The 2022 Show raised over $23,000.00 in funds for Sails Up 4 Cancer. The Show also had a record number of attendees. While many boats were sold over the weekend, our shoreside exhibitors broke new ground with over 30 exhibitors engaging the crowds and three bands providing live music.

In 2023, we expect continued growth on both boats and shoreside fun. We have four bands booked for the weekend, three fishing seminars - Fishing The River, Fishing The Sound and Fishing Offshore planned for Saturday. Mark Your Calendar!

This is a rain or shine event. Children 13 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. Be sure to get a Children’s ticket for them when you are purchasing online. Each ticket/bracelet provides entrance for all three days.

This annual show is a production of WindCheck Magazine and hosted by Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina. 2023 Show sponsors include Hoffman Audi of New London, Essex Boat Works, Gowrie Group, Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), and Maritime Insurance International.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 28, 2023

- Food by Siren Kitchen & Bar

- Coffee by Deep River Roasters

- Grab and Go Food on board the yacht Adventure

- Beer sampling by Surfridge Brewing Company East

- Live Music

1 to 3pm: Music by: DGE Acoustic Duo
Inspired by the generational piano rock genre, Dan & Jim's acoustic jam taps music from the last 50 years. Experience the sounds and move to a musical tribute to legends Billy Joel, Elton John & Bob Seger through today's country rock stars Darius Rucker and Zac Brown...with stops in the classic rock eras of the 80's, 90's and 2000's along the way.

3:30 to 6pm - Music by: SoundWaves
Carol and Ken both have decades of experience performing in restaurants, marinas, clubs and private events across Connecticut. Their acoustic repertoire covers an eclectic range of styles, including old standards to contemporary, with artists such as Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, Bonnie Raitt, Allison Kraus, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayer and Hootie & the Blowfish. They offer something for everyone no matter what your musical taste! Whether you want to sing along or sit back and just listen you’re bound to enjoy the show!

Saturday, April 29, 2023

- Food by Siren Kitchen & Bar

- Coffee by Deep River Roasters

- Grab and Go Food on board the yacht Adventure

- Beer sampling by Surfridge Brewing Company East

- Live Music

Fishing Seminars

12:30 - 1:15pm: Fishing CT River & Long Island Sound with Mike Roy

Captain Mike Roy is the founder and operator of Reel Cast Charters, a full-time fishing charter company based out of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Mike’s angling pursuits have taken him across the country, as well as internationally, fishing in both fresh and saltwater from largemouth bass to giant bluefin tuna. Captain Mike is a United States Coast Guard OUPV Licensed Captain and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s and Masters Degree in Education. Mike will speak on his specialty, fishing in shallow waters for big stripers with light tackle. Also Joining Mike will be The Sound Keeper Bill Lucey from Save The Sound. He will discuss the huge improvements to water quality in the CT River and eastern Long Island Sound and how we can keep that progress moving.

1:30 - 2pm: Long Island Sound Keeper with Bill Lucey

Raised in CT, Bill grew up fishing local waters before earning a Fisheries Biology B.S at the University of Vermont, and a graduate certificate in Fisheries Management from Oregon State University. He served in Guatemala as a Peace Corps fisheries extentionist before moving to Alaska for 20 years where he worked as a federal fish & wildlife biologist, commercial fisherman, NOAA marine mammal stranding responder and a municipal biologist and coastal program coordinator. In 2014, he became the director of the Kauai Invasive Species Committee with the University of Hawaii. Research over this time focused on beluga whales, harbor seals, pacific salmon, forestry and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in the Kauai’s watersheds. Since 2017, he has patrolled the rivers and estuary of Long Island Sound finding pollution and advocating at the capital for clean water and fisheries legislation.

2:15 - 3:00pm : Kayak fishing for striped bass with Matt Stone

Matt Stone is a veteran saltwater kayak angler based in Chester, Connecticut. He focuses on targeting striped bass, false albacore, and tautog in the Long Island Sound, while representing Black Hall Outfitters, Old Town, Yak Attack, Danco, Hook'd Gear, and others. Matt is a columnist for On The Water Magazine and has also been published in Anglers' Journal, Coastal Angler Magazine, and The Farmer's Almanac, among others. He provides weekly written and video fishing reports for The Fisherman Magazine and On The Water. Matt documents his adventures on his Instagram page, @sunrisekayakfishing.

3:15 - 4:00pm: Decision Making Offshore with Brian Moskey

Brian will dive into the different decisions that going offshore presents. From the safety side to the fishing side, there are choices that each captain makes in order to lead a successful and safe trip. Whether it’s a decision of switching out different lures or making that run to a spot you’ve received intel from, each one adds up to make the overall experience of a trip a positive one.

Live Music

12 - 2:30pm: Music by: Lewis & Merritt

Lewis & Merritt are an acoustic duo comprised of two members of Wicked Peach, which has been a staple cover rock band in the New London County area for over 25 years. Brian Merritt and Ernie Lewis have been performing as Lewis & Merritt for 10 years of those years in various bars and restaurants with a few performances at The Kate. All Lewis & Merritt dates can be found at wickedpeach.com

3 - 5pm: Music by: Wooly Mammoth

Wooly Mammoth officially started in 2013, most of the players have been jamming together for years in various places, parties, open mic nights and wherever they found each other with instruments lying around.

Wooly is infused with the "Mystic Vibe", which is heavy on having fun, keeping it loose, and lots of long jams. While Wooly's original songs give us our unique sound, our set list includes songs from the Dead, Phish, String Cheese Incident, Widespread Panic and other world-class jam bands. From rock to bluegrass to Americana folk, Wooly Mammoth always ensures that people are dancing, having a great time, and wanting to come back for more. Learn more at woolymammothband.com

5:30-7:30pm: Sunset Cocktail and Dinner Cruise for Sails Up 4 Cancer

Help raise funds for Sails Up 4 Cancer while enjoying a sunset cocktail cruise on ADVENTURE, a beautifully restored 65-foot vintage riverboat, sponsored by Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Cruises. On board you will find an enclosed lower cabin with table seating for chef-catered hors d'oeuvres and entrees, and a hand crafted, full-service wooden bar. Tickets are $50/pp and include cruise, dinner, complimentary cocktail or glass of wine, sponsored by Angelini Wine and Cancion premium tequila, followed by cash bar.

Sunday, April 30, 2023

- Food by Siren Kitchen & Bar

- Coffee by Deep River Roasters

- Grab and Go Food on board the yacht Adventure

- Beer sampling by Surfridge Brewing Company East

- Live Music

12 - 2pm: Music by: The Vitas

The Vitas are a group of three musicians who are heavily influenced by grunge and classic rock music. They bring a unique blend of these styles to their original songs, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. The Vitas believe that music is a way to inspire and connect people, and they want to share that experience with as many people as possible.

2:30 - 5pm: Music by: The Fake Experience

The Fake Experience is a musical collective of family and friends. Their music spans a diverse range of musical styles. This approach promises real variety while accenting the many common threads present in many a great song. The Fake Experience’s authentic blend of rock, reggae, pop, country, and original material keeps the party going. With their continually growing repertoire, an ever expanding fan base and an uncommon commitment to performance, The Fake Experience’s live performances are always a party.

Dates: April 28 - 30, 2023

Hours:

Friday: 1 - 6pm

Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 5pm

Location: Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina, 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT 06426

Click Here for Tickets.

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