Jetpacks, Vessels and More at the Newport Boat Show

Lido Marina Village was transformed into the lap of luxury this week as the 39^th annual Newport Beach Boat and Yacht Show sailed into town.

The in-water boat and yacht show gives boat connoisseurs a chance to get an up close and personal look at hundreds of sport, luxury and leisure vessels, featured on more than 400,000 square feet of the Newport Beach Harbor. The boat show began Thursday and will be exhibiting through Sunday.

The weekend’s show stealer is sure to be the JetLev Southwest’s water-powered jetpack, the JetLev R200. The water-powered jetpack will have demonstrators hovering over the marina, giving yacht-enthusiasts a run for their money at $99,500 a piece.  Visitors are encouraged to enter the raffle for a chance to win a free flight.

“It’s not difficult once you get the hang of it,” said Jetlev trainer Dean O’Malley.  “We offer training and flights right here in Newport Beach.”

Attendees can enjoy free cocktails while exhibitors offer tours of their finest vessels. Everything from speedboats and family cruisers to sailboats and long-range trawler yachts are open for viewing, but visitors be warned! Most exhibitors require shoe-less tours to keep their vessels in pristine condition.

The Ocean Alexander 90’ Motoryacht is one of the show’s largest, turning heads with over 90 feet of luxury. Ray Prokorym, Ocean Alexander’s VP of Sales, and his sales crew were proud to show off their new line of yachts.

 “Our staff worked really hard to get our yachts ready for the exhibition,” Prokorym said. “Our 90’ Motoryacht has definitely attracted lots of attention.”

Tickets are $15 for adults with free admissions for children 12 and under. The boat show will be held today from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.