ST. PETE BOAT SHOW SETS RECORD FOR ATTENDANCE AND SALES

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – January 27, 2022 - The 44th Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, presented by Progressive Insurance, attracted thousands of boating enthusiasts to St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront this month. 

Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows, Informa Markets had predicted that combining the two leading Gulf Coast boat shows –Tampa and St. Petersburg—would deliver the most comprehensive display of boats and marine products in the region. 

“This year, we saw a 30 percent growth over last year,” said Doole. “The reconfiguration of the show enabled us to host more boats in the water and on land. The feedback from exhibitors who experienced significant sales has been phenomenal.”

According to Mary Strauss, marketing director for Galati Yacht Sales, their team saw a great turnout at the St. Pete Boat Show. “With a hot brokerage market, manufacturing productivity picking back up, and the wise decision to merge the two shows, all of this provided boat buyers a unique opportunity,” said Strauss. “Even with minor weather challenges, the team saw promising crowds looking to purchase. Our team sold several pre-owned models and one new model, with other prospects still in consideration. Great work by Informa for a well-planned affair.”

Chris Spindler, VP of sales and marketing for Quality Boats, confirmed sales success. “It was a stronger show with great turn out this year. We were pleased this year and last year to have the show in January. People were pent up. Despite the cold on Saturday and Sunday, the docks were packed. It was good to see.” 

Black Label Marine’s on-site team agreed this year was exciting and “certainly one for the records,” according to Sales Manager Donny Testa. “The venue was ideal for exhibitors and spectators. Our displays both in-water and on land allowed us to easily provide our clients with a complete assessment of the boats they were considering. Whether a Sea Fox, Caymas, or Crownline, we had them ready for the decisive sea trial.”

Doole added that exhibitors took the opportunity to showcase new products. The 2022 St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show served as a debut for several new Sunseeker, Jupiter, Grady-White, and Regal boats, as well as the Prestige X70—one of the largest boats on display this year--Invincible 46’ Catamaran and World Cat 400DC-X. 

Popular speakers returned to the boat show this year, which drove registration for seminars offered by Blaine Parks, Tony Wall, and Bill Cullen. Among the most well-attended were ten on-water training and certification sessions by the Annapolis School of Seamanship program, sponsored by Progressive Insurance. John Martino, CEO of Chesapeake Bay Media and Founder of the Annapolis School of Seamanship said, 

“It was a great opportunity to serve the market in Florida. We saw a lot of people who wanted to get out on the water, become familiar with boating, build confidence, and get advice about where to learn more.” Martino said he heard a lot of positive feedback and hopes to offer the same program at future boat shows.  

Next up is the Palm Beach International Boat Show, one of the top five boat shows in the country, happening March 24 - 27, 2022. 

CAPTION: Attendance at this year’s St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show broke records, bringing thousands of people to St. Pete’s downtown waterfront. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Informa Markets/US Boat Shows