Atlanta Boat Show Scheduled For January

ATLANTA, GA — The Southeast's largest boat will set sail in Atlanta on Jan. 18-21.

The Atlanta Boat Show, now in its 56th year, will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center. More than 500 boats, hundreds of marine accessories and boating-related activities will be on display at the event, which draws nearly 25,000 people annually.

Tickets are on sale now at AtlantaBoatShow.com.

Activities will range from an immersive virtual reality boating experience and fun hands-on activities in the Kids’ Zone to DIY, sailing and fishing seminars.

The show has also teamed up with SPLASH, Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal’s water-safety initiative, to promote safety and fun on the water. Show-goers will also have a chance to win one of 100 free half-day pontoon rentals worth $200, courtesy of Park Marine.

From paddleboards and pontoons to luxury yachts, the newest model boats on display will include.

• The PRESTIGE 460 S is a luxury yacht adaptable to suit the needs of those on board with features such as a large opening sunroof, immense sliding glass door and L-shaped cockpit, which transforms into a very large sundeck.
• Grady-White’s Freedom 235: Finalist for "Boating 2017: Boat of the Year," the 23-foot dual console has all the "big boat" features including luxurious seating and an oversized enclosed head.
• Sea Ray 400 SLX: Winning the 2017 NMMA Innovation Award, the sleek digital helm and innovative, convertible swim terrace maximize the entertainment experience and turns the cockpit into an on the water patio.

A virtual-reality experience will be available using the Oculus Rift headpiece. In the Chaparral DRIVR Virtual Reality Experience, attendees will be able to immerse themselves in the boating life by getting behind the wheel in the captain’s seat. The headpiece is connected to a large screen, so that other guests can see what users are doing – picking out boat colors, inspecting, walking into the bow lounge and taking the boat out on open water.

Other activities will include:

• Set Sail: Climb aboard the sailing simulator and feel the excitement of sailing without leaving the Show floor. The hands-on sailing experience gives guests the full feel of setting sail with tacking, jibing and more. Also offered, sailing seminars by Windsong Academy.
• Boat Smarts: The Atlanta Boat Show is proud to partner with Lanier Technical College to support its new Hall County Campus (opening January 2019) and state-of-the-art Marine Technology program. Thursday, Jan. 18, will be Lanier Tech Career Day at the Atlanta Boat Show.
• Hook, Line & Sinker: Discover and perfect techniques as professional fishermen show how to cast, catch and much more with the latest rods, reels and flies through live demonstrations at a 40-foot water tank filled with real fish.
• ‘Captain Kids’: Thursday, Jan. 18 is Family Day at the Show. And let the smallest sailors play in the Kids’ Zone, all weekend long. Plus, stay tuned for special guest appearances over the weekend.
• Get Schooled: Learn how you can do your own upkeep and make repairs by stopping by Fred’s Shed, an interactive garage that provides hands-on experience fixing motors and more.
• Safety First: Ensure you’re up to date on safe boating practices for all vessels from boats to personal watercraft at the USCGA safety seminars.

For more information, visit the Atlanta Boat Show website. You can save $2 when purchasing tickets online before Jan. 17. Those interested may also follow @AtlantaBoatShow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

WHAT: 2018 Atlanta Boat Show
WHEN: Jan. 18-21, 2018
HOURS: Thursday-Friday, Jan. 18-19, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C 280 Northside Drive, NW Atlanta, GA 30314
TICKETS: Adults 13 and older: $14; Youth 12 and under: FREE (when accompanied by a paid adult). $2 off tickets purchased online before Jan. 17. All active, veterans, retired military, and law enforcement personnel and firefighters receive free admission with valid ID.

Photo courtesy Atlanta Boat Show