The 34th Norwalk Boat Show & Waterfront Festival returns to Connecticut this September, bringing new attractions, fresh boats and familiar faces from television to the docks. Set for Sept. 24–27 at Norwalk Cove Marina in Norwalk, Conn., the event is positioned as a full weekend for both seasoned boaters and people curious about starting a life on the water.
More than 750 vessels will be on display, ranging from motor and sailing yachts to sportfishermen, center consoles, runabouts, performance boats and a wide variety of sailboats. The show provides visitors with the chance to walk docks, compare layouts and features, and speak directly with manufacturers, dealers and marine service providers.
One of the show’s special highlights this year is a meet-and-greet with John and Andy Hillstrand, co-captains of the Time Bandit from Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch.” The brothers are scheduled to appear at the show to meet fans and share a few stories from their time at sea, according to Sarah Ryser of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a show representative.
Organizers are adding several new elements intended to make the boating lifestyle more approachable. The Affordability Pavilion is designed specifically to showcase boats with financing options that can work within tighter budgets—highlighting models that can be financed for less than $250 a month. This pavilion aims to help newcomers and budget-conscious buyers understand realistic ownership pathways, from initial purchase considerations to ongoing costs.
In response to growing interest in sustainable marine practices, the show will also debut a Green Boating Zone. That area will spotlight current environmentally friendly offerings, including hybrid and alternative-propulsion boats as well as eco-conscious products for boat cleaning, maintenance and onboard care. The Green Boating Zone is intended to give visitors practical ideas they can adopt on their own vessels and to demonstrate how manufacturers and suppliers are responding to environmental concerns.
Family-friendly programming is part of the festival atmosphere. Kids can enjoy activities at the mini-lake, where complimentary paddleboat rides are available as one of the free entertainment options. In addition to on-site activities, the show will offer complimentary boating and sailing rides on Long Island Sound, giving attendees a chance to experience time on the water first-hand.
The event aims to balance the realities of today’s economy with optimism about boating’s appeal. “We’re realistic to the fact that the economy is in a downturn, but we’re optimistic with the way things have been going lately,” Ryser said, noting that the show seeks to attract both longtime boating enthusiasts and people exploring the sport for the first time.
Admission is priced to encourage attendance: $15 for adults, $8 for youths ages 13 to 15, and free for children 12 and under. Advanced tickets are available online at a discount through Sept. 23, offering $2 off the gate price for those who purchase in advance.
The Norwalk Boat Show & Waterfront Festival continues to be an important regional showcase for new models, equipment and marine lifestyle services. With its combination of large displays, hands-on experiences and added attractions like the Affordability Pavilion and Green Boating Zone, the festival aims to make boat ownership and recreational boating more visible and accessible to a broader audience.
For additional event details and schedules, visit www.boatshownorwalk.com.
This article originally appeared in the Connecticut & New York Home Waters Section of the September 2009 issue.