Speak up!

By Sue Cocking

The Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail docks here from Feb. 12 -16. The 68th version of the show, which brings together more than 2,200 exhibitors showcasing the latest powerboats, sail boats, engines and marine electronics and accessories for the 2009 boating season, takes place at three loactions:

• Miami Beach Convention Center,
  1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach.
• Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center,
  1635 N. Bayshore Dr., Miami.
• Miamarina at Bayside (Strictly Sail),
  401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.

Tickets:  Admission is $30 on Premiere Day, Thursday, Feb. 12; $16 on other days; $30 for a two-day pass; $6 for children 13-15; and free for children 12 and under.
All tickets can be purchased at the the Miami Beach Convention Center or online. The Sea Isle Marine & Yachting Center does not require admission.

Eats: The best spot for food is at Strictly Sail because you will have a choice of all the restaurants at Bayside.

Parking: Parking is always a problem during the boat show, so your best bet is to park your car for $10 per day at AmericanAirlines Arena, or in Bayside's garage and take a free shuttle bus among the three show locations. There are also numerous parking spaces along Biscayne Boulevard and in surrounding lots.

Expert tip: Unless you are seriously interested in buying a boat, you could skip the convention center and get a feeling for the marine version of conspicuous consumption by visiting the other two sites.