Latest news with #MiamiInternationalBoatShow
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MasterCraft Announces 2025 Rule the Water Demo Tour, Featuring the All-New XStar Lineup
Marking its Third Year the 57-Stop Nationwide Tour will also Showcase MasterCraft's Full 2025 Lineup VONORE, Tenn., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MasterCraft Boat Company, a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: MCFT) and the best-selling towboat brand, is hitting the road once again with its highly anticipated Rule the Water Demo Tour. This year's tour will highlight the groundbreaking all-new XStar lineup, which was launched earlier this year, and offer customers the exclusive opportunity to experience the pinnacle of on-water performance firsthand. Recently, the XStar was honored with the prestigious NMMA Innovation Award in the Towboat category at the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS), one of the nation's most renowned marine events. This recognition reinforces MasterCraft's position as a leader in innovation. The 2025 XStar lineup marks a bold evolution of MasterCraft's iconic flagship model, delivering unmatched attitude, luxury, and innovation in a 23-and all-new 25-foot offering. With cutting-edge features, including the all-new MasterCraft Aft Audio Experience (MAAX) - a revolutionary transom audio system equipped with six subwoofers, 10 interior cockpit speakers, four tower speakers, and six transom speakers, the XStar delivers an immersive sound experience like never before. The exclusive Z100 tower, which features power folding with dual switch stations for effortless adjustment from the helm or swim platform. The XStar lineup exudes sophistication, seamlessly merging comfort, functionality, and contemporary design, making it a true standout. In partnership with Chevrolet Silverado, the Rule the Water Demo Tour will embark on a 57-stop journey across key markets, bringing the latest MasterCraft models directly to boating enthusiasts and families. As the brand with the largest lineup of boats in the industry, MasterCraft offers something for everyone, from the revolutionary new XStar models to the NXT, XT, and X-family lineups. Attendees will have the chance to test-drive the XStar lineup and explore MasterCraft's full range of industry-leading boats, ensuring there is a perfect fit for every lifestyle. Each stop on the tour will be hosted in collaboration with local MasterCraft dealerships, providing attendees with expert insights, hands-on demonstrations, and the chance to connect with fellow boating enthusiasts. The first 20 stops for Rule the Water Tour are: 4/12 - Austin, TX 5/4 - Lebanon, TN 4/12 - Orlando, FL 5/10 - Charlotte, NC 4/13 - Dallas, TX 5/10 - Knoxville, TN 4/19 - Miami, FL 5/10 - Cincinnati, OH 4/19 - Albuquerque, NM 5/10 - Sacramento, CA 4/19 - Mesa, AZ 5/16 - Kimberling City, MO 4/26 - Riverside, CA 5/17 - Altoona, AL 4/27 - Colbert, OK 5/17 - Indianapolis, IN 5/3 - Hot Springs, AR 5/17 - Las Vegas, NV 5/3 - Memphis, TN 5/17 - Atlanta, GA 'The Rule the Water Tour is about bringing the MasterCraft experience straight to our consumers,' said Krista Schipner, MasterCraft's Vice President of Marketing. 'With the debut of the all-new XStar lineup alongside our full range of industry-leading boats, this year promises an unmatched on-water experience. Whether you're a longtime MasterCraft owner or experiencing our boats for the first time, this is an incredible opportunity to see what sets MasterCraft apart.' To see the full Rule the Water Demo Tour stop list, get more details, and to register for an event near you, visit and follow along on Instagram, YouTube, X, and Facebook. About MasterCraft:MasterCraft is a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than five decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, the company's goal remains the same - to continue building the world's best ski, wakeboard, wake surf, and luxury performance powerboats. About MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.:Headquartered in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) is a leading innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium recreational powerboats through its three wholly-owned brands, MasterCraft, Crest, and Balise. For more information about MasterCraft Boat Holdings, please visit and Media Contact:Mandie AlbertThe Brand AmpMasterCraftPR@
Miami Herald
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Roads are closed for boat show and arts fest in Miami. How to get around the shutdowns
With every major event in South Florida comes road detours. And it's no different with this weekend's Miami Boat Show and Coconut Grove Art Festival. The 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show runs through Sunday, Feb. 16, at six locations spread around Miami and Miami Beach. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival runs through the Monday, Feb. 17, a federal holiday. Here's a guide on what roads are shut down: Miami International Boat Show ▪ Miami International Boat Show hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. ▪ Six official locations for the 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show: — Miami Beach Convention Center (1901 Convention Center Dr.) offers powerboats up to 49 feet, engine manufacturers, marine accessories, electronics, retail pavilions. — Herald Plaza (One Herald Plaza, downtown Miami between the MacArthur and Venetian Causeways on Biscayne Bay) features larger powerboats, motor yachts ranging from 50 feet to 125 feet, yacht tenders, engines, marine accessories, retail pavilions. — Venetian Marina & Yacht Club (1635 N. Bayshore Dr.) offers vessel test-drives, and boat and engine manufacturers. — Museum Park Marina (801 Biscayne Blvd.) View the latest sailboats, catamarans, sailing accessories. — SuperYacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami (838 MacArthur Cswy. at Watson Island Park) showcases SuperYacht Miami, billed as 'the largest and most luxurious yachts' at the boat show. Access requires a SuperYacht Miami ticket or Windward VIP pass. — Pride Park (just outside the Miami Beach Convention Center). Progressive Boat Show Experience event. Access is included with general admission to the show. ▪ Traffic: Roads in downtown Miami at Herald Plaza on 14th Street from Bayshore Drive east to One Herald Plaza on Biscayne Bay will be closed. Miami Beach near Miami Beach Convention Center on Convention Center Drive from 18th Street to Dade Boulevard and the eastern portion of 19th Street between Meridian Avenue and Convention Center Drive also are closed for the event. Coconut Grove Arts Festival The Coconut Grove Arts Festival runs on Presidents Day Weekend from Saturday, Feb. 15, through the holiday on Monday, Feb. 17. The festival runs along McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive. ▪ Festival hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday. ▪ Traffic: Street closures through 11:55 p.m. Monday. No cars will be allowed on these closed streets: — The right lane on Grand Avenue and a fully closed McFarlane Road. — Southwest 27th Avenue and Tigertail Avenue. — Left lane closure on Aviation Avenue and fully closed Bayshore Drive up to McFarlane Road. — South Bayshore Drive from Aviation Avenue to McFarlane Road and from McFarlane to Grand Avenue during the festival. Alternate routes to get to the festival include 22nd or 32nd avenues from South Dixie Highway.
CBS News
14-02-2025
- Science
- CBS News
Miami International Boat Show spotters help keep manatees safe
MIAMI — On the first morning of the Miami International Boat Show, boat captains were urged to take precautions during their "sea trials," or test drives, near the Venetian Marina. "Show caution, we just had a splash but I don't know what it is," Dr. Amy Hirons, a professor at NOVA Southeastern University and Director of Charismatic Megafauna and Oceanography Laboratory yells from the dock to passing boaters. "We got a splash I don't know what it is." "Tarpon!" the boaters yell back. "It might be [the] Loch Ness Monster too, you never know," they joke. It's not tarpon that they're looking for. And no, certainly not the Loch Ness Monster. Hirons and her group of volunteers were looking for manatees. The group of volunteers, around 10 to 20 people, is comprised of mainly undergraduate and graduate students from Nova Southeastern University. And they are keeping their eyes peeled throughout the duration of the event. "If their are eyes spotted on anything, whoever does the initial spotting, you stay with that manatee," Hirons exclaimed to the group of manatee spotters before setting them loose. With walkie-talkies on and clipboards in hand, the volunteers set out along the Venetian Marina to look for manatees near the docks, and also while they are on the boats during sea trials. Rileigh Gonzalez, a junior studying Environmental Science at NOVA Southeastern University, yelled "bye"to some of her team members as she departed the marina on a boat that is setting out for a sea trial. She has completed specialized training on how to identify manatees in the water. "A lot of times, they create a big circle around them when they breach with their fluke," she explained "So, a lot of times you can tell that they're there if there is a big circular motion." Once a manatee is spotted, she alerts the captain to stop the engine for at least 20 minutes. "Manatees can hold their breath for 20 minutes, so you want to make sure you're staying there without your engines, so if they do end up going under your boat, you are not boat striking them," Gonzalez said. Thankfully, with the diligence of manatee spotters like Gonazlez and the cooperation of captains, there have been no injuries since the manatee spotters program started four years ago. That's good news, considering a portion of the boat Saow's sea trials are done over a designated manatee habitat. "All of this area here around Venetian Marina is an essential manatee habitat. Meaning it's got the perfect mix of habitat and food for them," Dr. Hirons points out. And when it comes to protecting that habitat, the captains at the boat show are all on board, even if it means pausing the sea trials for a moment. "They want to protect things. Do they occasionally get a little disgruntled if operations are shut down for a period of time? Certainly, but they pretty much do it in good humor," Hirons joked. All in the name of keeping, South Florida's most beloved gentle giant safe.
Miami Herald
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
DeSantis proposes getting rid of warrantless boater compliance stops on the water
Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday introduced a proposal to ban police officers from pulling over boaters for safety and compliance checks without having a warrant or probable cause. The governor announced the proposal, which would require approval by the Florida Legislature, at the Miami International Boat Show, saying current law allows police officers to stop boaters 'who are just out enjoying themselves when there's no indication that anything is wrong.' DeSantis was specifically talking about officers who board boats to check for things like life jackets, flares, fishing licenses and other mandatory safety equipment. During these inspections, officers often find other violations of the law, including boating under the influence of alcohol. DeSantis said, however, that boaters have been unnecessarily been put through sobriety tests because of these stops and end up being sober in the end. 'People who are just out enjoying themselves when there's no indication that anything is wrong, they should not be subjected to these intensive searches,' DeSantis said. In lieu of mandatory compliance checks, DeSantis is proposing people obtain a 'Florida Freedom' decal for their boats at registration, which would 'reassure law enforcement that the boater has conducted the due diligence of inspecting and maintaining proper boating safety requirements.' It was not immediately clear if the act of fishing itself would be probable cause for a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission police officer to inspect a boater's vessel. Current law states law enforcement officers 'have the authority, without warrant, to board, inspect, and search any boat, fishing appliance, storage or processing plant, fishhouse, spongehouse, oysterhouse, or other warehouse, building, or vehicle engaged in transporting or storing any fish or fishery products.' DeSantis added that his proposal would also preempt municipalities from banning boats fueled by gasoline or diesel from operating in local waters. 'We want to establish a right to boat initiative in the state of Florida by preempting local regulations that ban the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources,' DeSantis said. 'You don't need to be driving an electric boat if you don't want to. You have the ability to do gas, and we want to be able to preserve your freedom to be able to do that,' he said. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida hits record 142.9M visitors in 2024 as tourism industry rebounds
An estimated 142.9 million people traveled to Florida last year, a record total as the tourism industry continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to numbers released Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis' office. During an appearance at the Miami International Boat Show, DeSantis called the estimated total a 'pretty good increase' over the previous record of 140.62 million visitors in 2023. The new numbers continued to be bolstered by people traveling to Florida from other states, which accounted for 91.5 percent of the 2024 total. Such domestic tourists comprised nearly 93 percent of the overall count in 2023. Read: 3 manatees released back into the waters of Blue Spring State Park In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, it was 89.4 percent. Meanwhile, international travel continues to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 3.3 million Canadians made their way to Florida last year, up from 3.23 million in 2023, but short of the 4.088 million in 2019. Read: 'What are you doing tonight, baby?': Romance scams are big business Overseas travelers reached 8.9 million last year, up from 8.309 in 2023 but lower than the 9.801 million in 2019. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Florida had an estimated 33.1 million visitors, up from 32.85 million a year earlier, according to the numbers released Wednesday. The state also totaled 742,000 Canadian visitors and 2.5 million overseas travelers during the final three months of 2024, topping the figures from 2023. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
