Complete Story
01/04/2020
Connecticut Spring In-Water Boat Show Celebrates 5th Year In Essex, CT
Once Again Raising Money To Benefit Sails Up 4 Cancer
"Boaters enjoy the in-water style of this show, offering a wide selection of power and sail boats. Attendees arrive from all over New England down to New York in excitement for the boating season ahead. The venue makes it easy to hop aboard and spend time chatting with knowledgeable brokers in a relaxed and fun environment," said Tom Pilkington, owner of Prestige Yacht Sales. "Last year’s change to CT Tax law lowered the state tax on boat purchases from 6.35% to 2.99%; this change has proved to show a growing interest in boat purchases and increased attendance at Connecticut boat shows,” said Pilkington.
"Safe Harbor Marinas looks forward to hosting this annual event,” said Doug Domenie, Regional Vice President of New England West. “Our beautiful, family-friendly venue in the historic waterfront village of Essex, CT is truly unique. No other boat show, boutique or otherwise, has a setting like ours. This year, we are particularly excited to have a new restaurant on the island where boat show attendees can enjoy a meal while visiting the show.” Safe Harbor Essex Island is located on a 13-acre private island on the Connecticut River, accessible by a complementary ferry service, and offers 125 slips, accommodating vessels up to 200’. Over 30 land based nautical exhibitors are expected to grace the dockside lawns on the Island along with the plus expected in-water boats.
Over 2500 visitors are anticipated with a suggested donation of $5 per person to benefit Sails Up 4 Cancer, a non-profit organization and local charity who distributes funds raised to families impacted by cancer. Attendees will see a wide range of new and brokerage, power and sail models with sea trials available. Boating gear, accessories, waterfront real estate and "water lifestyle" service companies will also be on site. The Griswold Inn, conveniently located in downtown Essex, will offer a 20% discount Thursday, April 30, 2020 through Sunday, May 3rd for boat show dealers, vendors and attendees.
“We are so proud to have raised almost $25,000 over the last 2 years for Sails Up 4 Cancer,” said Ben Cesare, Publisher of WindCheck Magazine, the producer of the event. “This year, with the help of sponsor Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, we hope to grow that number by at least another $15,000!” They will bring their riverboat Becky Thatcher to provide food and beverages during the event and host a cocktail cruise to benefit the charity.
Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C) is a non-profit organization based in Mystic, Connecticut. SU4C has been dedicated to supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research along the Shoreline and Southeastern regions of Connecticut. To learn more, go to SU4C.org.
CT SPRING BOAT SHOW: The 5th Annual CT Spring Boat Show, May 1-3, 2020 features some of the newest boats on the market including center consoles, fishing boats, luxury cruisers, sport and sail boats. The show is open to the public at Safe Harbor Essex Island with a requested $5 dollar donation to Sails Up 4 Cancer for attendees ages 13 and up. Free parking is available. Visit www.ctspringboatshow.com for specific event details or Ben Cesare of WindCheck Magazine at contactus@windcheckmagazine.com for dealer and vendor application information.
Sarah Wadle of First Position Media
Public Relations for CT Spring Boat Show
860-559-9198
