By Nadine M. Kjellberg
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The Annapolis City Harbor
Photo
courtesy of United States Boat Shows
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The powerboats that will be on display at the 31st Annual U.S. Powerboat
Show in Annapolis will prove that speed comes in all shapes and sizes.
From luxurious motoryachts and trawlers to high-performance boats and
offshore fishing machines, hundreds of styles of powerboats will greet
the thousands expected to attend the nation's oldest and largest in-water
powerboat show.
About 415 powerboats will be showcased October 17 to October 20 at the
Annapolis City Dock and Harbor, just three days following the U.S. Sailboat
Show. More than 200 powerboats will be exhibited on land together with
marine equipment, high-tech electronics, accessories and gear.
The in-water display will feature more than 35 new powerboat models.
The sleek Mediterranean-style 6300 Motor Yacht will likely draw attention
as will the 57-foot Marquessa from Jefferson Yachts, loaded with cruising
amenities. Other must-see models will be the Talaria 40 from The Hinkley
Company; and the Saberline 36 Sedan from Sabre Yachts.
The powerboat likely to attract the largest crowd, however, is the Dolvik
Runabout 33, a breathtaking mahogany racer built in Strusshamn, Norway.
"It is like having a Steinway on the ocean," said Dolvik spokeswoman
Lesley Sand. "People just stop to pet them."
The Runabout 33 also is fast, up to 70 knots. Its five-ton weight and
V-shaped hull affords it ocean-going stability, allowing it to cut through
what would be troubling waves for a shallower boat. "It is designed
to withstand the pounding of the North Sea, making it more seaworthy
than most vessels of its class," said Ole C. Sand, head of U.S.
operations.
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The Dolvik Runabout 33
Photo
courtesy of Dolvik
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The Runabout 33, voted Boat of the Year at the Risør Annual
Wooden Boat Festival in Norway, is handcrafted and made to order. Four
to five layers of wood are used to construct its hulls; a final layer
of Mahogany from Honduras covers Norwegian Pine and African Birch. With
the exception of the teak deck, mahogany covers the interior, which
is accented by carefully designed chrome and brass fittings. The seats
and cushions are custom-made in luxurious leather. An added bonus: Unlike
traditional wooden boats, the Runabout 33 requires no more than a simple
wash and occasional waxing.
Shows Within a Show
Multihulls and Trawlers will be grouped separately this year based on
their popularity. "Having all the trawlers and the multihulls grouped
together in separate sections is a terrific way for the customer to
get an in-depth appreciation of each," said Show Manager Dee Newman.
The TrawlerPort show, hosted by PassageMaker Magazine, will combine
a special section of trawlers with a two-day seminar program, special
events and receptions. New debuts will include Kadey-Krogen Yachts'
Krogen 58, Northeast Yacht Sales' 45-foot Seahorse, and Willard Marine's
Pilot House 30 and Pilot House 40.
The Multihull section will feature boats from 16 feet to 64 feet. Lagoon
America will premiere its Lagoon Power 43, an updated model based on
the legendary Lagoon 55/57, and Endeavour Catamaran Corp. will present
its EndeavourCat 44. Power Multihulls magazine is sponsoring the event.
Show attendees can sign up to win one of several door prizes, including
two round-trip tickets to the Caribbean courtesy of U.S. Airways and
a free powerboat course at the Annapolis Powerboat School.
For more information on the U.S. Powerboat Show, call 410-267-6711 or
visit www.usboat.com.
General admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.
A VIP preview day will be open to the public at $25 per ticket.
Revised by Sarah Meechum
