Kick off the 2012 Texas boating season this weekend at the South West International Boat Show

South Shore Harbour Marina, League City, will be home this weekend (March 22-25) to the largest and most exciting in-water boat show to come to the Lone Star State.

For 2012 the organizers are excited to announce two major partnerships; GEICO, the Presenter and Title Sponsor of the event, and the endorsement of Sail America as part of the prestigious Sail America Boat Show program –  making the event not only the largest in-water and onshore display of new and brokerage powerboats in Texas but also THE sailing show for Texas!

GEICO’s presence at the show will include the Miss GEICO Racing Team, led by Throttle Man, Scotty Begovich, who will be signing autographs and ready for photos.  GEICO will also be exhibiting two of their amazing offshore powerboats, the CAVEMAN and Miss GEICO - which is one of the fastest offshore powerboats in the world.

In addition, the Miss GEICO Racing Team will be offering exciting giveaways and drawings, including a chance each day to drive replica Miss GEICO remote controlled powerboats in a race against Scotty Begovich, and registering to win  the actual remote controlled powerboats at the end of the boat show.

There will also be an opportunity to enter to win a Miss GEICO golf cart and a trip with the Racing Team to the World Championships taking place in Florida, in October, 2012.

Over 40 sailboats are currently booked for exhibit at the show, including Jeanneau, Beneteau, Lagoon, Catalina, Hunter, Dufour and Leopard - with more to come!

New this year the “Sail America Village” featuring a great line up of sailing gear and accessories along with a comprehensive seminar program, included in the price of show admission, taking place at the South Shore Harbour Resort Hotel.

These entertaining and educational seminars will cover all facets of the sailing and boating lifestyle, from the magic of discovering exotic new ports around the world, to the must-have knowledge of staying safe and healthy at sea.

Additionally, visitors can sign up at the Discover Sailing dock for a complimentary  sail on the Bay with a licensed skipper. Take the wheel, trim the sails, or just sit back and enjoy the relaxing sailing lifestyle. Learn how to get started in sailing, and pick up some sailing lingo.

Over 400 boats will be in-water and onshore, with pre-season savings and boat show specials; bay boats, ski boats, sailboats, sportfish, powerboats and luxury yachts - all on display with many ready to demo right there at the Boat Show!

Come and meet Capt George Mitchell, Yamaha Pro Angler and instructor with the Yamaha Saltwater School, the premier fishing and boating experience, who will be hosted by Texas Sportfishing & Yacht Sales, on Pier 15, offering “sign and ride” demos on a 36' Yellowfin with triple Yamaha V6 300’s, and also a Yellowfin 21’ Bayboat with a Yamaha Offshore V6 300.

Add to this the newly created Fishing HQ, featuring the latest saltwater fishing gear, water toys, sound systems, wakeboard towers and navigational equipment - a huge variety of products and services alongside vendors selling jewelry, art and spas!

Live music each day from the Budweiser stage, along with great food from local restaurants will add to the fun that the whole family can enjoy!

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