Invitation-Only Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show
The “Invitation-Only” Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show
June 17-20, 2021 – Bridgeport, CT.
The Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show will feature over 60 new motoryachts, express cruisers, flybridge cruisers, and sailboats built by major brands from all over the world. The crewed boat charter part of the show will display boats that are available for charter. In addition, there will be a display of rare and exotic automobiles (most for sale), helicopters, and other luxury items. There will also be brokerage boats on display. This mix of new and used boats, charter boats, automobiles, and general aviation equipment makes the show a three-ring-circus of luxury items.
A Proven Concept: “Invitation-Only”
In the spring of 2019 and 2020, the first “Invitation-Only” boat shows were held and proved to be a resounding success. Over the four-day show, show management is predicting just 3,000 invitation-only VIP guests.
The Age of COVID-19. Limiting attendees to serious boat owners, boat buyers, and people who could afford the boats on display was considered revolutionary last year. But now, in light of COVID-19, it is the sign of the times. There were no crowds, no waiting in lines, and no boats stuffed with kids and parents in Coney Island tee shirts.
At the June show in Bridgeport, the atmosphere was genteel, the exhibitors were relaxed, and the show visitors were generally well-dressed, pleasant and wealthy.
Building on that success, the show was moved this year to a much larger and better facility – the newly-built 200-slip Bridgeport Harbor Marina on the Steelpointe peninsula in the inner harbor. Here, there is room for many boats and exhibitors in a first-class setting, with 16’ wide concrete docks, bands playing throughout the show, and open bars in four locations, compliments of the sponsors.
The emphasis at the show will be on motoryachts and sailboats, and boats for charter. On land, the show will feature rare automobiles, helicopters, luxury goods, and boating services and products. This prestigious invitation-only event reflects the refined and deluxe caliber of luxury lifestyle brands, drawing savvy and status-conscious consumers with the discretionary income that are attractive for your products.
All Show-Goers are Registered
All visitors will be registered and wear a QR code so that clerical personnel are not needed on the boat to capture this information, and time is not wasted. Vital follow-up work can be done after the show to close buyers who are “thinking about it.”
Charter Boat Show for Consumers
Historically, most charter boat shows are held exclusively for charter brokers a couple times a year in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Typically, these crewed boats charter for about $12,000 a week to sky’s-the-limit, depending on size, location and amenities. For the first time, charter boats will be open to the invitation-only public to inspect, so consumers can see for themselves what boats are like – as well as to meet the crew.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
Elaborate plans are being made to keep everyone safe and maintain social distancing. The show is instituting these important steps to maximize safety for all –
Step #1 – The show is by “Invitation-Only,” which limits the attendees to BoatTEST Members, yacht owners, high net-worth individuals, and other well-connected guests, all of whom are educated and are more likely than the general public to have practiced social distancing the last couple of months.
Step #2 – The show is all outdoors, which is far safer than being inside a building or tent, which constricts airflow.
Step #3 – By spreading the event over time, three days, the relatively small number of show-goers, estimated to be about 3,000 people, are spread over many hours of show visiting.
Step #4 – Groups of more than 8 people in any one space will be prohibited.
Step #5 – Upon entering, guests will pass through an AI-based, non-contact thermal screening that will detect any elevated temperature. Complimentary masks and gloves will be handed out to all show goers.
Step #6 – Boats will be spaced out and not crammed together to avoid crowding.
Step #7 – Only one family, or buying group, will be permitted on a boat at a time.
There is only one entrance to the show, and that is through the marina’s newly constructed building. In the huge, atrium lobby, each invited guest will be greeted as the VIP in which they are – then screened, registered, and given a bag with a complimentary mask and pair of gloves. Each guest will be given a map showing the location of each boat – no ads to buy.
Other social-distancing procedures will be followed at all other show facilities. For example, instead of a large tent with many small stalls inside for exhibitors, there will be cabana-style tents on the quay that measure 10’ x 10’, or so. The newly built restrooms will be constantly sanitized, and the on-site restaurant will have widely spaced tables.
Dining and Drinking. At the head of the dock is the Boca Oyster Bar with inside and patio seating. It is a gourmet seafood restaurant with offerings extended far beyond raw oysters. The restaurant is set up with tables and seating placed for social distancing.
Four bars will be placed strategically around the show to dispense complimentary drinks and provide plenty of service to eliminate lines.
Newly built marina bathroom facilities will be available to the show-goers nearby, and they will be sanitized constantly by dedicated attendants throughout the show.
BoatTEST – A Show Sponsor
BoatTEST is a sponsor of the show. In addition to promoting it and inviting all of it Members, it will also have a large booth with a screen showing all recent boats it has tested. Visitors need to only type in the boat they are interested in to see our video of it. The world-famous Capt. Steve will be on hand to personally lead show-goers to see the yachts.
Free Parking & Valet Service
The marina is located in a newly developed 55-acre marine-oriented complex, which includes plenty of handy parking within an easy walk of the show’s entrance. Valet Parking at the marina’s front door will be available for free.
Transportation – Including by Helicopters
The show is located literally a 60-second drive from I-95. The Bridgeport railroad station is a 5-minute walk from the show entrance, and the Port Jefferson-Bridgeport Car Ferry is adjacent to the Bridgeport Harbor Marina, making it convenient for show-goers from Long Island. Just a few miles away is Sikorsky Memorial Airport for private planes to land.
Helicopter services will be available from Manhattan and all major regional airports, as well as limo service. Show personnel will be happy to coordinate transportation.
Saturday Night Live Auction for Charity
The Christophs are no strangers to philanthropic works and the organizers of the Steelpointe show has embraced some of the local ones and is inviting show visitors to participate in both a silent auction during the three days of the show, and a live auction Saturday night to help them.
The charities include the Optimus Health Care, the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, and several others. These charities all help Bridgeport residents in need of medical services and food, during these difficult days when unemployment is high. Whether visitors to the show buy a boat or not, they can all feel good about helping Bridgeport residents in a time of hardship.
Sign Up Here
BoatTEST Members who wish to receive a VIP invitation for the show, please write to [email protected].
The following information is required in order to receive your ticket(s):
- First and Last Name
- Your email address
- Day(s) You Are Attending
- Full Name and Email of Your Guests’
- That You Have Been Invited by BoatTEST
