By Phoenix Delray

More and more people are adding the extravagant boat shows of 2008 to their social calendars. Nautical maneuvers are in full gear as the boating community eagerly anticipates seeing the newest vessels and marine products. While many of the events focus on introducing new ships and accessories, there also are competitions where yachtsmen are invited to enter and compete against each other, such as the Super yacht Cup Transatlantic Challenge 2008. So whether you are in search of a new boat or an exhilarating experience, the 2008 boat shows will not disappoint.

Tidewater Boat Show

The fourth annual Tidewater Boat Show is set for March 14 thru 16, 2008, at the Hampton Road Convention Center in Hampton, Va. The show is being sponsored by AGI Events. Numerous manufacturers of luxury yachts, sports boats, fishing boats, personal watercraft, inflatables, runabouts, saltwater fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, deck boats, jet boats, PWCs, and bass boats will be on hand. There also are exhibits for various marine accessories, water-sports items and safety equipment. The show offers an all-encompassing guide on boating. Guests will find learn about marinas, financing, insurance, boat maintenance, boating safety, and marinas.

The Superyacht Cup Transatlantic Challenge 2008

Reserve the entire month of April for the Superyacht Cup Transatlantic Challenge 2008. It is the perfect ending to the Caribbean season. Celebrating its third anniversary, the rally begins in Antigua on the Atlantic via the Azores and finishes in the Port Vigo on the northwestern coast of Spain. The race features two levels of competition: a performance-sailing class and a rally class. All entrants are expected to finish in Azores within a 48-hour period.

During the stopover, there is a pre-start cocktail party at Nelsons Dockyard on April 7. Yachtsmen are expected to arrive in Azores at Horta Marina by April 17, take in three nights of events and festivities before starting out again to Port Vigo. The finish is expected by April 25. There is an awards ceremony the following evening. Registration info is available at the Superyacht Cups Web site.

2008 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

The 2008 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show marks the 20th anniversary of the most prestigious boat show in the Asian Pacific. Last years event featured 456 exhibitors and was attended by more than 50,000 visitors. It is the largest on-water display in Australia with more than four kilometers of on-water exhibitors.

Larger power vessels longer than 15 meters (49 feet) to be shown include the Australian release of the Eagle 53 Yacht; Formula Cruisers Icon 54; the Australian debut of the Hampton 680 Pilothouse and the luxurious trawler yacht, the Selene 59. Luxury imports include Sunseeker and four models from Horizon Boats International.

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To find if there’’s an upcoming boat show in your area, check out this website.