CONNECTICUT SPRING BOAT SHOW ANNOUNCES 2026 DATES
Show to again benefit Sails Up 4 Cancer, April 24-26th. It will feature boats, coastal artists, and local businesses.
PRESS CONTACT: Sarah Wadle, First Position Media/press@ctspringboatshow.com, 860-559-9198
Essex, CT (February 2, 2026) - The 10th Connecticut Spring Boat Show will take place April 24-26, 2026, at Safe Harbor Essex Island, located in Essex, CT. This in-water boat show is the first of the season in New England. Visitors will enjoy seeing a wide range of new and pre-owned power and sailboats ranging from 20ft to larger than 65ft from leading boat brands. In addition to boats on the dock, the show will have yacht brokers, gear, artists, accessories, and service companies exhibiting on the lawn. CT bands provide music throughout the weekend.
This year’s boat show seeks to raise $30,000.00 for Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C), a non-profit organization supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research. “Last year, $17,000 was raised at the 2025 show from a wide range of activities as well as the gate.” said Bob Davis, CEO of the charity. “We benefit from 50% of ticket sales proceeds plus we will be on-site with additional fundraising opportunities throughout the weekend. It’s one of our biggest opportunities of the year.”
“The Show keeps evolving in ways that are both exciting and encouraging,” said Ben Cesare of Cat’s Paw LLC, owner and manager of the Show. “With strong exhibitor participation and attendees coming from throughout New England, it’s become a place where the boating community connects, explores what’s new, and kicks off the season together.”
Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina is located on a 13-acre private Island, accessed by a complimentary ferry service, and offers 125 slips accommodating vessels up to 200’. The resort marina is family-friendly and offers food and beverages, and music throughout the weekend. The show takes place, rain or shine.
The show is a production of Cats Paw, LLC. Show sponsors include Essex Boat Works, Maritime Insurance International, Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, The Griswold Inn, Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), Risk Strategies, Cohen’s Bagel Company, Saybrook Ford, Surfridge Brewing Co., Experience Essex, Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina and WindCheck Magazine. Visit www.ctspringboatshow.com for specific event details. Contact Ben Cesare at ben@ctspringboatshow.com for dealer and exhibitor application information.
Advance Three-Day Tickets are available now through April 23rd at $22 per adult. After that, Three-Day Tickets are $26. Tickets are free for children 13 and under. Tickets grant access to the show all weekend long. 50% of the ticket proceeds will benefit Sails Up 4 Cancer. Tickets can be purchased by visiting: www.ctspringboatshow.com where participating exhibitors and boats will be updated regularly.
About the CT Spring Boat Show
The 10th CT Spring Boat Show, April 24-26, 2026 features some of the newest boats on the market including center consoles, fishing boats, luxury cruisers, sport and sail boats. The show is open to the public at Safe Harbor Essex Island, tickets will be required. 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Sails Up 4 Cancer. Free parking is available. Visit www.ctspringboatshow.com for specific event details or Ben Cesare at ben@ctspringboatshow.com for dealer and vendor application information.
About Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C)
Sails Up 4 Cancer (SU4C) is a non-profit organization based in Mystic, Connecticut. SU4C has been dedicated to supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research along the Shoreline and Southeastern regions of Connecticut. To learn more, go to SU4C.org.