San Diego International Boat Show Opens June 20

Byline: Ambrosia Brody

San Diego International Boat Show Opens June 20

SAN DIEGO — Show-goers will find more than powerboats, sailboats and marine accessories at the Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show, June 20-23. A wide range of boating seminars, a life jacket trade-in event and live music are among the show’s many other attractions.

Held at the Sheraton Harbor Island and Spanish Landing Park, the show will offer attendees an “all-access pass” to the boating lifestyle, according to the show’s producers, with an opportunity to get out on the water and learn a thing or two at the many seminars.

Formerly called the San Diego Yacht & Boat Show, the San Diego International Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), in partnership with the California Yacht Brokers Association and the San Diego Superyacht Association.

The show offers attendees an opportunity to see more than 150 of the latest boat boats in a variety of sizes and types, shop for marine gear and accessories, and get out on the water.

Attendees can relax at the Bay Club Lounge, a floating lounge area where fish tacos will be served, along with cocktails at the full bar. We Kinda Music, a local steel drum band, will perform, adding to the easy going atmosphere.

Boaters can exchange their old, worn-out life jackets for new ones at the Life Jacket Trade-In booth, hosted by the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Representatives will be on hand to inspect boaters’ life jackets for proper fit and serviceability. One new life jacket will be available for trade-in per family, while supplies last.

At the Shellback Rum Hut, boat show patrons can share their sea tales in a video confession booth. For participating in the experience, many consumers will also be rewarded with a limited edition pair of co-branded Shellbacker boat shoes by Creative Recreation. A simulated boat race inspired by the Shellback-sponsored Oracle Team USA America’s Cup team will also be featured at the booth.

Other exhibits to check out include Try It Cove, where show-goers can gear up and try the latest in watersports. The Be a Diver Pool allows attendees age 10 and older to scuba dive with a certified instructor.

Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center allows show-goers to learn how to keep their boats in shape. The free sessions will begin every half-hour.

In the water, luxury motoryachts and sailboats, superyachts and entry-level family cruisers will be on display, along with San Diego Maritime Museum’s classic Medea, and Maximus II, a 106-foot yacht.

Show-goers can also discover the life of luxury aboard superyachts, with a selection of 100-feet-and-up vessels on display.

The show’s three-hour on-the-water seminars include: Introduction to Sailing and Advanced Sailing: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday-Sunday; Introduction to Cats: 1-4 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Saturday.

On-water clinics include: Basic Sailing and Cruising Skills: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday; Docking Without Power and Cruising Skills Powerboat Clinics: 3-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday; CQPH: 11 a.m.-noon Friday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Saturday and 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Sunday; Advanced Docking: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday, 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Saturday, and 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Sunday; Open Water: 3-4 p.m. Friday, 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Saturday, and 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Sunday; Anchoring: 5-6 p.m. Friday, 2-3 p.m. Saturday and 2-3 p.m. Sunday.

Powerboating seminars include: Powerboating Made Easy: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Sunday; Advanced Docking: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Show hours are noon-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults 13 and older, free for children 12 and younger and military personnel with proper I.D.

For more information, visit sandiegointernationalboatshow.com.

Superyachts Add Luxury Flair to San Diego Show

SAN DIEGO — The luxurious lifestyle, sheer breathtaking awe and economic impact of superyachts will be celebrated as part of this month’s Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show, set for June 20-23 at the San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina and Spanish Landing Park.

To mark the occasion, super-sized yachts will be on public display at this year’s show — the result of the show’s newly formed partnership with two leading superyacht groups: the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) and the San Diego Superyacht Association (SDSA).

In recent years, San Diego has emerged as the West Coast’s premier Superyacht destination, as the region serves as an ideal strategic gateway to the entire Pacific Basin, according to SDSA.

Formed in 2005 as a nonprofit coalition, SDSA actively markets San Diego’s marine-oriented attractions to the world’s superyacht fleet. The membership of SDSA includes many of San Diego’s leading marinas and shipyards, along with a wide range of first-class superyacht service providers.

“In recent years, we’ve been successful in achieving our goal to attract as many large yachts as possible to San Diego Bay,” said Kate Pearson, president of SDSA. “These vessels, ranging in size from around 85 feet in length to as much as 250 feet and beyond, not only bring prestige to our region, but each one generates a considerable economic impact to the many businesses — large and small — that provide marine-related products and services on a year-round basis.”

At the national level, USSA seeks to promote members’ products and services through global representation and networking, as well as advance the superyacht industry of the U.S. and serve as a coordinated advocate on major issues affecting the industry.

USSA recently launched its new marketing campaign with the theme of “Come SEA U.S.”

In addition, USSA has joined forces with the 2013 America’s Cup as an operational partner for the Superyacht Division. There are numerous events and activities planned for superyachts during the America’s Cup.

As part of the Progressive San Diego International Boat Show, SDSA and USSA will present a superyacht program that includes an array of VIP events for owners, captains and crew members. The superyacht program includes a golf tournament, the SDIBS Cup, an America’s Cup Captain’s Briefing and a VIP Sunset Rendezvous cocktail party.

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