Sales.

For tickets and more information, go to tidewaterboatshow.com

Hampton Clean Marinas

Several Hampton marinas are certified in the Virginia Clean Marina program. In fact, Hampton Public Piers was the very first in the state to sign up and pledge environmentally sound practices.

But just what does the certification mean?

“For an area like Hampton that is a boating destination for transient boaters, yacht clubs and seasonal boaters, a primary benefit is the recognition that the Clean Marina designation gives a facility,” says Anne L. Smith, of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, which administers the Virginia Clean Marinas programs.

“As Clean Marina programs develop and expand across the nation, boaters are becoming increasingly aware of what the designation represents,” she said.

For boaters, this designation means you can be assured the facility has adopted practices on recycling, boat cleaning, fueling, painting, sewage, fish wastes, and hazardous materials that prevent or reduce pollution to our waters and in turn, valuable fish and wildlife.

To be sure you as a boater are practicing clean boating measures, check out VirginiaCleanMarina.com for downloadable fact sheets on topics like petroleum, sewage and other waste.

Hampton’s certified Clean Marinas include Hampton Public Piers, Old Point Comfort Marina, Bluewater Yachting Center, Salt Ponds Marina and Southall Landings Marina.

Hampton Sailor David Taylor Featured in SpinSheet magazine

Hampton's own David Taylor is featured in the February issue of Spinsheet Magazine: Chesapeake Racer Profile.

It begins:

"Some sailors seem to have a more prominent give-back gene than others. A Hampton, VA native, David Taylor learned to sail at the Hampton YC (HYC) junior program and on his father’s Columbia 10.7 and J/24 (one of the first dozen made)..."

Click here to read the full Q&A with David (go to page 75).

Mid-Atlantic Boat Show in Virginia Beach

Got cabin fever? That’s the perfect excuse to get yourself to a boat show and dream about warmer weather to come.

The 56th Annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show is coming to the Virginia Beach Convention Center next weekend, Feb. 12-14, with more than 100 exhibitors and boat dealers.

Russ Kostinas, General Manager, said all the big dealers are lining up to make deals on new 2010 boats and unused 2009 models.

“We will once again host the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Awards Friday night at 7 pm. We have a new state of the art Fishing Simulator and a saltwater tournament based on the simulator. We have a Fighting Chair Challenge and you can test your skill on the new way to drive a boat with a joystick,” he said.

There will also be face-painting for the kids, and angler clubs to teach tie-flying and net-casting.

Hours:
Friday (2/12), noon to 9 pm
Saturday (2/13), 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday (2/14), noon to 5 pm

Admision: $8 for adults, 12 and under are free, as is the parking. Complete this short survey and they’ll give you $3 off admission.