Features at a Glance

DIY Seminars & Interactive Learning Center at Fred’s Shed
Located in Space # C 87 (Main Floor  — Miami Beach Convention Center)

Watch, learn and do! If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or boat owner interested in learning new techniques for taking care of your boat or motor, head to Fred’s Shed for practical, professional advice. Free daily sessions cover a variety of topics:

• Watch certified marine technician and expert wrench slinger “Fred” demo tools and techniques on actual boat and motor cutaways.
• Learn how to maintain, repair or upgrade your boat or motor.
• Take part in discussions, ask questions and participate in hands-on-clinics.

Together, “The Boating Guy” and certified marine service technician “Fred, The Outboard Doctor,”
bring more than 50 years of boating and wrench-slinging experience to the Shed.

Complete Seminar Schedule

Discover Boating Resource Center—Discover Boating puts you at the Helm!

Sharpen your existing skills and learn new ones by participating in hands-on learning clinics presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association (RPBA). There’s something for everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned skippers!  Participation is free with paid boat show admission. Choose from 5 skills-building sessions:

Close Quarters Powerboating Handling
Presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association
Hone your docking skills and practice close quarters maneuvering aboard outdoor powered vessels with a professional certified instructor from the RPBA. Learn the fundamentals of boat control in confined spaces including maneuvering close to fixed objects and other boats, backing down in a straight line in a narrow channel, and turning around in tight spaces.  Designed for new boat and/or those who wish to learn docking and boat control basics.

Advanced Docking and Precision Boat Control
Presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association
The ability to confidently maneuver a boat in tight spaces is the hallmark of competent skipper. This hands-on session covers advanced, precision boat control techniques including managing wind and current in close quarters situations, momentum control, strategies for maneuvering in confined spaces and close to docks, piers, piling and other vessels.  Ideal for experienced boaters, as well as those are thinking about moving up in boat size or class. 
 
Helmsmanship & Underway Safety
Presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association
Helmsmanship the ability to steer well—can’t be learned from a book or in a classroom.  In this clinic, you will take the helm to learn the specific skills you need to be competent boat operator including: handling waves and wakes safely, correct application of the navigation rules for meeting, crossing and overtaking, sound signals required by the Rules of the Road, passenger safety considerations and more.  For skippers and crew of all experience levels.

Anchoring and Multi-Vessel Rafting Techniques
Presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association
Anchoring is an important seamanship skill that helps insure the safety of your vessel and increases boating enjoyment. You’ll take part in hands-on anchoring exercises and learn how to determine the correct “scope” of anchor rode to pay out, set the anchor securely weighing anchor, steps to free a fouled anchor and strategies for anchoring in adverse/changing conditions.  Each session will also teach techniques for rafting up with other vessels at anchor for skippers and crew of all experience levels. 

Essential Boating Saftey (Presented Dockside)
Presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association
The primary responsibility of every skipper is to insure the safety of his or her vessel, the passengers and the crew.  In this class you’ll learn strategies to improve safety, including how to conduct a departure, voyage-critical systems check; proper care and use of USCG required safety equipment, recommended optional equipment and how to conduct a passenger safety briefing for skippers and crew of all experience levels.

Advanced Registration is Highly Recommended

Presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association
Training clinics are designed for persons age 18 and older, who are physically able to participate as an active crewmember while underway. Space is very limited, so advance registration is encouraged. Reserve your space in the clinic(s) of your choice today—Register here www.regonline.com/dbmiami2012

You may also register for clinics on a space-available basis at the Discover Boating Resource Center located at Sea Isle Marina at the head of Dock 5.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

CQPH  Close Quarters Powerboat Handling
ADV. Dock Advanced Docking and Precision Boat Control
Helmsman Helmsman & Underway Safety
Anchoring Anchoring and Multi-Vessel Rafting techniques
EBS  Essential Boating Safety (Presented Dockside)

Exclusive Boat Show Presentation
“Powerboating Made Easy” – Confident, Safe
Presented by the Recreational Powerboating Association
Powerboating Made Easy is a comprehensive hands-on class designed to increase safety and enjoyment by improving boater’s knowledge, skills and confidence. Essential skills are best learned through practical experience; in this case you’ll engage in hands-on training exercises covering precision boat control in tight spaces, docking skills, chart familiarization, using Aids to Navigation, applying the rules of the road while underway, anchoring, handling waves and wakes safely and much more, while underway.

Taught by a USCG licensed and RPBA certified professional instructor, Powerboating Made Easy is the first boater education program held entirely onboard and underway-the boat is the floating classroom ideal for new boaters as well as seasoned boaters who have had no formal training.

ADVANCED REGISTRATION FOR POWERBOATING MADE EASY IS REQUIRED. For additional details, including program cost, schedule and registration requirements please see the PME Advanced Registration website – www.regonline.com/pmemiami2012
 

NEW! Dive & Travel Harbor Presented by US Dive Shows

Visit the best dive and travel feature in the continental United States – a true 'show within a show' for all diving and travel enthusiasts. From scuba products and gear to travel, resorts and boating destinations, you'll find it here! The Dive & Travel Harbor is centrally located on the first floor of the Miami Beach Convention Center with easy access to an outdoor demonstration area.

 The Miami International Boat Show in partnership with the volunteers from South Florida Divers Dive Club will host a fund raiser for SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba). This wonderful organization takes our wounded Iraq and Afghanistan Soldiers, who have literally lost an arm or a leg for our country, diving and gives them the opportunity to become open water certified. 

There will be a silent auction with dive packages and trips to be auctioned off.  Silent auction closes Saturday night at a reception in room B118 at the boat show.  Reception features live entertainment, drinks and snacks. Be there to support this great organization.  Contact Justin Schnute at jschnute@srtrl.com or Joe Giandinoto at giandinotoj@aol.com for more information on SUDS or the Silent Auction.

For more information on SUDS, please visit to www.sudsdiving.org.   

FishingKids Book Giveaway

FishingKids encourages children to go outside and play through stories about the wonderful experiences and adventures that await them in the great outdoors.  In the first action-packed book The Monster of White Bear Lake the story’s heroes, Spinner and Bobber, learn about the importance of friendship and teamwork.

The first 250 children to visit the show on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will receive a FREE FishingKids book.  (Coupons redeemable for a free book by mail will be available once book supplies are gone; shipping and handling charges apply.) 

FishingKids supports imaginative play that is wholesome, healthy and educational, through an integrated program of books, toys, games and more that energize children to enjoy the activities that their parents and grandparents grew up with.  To learn more about FishingKids visit www.FishingKids.com

Big Game Room

Celebrating its ninth year, the Big Game Room returns with all of your favorite events!  Have a drink at the Marlin Bar while waiting for the next educational seminar to begin. Take a walk over to the Bait Rigging Station and improve your rigging techniques. And of course you'll see the latest in products for the fishing world and destinations with the best sport fishing in the world. Don't forget to sign up or the Exhibitor Prize Give Away!! The Big Game Room has it all — don't miss it.

NEW! Thunder Boat Row

Feed your need for speed! See the show's fastest and sleekest race boats from Cigarette Racing Team, Nor-Tech, Marine Technology, Velocity, GTMM, Skater and Outerlimits Powerboats.  You'll find these great race boats outside in space 3597, next to the Pavilion Tent

Welcome to the Water Center — Your one-stop resource for boating information and advice!

Get started in boating here! Stop by to chat with the “Boating Guy”. He’s here to help set you on a course to becoming a boater with:

• Straightforward answers to all your boating questions.
• Unbiased advice on choosing a boat that suits your lifestyle and your budget.
• Information you can trust and local resources to help you get started.

On a Budget? Be sure to stop by the Welcome to the Water Center to check out our special showcase of budget-friendly boats you can finance for less than $250 per month.

Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion

South Florida luminary and newest member of the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame, Dr. Guy Harvey, celebrates a storied 25-year career as a world-renowned artist, photographer, diver and scientist whose focus has always been beneath the waves.  

Boating enthusiasts and art aficionados can meet the marine legend by visiting the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion located in room 2700 at Miami Beach Convention Center, where they'll also find the largest collection of Guy Harvey artwork, apparel, and merchandise ever available. The display will boast a full range of Guy Harvey merchandise, including original and reproduced artwork and products from over 20 licensed Guy Harvey suppliers. In addition, Guy Harvey will be available during the show to meet and greet fans looking for his distinct signature on:

Thursday (2/16) from noon–5:00pm
Friday and Saturday (2/17–2/18) from 10:00am–5:00pm
Sunday (2/19) from 10:00am–4:00pm.

A vocal proponent of catch-and-release fishing, Harvey generously donates artwork, time and funds for numerous institutions and conservation groups, including the Guy Harvey Research Institute established at Nova Southeastern University in 1999. In 2008, Harvey created the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, which supports marine conservation, research and education efforts. 

For additional information about Guy Harvey, visit www.GuyHarveyinc.com. For complete information on the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, visit www.GuyHarveyOceanFoundation.org.  

10th Annual Leading with Vision and Values Luncheon Scheduled for February 17th – RSVP Today

The 10th Annual Leading With Vision and Values luncheon will be held during the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show on Friday, February 17th from 12:00pm to 1:15pm. This event brings together members of the boating industry for a time of fellowship and an opportunity to hear inspirational speakers that exemplify leadership with visionary goals and values.

This year's guest speaker is Coach Bobby Bowden. Coach Bowden will share his unique brand of leadership and insight as he reflects on life, faith and football, having guided the young men of Florida State University to more than three hundred victories, two national championships and twelve Atlantic Coast Conference titles.

Corporate tables of eight are available at $250.00 and individual tickets for $35.00. To purchase tickets and ensure your reservation for this event, email Mary Geltzer, mgeltzer@regalboats.com by February 8th.

Shark Men—Meet Chris Fischer & Capt. Brett McBride from National Geographic Channel's Hit Series 

We look forward to bringing back Chris Fischer, Expedition Leader and Capt. Brett McBride of the National Geographic Channel's hit series SHARK MEN. Meet Chris and Brett and hear first hand how they catch, tag and release Great White Sharks!

Chris and Brett will be on Convention Center Drive on Saturday at 6pm for a personal meet and greet along with photos and autographs.

Meet the Miami Marlins Baseball Team and the Mermaids Dancers on Marlins Day, Sunday, February 19

Sunday, February 19 is MARLINS DAY!  Meet Miami Marlins players on Convention Center Drive along with Billy the Marlin on hand to sign autographs and take pictures. We'll have tickets to opening week games in the brand new Miami Marlins Ball Park. Stop by the Marlins Van and take your chance on the prize wheel — all day Sunday, February 19th.