Looking for nautical gear? Stop by Santa Barbara’s Annual Harbor Nautical Swap Meet on May 25
SANTA BARBARA—With summer only a few months away – and let’s be honest, it’s always summer in Southern California – boaters everywhere are headed into prime nautical swap meet territory. Maritime swap meets provide grounds to find some pretty spectacular things, but also give attendees a change to explore harbors in a different area like Santa Barbara. Treasure hunters everywhere are invited to attend Santa Barbara’s Annual Harbor Nautical Swap Meet on Saturday, May 25.
Santa Barbara’s Nautical Swap Meet, in its 10th year, is a fan favorite among boaters. Not only is admission free, but free coffee, fruit, donuts and other treats are provided by Harbor Merchants Association.
In a statement by Santa Barbara’s city staff, it said, “Dozens of vendors will display and sell boat rigging, surfboards, fishing gear, inflatable boats, pumps, winches, boat motors and other marine/nautical gear.”
Harbor Operations Manager Mick Kronman added harbor slip holders could take part in a hazardous material turn-in event.
“And while taking inventory of what you need to buy or sell, check your dock box too, since again this year the Waterfront Department will sponsor a Hazmat Turn-in event … in conjunction with the Swap Meet. Next to the Swap Meet, you’ll find a marked disposal area for hazardous materials you may want to dispose of before boating season hits high gear—items like waste oil, old cans of varnish, lacquer or paint, or small amounts of gasoline or diesel,” Kronman said.
Kronman continued: “The Hazmat Turn-in is funded in part through a CalRecycle used-oil grant. In an effort to limit the Hazmat event to harbor boat owners only, an “entry ticket” will be included in May’s slip billing. The ticket entitles slip permittee to dispose of any appropriate items from their boat or dock box.”
Taking place from 8 a.m. until noon at Marina 3 parking lot, there is still time to enjoy numerous hot spots along Santa Barbara’s coast the rest of the day. The harbor is also a fascinating tourism destination with Stearns Wharf, a number of delicious restaurants and other on-the-water recreational activities a hop away.
Vendor applications have begun at Santa Barbara Harbor, which cost $10 to reserve a spot.
Visit santabarbaraca.gov/swapmeet or call Harbor Operations at 805-564-5531 to learn more about the swap meet or sign up as a vendor.