Nautical Northwest magazine is pleased to be a sponsor of the Seattle Boat Show, the largest boat show on of the West Coast of the United States. The annual recreational boating event is owned and produced by the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), a prominent nonprofit advocacy group that exists to promote the growth of recreational boating and support their member businesses throughout the region. The Seattle Boat Show will run from January 31 to February 7 this year.
“We’re thrilled that Nautical Northwest has chosen to be a sponsor of the Seattle Boat Show—our missions couldn’t be more closely aligned,” said George Harris, president and CEO of the NMTA. “At its core, our goal is simple: to inspire people to think about boating and getting out on the water every day. Nautical Northwest shares that same passion and aims to serve as both a trusted guide to the region’s marine communities and businesses and a source of inspiration for Northwest boating adventures. Together, we celebrate and strengthen the vibrant boating culture that defines the Pacific Northwest.”
The excited sentiment is shared by Todd Feinroth, owner/publisher of Nautical Northwest.
“As the largest boat show on the West Coast, the annual Seattle Boat Show brings together all water lovers and mariners across the greater PNW and beyond,” said Feinroth. “As such, it perfectly aligns with the ethos of Nautical Northwest magazine to bring together our diverse maritime community and enthusiasts. The Seattle Boat Show offers a wide variety of informative, educational, entertainment events and activities, which parallel the mission of Nautical Northwest.”
As part of the sponsorship, a limited number of Nautical Northwest’s inaugural issue will be available upon entry to the Seattle Boat Show for attendees. Additionally, the magazine will be available at the publication’s exhibitor booth in East Hall, #1014. Visiting the booth is also a great way to meet the Nautical Northwest crew.
To Harris, the storytelling continues into the Seattle Boat Show through 289 exhibitors, 144 expert-led seminars, friends connecting to plan summer “buddy boating” adventures and newcomers discovering the camaraderie and community offered by local yacht clubs and more. It’s where personal experiences, shared knowledge, and regional pride converge. If historic trends continue, the NMTA anticipates about 30,000 general public attendees over the nine-day event.
“At its heart, the Seattle Boat Show is about stories,” said Harris. “Everyone who walks through the doors brings one with them—memories made on Puget Sound, weekends in the San Juans, or first attempts at wake surfing on a local lake. The show becomes a gathering place where those experiences are shared, celebrated, and expanded, surrounding visitors with the culture, passion, and pride of the Pacific Northwest boating lifestyle.”
In addition to the exhibitor booth, Nautical Northwest’s editor in chief Norris Comer will lead a panel discussion Get Published! Turning Adventures and Dreams Reality on February 1 at 4:00 PM on Stage 1. The talk with professional photographers and magazine editors aims to give curious and aspiring creators aquatic useful insights into the craft and trade of publishing. Personalities include Chuck Gould, avid local boater and former managing editor of Nor’wester magazine; Alec Burke, owner of Seattle Yacht Media with a marine drone specialty; and Patrick Bennett, owner of Patrick Bennett Photography with international maritime photography experience.
The panel talk will also launch Nautical Northwest’s brand new annual “Best of the Northwest” writing and photography contest. More details to come, but category winners will be published in the magazine and cash prizes will be awarded. Those interested should attend the talk to be the first in the know.
With regard to the rest of the show, the long-running event is known for innovating new offerings and the 2026 iteration is no exception. Harris pointed to the show’s new promotion Boat Show After Dark. This debut evening experience takes place from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on the two Friday nights of the show and blends boats, drinks, and live music into a high-style, after-hours social mixer. Boat Show After Dark aims to be perfect for date night or a fun outing with family and friends.
“There are also special promotions every day of the show so be sure to visit the event website before deciding which days to come to the show because you’ll need more than one!” added Harris. “And finally, read the excellent Seattle Boat Show guide in the inaugural issue of Nautical Northwest by show veteran Bruce Hedrick. It contains some great insider tips.”
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