This was the second annual outing for The Social Diary. The Newport Boat Show 2024, this past weekend, did not disappoint. If you enjoy boating, or perhaps looking to add to your “fleet,” this was the place to be.
As usual, we decided to attend before the “mad-rush” weekend. The best time to attend, in our opinion, is either on Thursday or Friday. Online ticketing offers a $2 discount per ticket. This helps to reduce the ticket purchase fee. The gate kiosks also collect the purchase fees. So, buy before you go.
Military personnel and their families could purchase “in-person” tickets on Sunday for a significant discount, without any purchase fees. The Social Diary “Thank” our military for their service!
Newport Boat Show: Security
Let’s address the “elephant in the room.” Anyone “faking” going for lunch at The Mooring, could slip by without the required colour wristband. For instance, on Friday the colour of the wristband was blue. There was no posted security on the docks or at the tents, once “inside” the perimeter. Heck, you could have gone all the way to the helicopter landing area, without notice. The wristband colours changed each day. Moreover, we heard which colours were related to which days from the very talkative staff.
More than just Boats
Whilst the focal point of the Newport Boat Show 2024 were “boats,” the venue offered so much more! It was also a great time to pick up some swag. The Antigua vacation table gave away hot sauces. Even the Rock made an appearance, sort of, with his ZOA energy drinks. We tried three flavours, but White Peach was our fav! Chubb Insurance handed out quality straw hats, perfect for our Truffle hunting expeditions! FlexJet also offered their top-notched cap, with a faux suede material.
Newport Boat Show: Sea and Air
The Social Diary thrives on community events. You can find the published stories on the main landing page. Some events were hits (Duchess of York), and some just missed the mark (Newport Art Museum). Whilst many this year were “one-off,” we revisited the Newport Boat Show because it’s one of our staple annual events. That’s because the show offers consistency and familiarity, two Hallmarks of a well programmed event.
On your first visit, you may rely heavily on the exhibit map. Or, you may ask for “directions.” By the second visit, you are a semi-pro. You know most of the vendors from the previous year. You also know where they are located, without a map.
Visitors can find boats by category. The etiquette to board any boat is to remove shoes. So, if you wish to go onboard, make sure your feet are clean or wear socks without holes. The Social Diary always advocates to put your best front forward, whenever in public.
The Social Diary has yet to decide which boat to purchase. As horse people, we understand that “ownership” is a long-term commitment. Besides the fuelling costs, dock fees and winter care is a financial consideration. Additionally, we have been looking to purchase a helicopter. The FlexJet offered an eight seater (seven passenger). Probably best to have an onboard pilot too.
We love to fly charter, however, a helicopter is more efficient. Besides, you don’t need a landing strip in your back yard or in the field. You may only need a diameter of 25 feet.
