Nick Pantner, business development manager, said Informa<\/a> has a \u201cfew different debuts within the show\u201d this year. France-based Groupe Beneteau, a global boat designer and manufacturer, recently relaunched Delphia Yachts with a focus on eco-friendly and electric-powered inland cruising vessels.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re going to bring two new power boats into the U.S. that have never been shown at any of our boat shows,\u201d Pantner said. \u201cI don\u2019t think they\u2019ve been around in Florida at all. So, that\u2019s going to be something pretty neat for the show.\u201d<\/p>\n The longstanding event offers something for everyone. Hook the Future<\/a> will present a Kids\u2019 Fishing Clinic for children aged 4 to 16.<\/p>\n Capt. Don Dingman, a local television broadcaster, will host the clinic Jan. 17 and Jan. 18. \u201cThat one is loved by the kids, because at the end, every single one gets a free fishing pole,\u201d Pantner said.<\/p>\n Two siblings seize an opportunity to climb into a new speedboat at the 2025 show.<\/p>\n Expert captains and industry professionals will conduct a series of nautical seminars covering docking, anchoring and mooring techniques, marine weather, diesel engine maintenance, navigation and a wide range of other topics for adults of all boating levels.<\/p>\n The prestigious Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS) has again partnered with Progressive Insurance to provide attendees with complimentary on-water training courses<\/a>. Participants will learn key boating aspects from U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to be leading the education program at this year\u2019s show,\u201d said Capt. John Martino, founder of ASOS, in a prepared statement. \u201cOur mission is to help boaters deepen their knowledge, build confidence and get even more enjoyment out of every experience on the water.\u201d<\/p>\n Pantner expects over 300 vendors, whether on land or in the water, to attend the event. A 40,000-square-foot tent will feature nautical clothing, gear, equipment, electronics, art and \u201canything marine related.\u201d<\/p>\n The boat show also benefits the local economy.<\/p>\n Fort Lauderdale-based Informa also relies on local labor to help build temporary docks and run the show. Pantner noted that detailing businesses will receive a boost, \u201cas we\u2019re going to have about 200-plus boats in the water, alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have the capability of making the show bigger every year, or obviously changing the dynamic of things due to the fact that we build our own marina,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Informa began building the docks Tuesday and will complete the massive job Wednesday. Boats begin arriving this weekend.<\/p>\n Pinellas is home to over 54,000 registered boats, the second-most in Florida. Hundreds were lost during a devastating 2024 hurricane season.<\/p>\n Many marine enthusiasts were still recovering from the storms at the January 2025 boat show, which led to multiple vendors reporting<\/a> a decrease in high-end sales. Others said interest in used vessels and safety equipment increased.<\/p>\n A 40,000-square-foot tent (right) will house hundreds of marine gear, equipment and accessory vendors.<\/p>\n Pantner believes that many home and boat owners have since received insurance payments, which could increase sales at the show. He noted that dock builders will also showcase their services at the event.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kids-powerboat-1024x771.jpg\")
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