No boat shows? No problem. Many of the traditional fall boat shows have been closed, or changed to virtual, on-line versions of their past lives, fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic.
But boat companies are nothing if mobile, and if you can’t go to shows to see their new boats, they’ll bring their new boats to you. Or at least to a controlled space that’s relatively close to you. Here’s a look at what some of them are doing:
Hinckley Yachts is hosting showcases in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Stamford, Connecticut, and Annapolis. These will be semi-private, limited-access events, using Hinckley service yards and nearby marinas to view new Hinckley and Hunt Yachts (a Hinckley is pictured above).
The company says “every effort will be made to ensure a safe and relaxing experience including dedicated showing times and professional cleaning between each and every showing.” The Portsmouth showcase is on Sept. 18 and 19; Stamford on Sept. 25 and 26, and Annapolis on Oct. 1 to 4. Hinckleyyachts.com
Outer Reef is offering private, personalized tours of a new 720 Motoryacht named Tailwinds in the New York and Connecticut area for a short time. The 700/720 Motoryacht series is the most popular in the builder’s fleet. You can book a private viewing in person. Outerreefyachts.com/private-showing-of-720-my-tailwinds
Zeelander is holding private viewings and sea trials of its new Z55 in two locations in the northeast, at the Montauk Lake Club on Aug. 14-16, and the Harborside Inn on Martha’s Vineyard, Sept. 5-7. http://zeelander.com
Grand Banks is cruising its new 54 in New England this summer. It started in Block Island and then headed up the Maine coast before returning to Newport on Aug. 23. It’s essential to make a reservation to ensure safe distancing and time on board. You can check the time and location of sea trials at: Grandbanks.com/event/gb54-new-england-tour
Maritimo will show its new X-Series coupe and M-Series flybridge motoryachts on both the east and west coasts in its Grand Tour event starting in September, with viewing by appointment. On the west coast, the boats will be in Newport Beach and San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington. On the east coast, the Tour will include Newport, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina, and Fort Lauderdale. http://maritimo.com.au/GRANDTOUR.com
Outback will have sea trials on its new 50 also on the east and west coasts. Hull number one will be in Newport, Rhode Island. Call 954-224-3933 for information. Hull number two is in Newport Beach, California. Call 949-673-5401. http://outbackyachts.com
Meanwhile, most of these boats and many, many more, will be at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which is still scheduled for Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. The show’s organizers say it will have enhanced health and safety standards. Stay tuned. http://flibs.com
