Newport Boat Show Expands Educational Program for 2025
From September 11–14, downtown Newport, Rhode Island, will once again come alive with sails, smiles, and sea stories as the Newport International Boat Show celebrates its 54th edition. And this year, showgoers won’t just be there to browse boats—they’ll have a chance to deepen their boating knowledge through a robust offering of hands-on courses, expert workshops, and interactive seminars tailored to both seasoned sailors and new boaters alike.
One of the key highlights is the Cruiser’s Classroom, returning this year thanks to the Annapolis School of Seamanship. These popular sessions provide a front-row seat to practical boating skills, with topics ranging from docking and navigation to offshore cruising prep and diesel maintenance. Seats are limited and sessions run daily throughout the show.
“We’re thrilled to bring our hands-on, real-world training to Newport,” says John Martino, CEO of Annapolis School of Seamanship. “This partnership allows us to empower boaters at every level with the skills and confidence they need to enjoy the water safely and fully.”
Joining the program lineup for 2025 is a series of new ‘Tech Talks’ presented by IYRS, designed to offer deeper technical insights for DIY-minded sailors and those managing complex systems aboard their cruising boats. These workshops will be taught by some of the industry’s top educators and technicians.
Ed Sherman, ABYC expert and Cruising World Boat of the Year judge, will lead two classes on lithium battery integration and electronically controlled diesel engines—topics in high demand among cruisers making energy system upgrades or preparing for extended voyages.
Meanwhile, composites expert Bob Lacovara, a Hall-of-Fame inductee, will teach a three-hour workshop on gelcoat technology and repair—a must for any cruiser tired of chasing spider cracks. Registration for these workshops is $125 per course and includes one general admission ticket to the show.
For a more immersive experience, BoatClass powered by Freedom Boat Club will offer 90-minute on-water training sessions taught by certified captains. Departing three times daily from the Newport Harbor Hotel docks, these practical classes walk participants through boat handling basics, safety maneuvers, and real-world seamanship. At $99 per person, these are a great value for new boaters or seasoned sailors brushing up on their skills. While walk-ups may be allowed, advance online registration is strongly encouraged due to limited availability.
“As we continue to welcome more boaters to the water, we need to ensure that they have the education and guidance to make them comfortable, confident and safe,” says Jocelyn Emory, director of strategy for the Newport International Boat Show. “There’s truly something for everyone in these course offerings that bring safety and enjoyment on the water.”
Whether you’re considering your first boat, outfitting your dream cruiser, or simply looking to level up your boat handling, the Newport International Boat Show’s educational offerings promise to make your visit even more rewarding.For more information and to register for training sessions in advance, visit newportboatshow.com.
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