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B O A T S A T T H E S H O W
STORY 1
32-foot Personal Submarine
Painted like a large Orca whale, and built with the Swedish Navy and anti-submarine training in mind, US Submarine's 32-foot "Nomad" personal submarine will take its crew of two to a diving depth of some 300 feet.
The Nomad comes equipped with standard submersible technology including sonar, standard VHF and an undersea telephone. "You can even order a pizza down there," says Ellis Adams of U.S. submarine, who estimates that there fewer than 50 personal submersibles in the world. "Where helicopters were popular in the 1990s, submersibles are the new toys onboard mega-yachts."
Powered by a diesel-electric power plant similar to those on board historic WWII submersibles, the Nomad has a range of 200 nautical miles with a top surface-speed of eight knots. The Nomad can remain submerged for up to eight hours, maintaining around 4 knots. “Long enough to enjoy your pizza,” says Adams.
Nomad is offered for $640,000 with trailer, and the new owner can learn to pilot the submersible in an afternoon.
Read more here »
Visual: Orca whale-like submarine with backdrop of other more conventional yachts. Television footage while underway – both on surface and below the surface.
Dates: Daily (during show hours). Wednesday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 17
Location: Slip 20 on the southern-most end of the East Promenade Tent
Sources: Ellis Adams, U.S. Submarine
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STORY 2
130-foot mega yacht manufactured in Westport, Wash.
The Westport 130 Infinity, manufactured in Westport, Washington, features naval architecture by William Garden with styling by Gregory Marshall. This tri-deck motor yacht offers exceptional luxury, convenience and privacy in a vessel of elegant line and spirited performance. The upper deck features an enclosed sky lounge with bar, an outdoor spa tub and curved sun lounge. High quality materials, components and technology ensure exceptional reliability and uninterrupted enjoyment. Its stabilized hull delivers low- to mid- 20 knot cruise speeds and a 3,450 nm range at 12 knots for unparalleled versatility. Read more »
Designed for low maintenance, premium materials are selected for easy care and long service life, resulting in fewer haul outs and less down time. One-piece deck molds are built using a sophisticated process that integrates deck, coamings, seat bases, hot tub and other elements to a single unit. Precision molds and decks are constructed so hull and superstructure parts fit exactly for absolute structural integrity and flawless finish. Westport installs proven systems with known performance and trouble-free operation. She is offered at $14.895 million
Visual: Extravagance and elegance of one of the largest yachts manufactured on the west-coast. Interior amenities similar to most luxury homes.
Dates: Daily (during show hours). Wednesday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 17
Location: End of the eastern most dock at the Boats Afloat Show.
Sources: Philip Purcell, VP Westport
B U S I N E S S
STORY 1
Seaing is believing at 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show
The 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show – one of the largest on-water shows on the west coast – presented by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association and the Northwest Marine Trade Association sets sail from Sept. 13 - 17 at Chandler's Cove on South Lake Union in Seattle. Read more »
Visual: Arial view of 75,000 feet of dock space and over 300 sail and power boats of all sizes moored at South Lake Union
Sources: Jonathan Ives, Executive Director, Northwest Yacht Brokers Association. Michael Campbell, President, Northwest Marine Trade Association
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STORY 2
Washingtonians are Buying More Boats Than Ever
Recreational boating in the United States is a major consumer goods industry with $14.7 billion in annual sales and services of new boats and motors according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Despite the rising cost of marine fuel, boat sales activity in the State of Washington for 2005 grew by $56.4 million – an 8 percent increase from the previous year with $777.5 million in sales of new and previously owned power and sail boats according to the Northwest Marine Trade Association. Read more »
Visuals: On-the-dock interview of consumers / industry experts at show commenting on boat ownership
Sources: Jonathan Ives, Executive Director, Northwest Yacht Brokers Association. Michael Campbell, President, Northwest Marine Trade Association. Pat Jutte, President, Adventure Yachts
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STORY 3
High fuel prices — no problem, boat owners shopping for value and convenience
Despite higher prices and a drop-off in volume sales, local fuel dock owners believe that boaters are as enthusiastic as ever and are now looking for value with their marine fuel purchase.
"Culturally we are way more sensitive to fuel prices than other retail items," says Elliott, a 14-year veteran of the marine fuel business and owner of Seattle's Elliott Bay and Shilshole Bay fuel docks.
Elliott estimates that fuel sales volume at his two docks have dropped only 5 percent from 2005 to 2006, compared with a 12 percent drop the previous year. A sign that customers who originally sought better prices are looking for convenience and value along with their fuel stop. Value that on-water fuel docks provide.
Visuals: On-the-dock interview of consumers / industry experts at show commenting on how fuel cost effect boat buying decisions
Sources: Mike Elliott, Owner, Elliott Bay and Shilshole Bay Fuel Docks. Jonathan Ives, Executive Director, Northwest Yacht Brokers Association. Michael Campbell, President, Northwest Marine Trade Association
M E D I A
STORY 1
Boats Afloat Show breaks event promotion trend, focuses on brand association among core demographic
Seaing is Believing! multi-media ad campaign for the 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show launches Aug. 24 in the Seattle market. Developed by RemerInc in Seattle, the innovative brand campaign marks a major shift by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association in their approach to selling boats from event marketing to branded marketing. “At any one given moment a few people are going to buy a boat or yacht – but many thousands will consider it,” said Dave Remer, president of RemerInc who developed the campaign to connect the public with the sentiments and ideals of boating. “Our creative suggests a childhood innocence – that we have imagined boating since we boarded a boat for the first time or set-foot on a dock,” said Remer. “These ideals last well beyond the day the boat leaves the broker’s dock or is put on the trailer for the first time.”
The show's multi-media buy targeting males 35 to 64 includes television for the first time. To further communicate its brand, the show had a presence among philanthropic events such as the Auction of Washington Wines, one of the largest charity wine auctions in America.
Visual: Television, Print and Radio ads for 2006 Seaing is Believing campaign.
Sources: Dave Remer, President, RemerInc. Carol Ann O'Keefe, President, The Media Place
Jonathan Ives, Executive Director, Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
R E S E A R C H / T E C H N O L O G Y
STORY 1
Hydrofoils, Solar Power -- The Wave of Boating Future
Researcher develops technologies that could lead to new class of boater. Konstantin Matveev, faculty member at Washington State University and expert in marine vehicle technology, will showcase his research and what may be the future of pleasure boating and transoceanic transportation at the “Boats Afloat Show” Sept. 13-17 in Seattle. The benefits of his research include reduced fuel consumption, increased speed and a smoother ride in rough waters. One promising technology arising from his research is the implementation of aerodynamic support of high-speed marine craft by using wings, giving the craft the effect of flying while on the water. He helped create a hydrofoil-submarine vehicle for the movie "xXx" (read as “Triple X”), which starred Vin Diesel. Such technology could lead to a new class of marine pleasure vehicles that operate at speeds of around 100 miles per hour and possess amphibious capabilities. Matveev’s research also advances the development of more economical means of transoceanic transportation. In his recent work, done in collaboration with European companies, 18 percent drag reduction was demonstrated in tests with air-lubricated supertanker models.
Matveev, along with students from the WSU School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, will give demonstration runs of the school’s boat from the 2005 Solar Splash competition, an annual international event. He will also present examples of hydrofoil and solar panel material developed in his research.
He is establishing a research group at WSU that will develop and test high-performance marine vehicles for commercial, personal and military use.
Contact: Dr. Konstantin Matveev, Washington State University School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
STORY 1
Only all-electric water taxi in U.S. helps ease Lake Union congestion during Lake Union Boats Afloat Show
To help ease congestion around Lake Union during the 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show, the Lake Union Water Taxi will provide an innovative transportation service both on-call and from various locations around Lake Union. The service is the only all-electric water taxi in the United States and is designed as an environmentally friendly solution, using Seattle's unique water resources to help ease congestion around Lake Union.
Electric Boat's 21-foot all-electric, coast guard certified cruisers travels about 6 mph, just under the Lake Union Speed limit. Carrying up to 10 passengers, travel time from Fremont to South Lake Union is approximately 17 minutes.
"Our goal is that no one has to wait longer than 15 minutes for the water taxi," said Jennifer Towne of Electric Boat which operates the Lake Union Water Taxi. "You can get a water taxi in Seattle easier than you can get a cab."
Dates: Daily (during show hours). Wednesday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 17
Visuals: Boat Show attendees riding the Lake Union Water Taxi
Sources: Jennifer Towne, Seattle Water Taxi / Electric Boat Company
Jonathan Ives, Executive Director, Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
C H I L D R E N ' S W A T E R S A F E T Y
STORY 1
Children's Water Safety program helps kids learn to be safe around the water
Water safety awareness in and around boats is more important that ever. Whether it's May or September it's always important to be safe on the water. Research indicates that many kids aged 8 to 12 admit they never wear a life jacket (Personal Floatation Device or PFD) when riding on a personal watercraft (50 percent), participating in water sports (37 percent), or on a boat (16 percent).
To help encourage kids to wear PFDs and teach water safety skills that can save lives on the water, the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association is partnering with Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, the United States Coast Guard, Seattle Harbor Patrol and other local marine groups to teach basic water safety skills to kids and their parents at the 2006 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show. Read more »
Dates: Daily (during show hours). Wednesday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 17
Visuals:
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Kids being fitted by uniformed United States Coast Guard, Seattle Harbor Patrol and other marine safety groups with life preservers (PFDs).
• Kids and their parents trying-out their newly learned water safety skills during free sailboat rides
Sources: Jonathan Ives, Executive Director, Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
Location: Children's Water Safety Booth immediately SW of Chandler's Crab House
S P O R T S / C O M M U N I T Y
STORY 1
Washington state Olympians, media take on Seattle’s best sailors
Join local media members, Washington State Olympians and member's of Seattle "elite" sailing community to bring awareness to water safety and support youth sailing programs.
All to benefit Sail Sand Point and help bring to children's safety on the water, sailors will buoy-race "America's Cup" style Racing on 14-foot Hunter 140's on the waters of Lake Union.
Reigning champ Jeff Renner of KING 5 Weather returns to defend his title.
Dates: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13
Visuals: Local media members, sports figures and kids sailboat racing on Lake Union.
Location: Discover Sailing area on the far west side of the show / HC Henry Pier (due North of Daniel's Broiler)
F U N S T U F F A T T H E S H O W
STORY 1
Boat Show Dog Trials — Positively Friendly!
Dogs and handlers run a timed agility course on land that includes jumping through a life ring, sitting in a row boat, running around oars, climbing boat steps and other nautical obstacles.
Daily "Top Dogs" advance to Sunday's Top Dog Finals. "The most important rule of the Boat Show Dog Trials is to have fun," said Michael Campbell, President of the Northwest Marine Trade Association, who brought the concept to Seattle after seeing a similar event in action at Rockland, Maine's Boats, Homes & Harbors Show. All participants receive a $25 West Marine gift certificate and four free tickets to the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show. Daily winners will receive a free subscription to City Dog Magazine. Sunday's Top Dog winner will receive gift from Mud Bay pet stores. Read more »
Dates: Every day at the show from 2 to 3 PM
Wednesday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 17
Visuals: Crazy agility-style dog tricks at the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show. Think fun, think whimsical, think Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks for the nautically challenged.
Location: Grassy playground area between Chandler's Cove and Daniel's Broiler |
