After last year’s maiden voyage, Sausalito Boat Show is back again for its second annual celebration of all things nautical.
Land lovers, experienced sailors and boat-curious citizens alike can come down to the Clipper Harbor Oct. 4 through 6 to dip their toes or dive right into the world of Bay Area boating.
Many who call Marin County their home have driven over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge more times than they can count. But how many have taken a boat underneath to cross the border from bay to open ocean? For those who can’t say they’ve experienced seeing the Golden Gate from below with waves rocking underfoot, it’s time to weigh anchor and one’s options.
After all, Marin has an undeniably rich boating history and culture, which are easy to forget during the day-to-day rush of landlocked life. But it’s important to remember to follow the siren’s call to the ocean as it sings out a much-needed reminder to slow down and go with the flow, if only just for a little while.
Sean Schlesinger of Silver Seas Yachts is no stranger to the pleasure of leaving land behind for the open air and freedom one can only find on the water. He, along with the rest of those in charge of this year’s boat show, is excited to share his passion for the open seas with guests of the event and, of course, with potential yacht buyers. It just so happens that the vessels Schlesinger sells are luxurious and ready to sail off under the Golden Gate Bridge and into the sunset.
Anyone who has thought, “I should buy a boat,” may consider coming down to the harbor and following through on the impulse—after all, the ocean awaits. The many local businesses that work together to get these pleasure vessels in ship shape are great for the nautical economy of Marin and its boating enthusiasts. Some (but not all) local businesses featured in the show are South Beach Riggers, List Marine Services, LOVEMARIN, Modern Sailing, Cartelligent, Compass Canvas and Bay Area Marine Services.
These local businesses, and many more, have joined forces to host the Sausalito Boat Show and share their passions, experience and love of all things nautical with locals. All hands are on deck with preparations for the boat show. It shows in this year’s stellar lineup of educational seminars, live entertainment and experiential boating opportunities. Alongside an overload of 70-plus boats for guest’s viewing pleasure, the Sausalito Boat Show also promises a three-day-long party with food, a bounce house, live music and oh so much more.
Boat show attendees can walk along the harbor and admire all the latest sailboats, powerboats, luxury yachts, electric boats, charters, trailer-friendly boats, gear and adorable animals that live in and along the water. Those who appreciate top boat brands won’t want to miss out on a chance to see models from Jeanneau, Beneteau, Chris Craft, Riviera, Pursuit, Axopar, Cruisers Yachts, Tiara, Princess, Defiance and Inmar.
The first day of the Sausalito Boat Show promises a Diesel Engine Maintenance Seminar from noon to 1pm, an Investment Approach to Yacht Ownership Seminar from 2 to 3pm and a musical performance from King Bizcuit from 3 to 6pm.
Later, Steve Knudsen, Little League coach of Sausalito Marin City, will be manning the dunk tank from 3:30 to 4pm. From 4 to 5pm, guests can attend a seminar from Latitude 38 on the Life and Career of John Arndt. Day one of the Sausalito Boat Show concludes with the Waves of Opportunity charity party at the Charter Pier from 5 to 7pm. Proceeds will go toward taking children from the Canal Alliance out on the water so they can experience the joys of being there.
On the second day of the boat show, the festivities begin with the Safe Rigging Saves Money seminar from 10:30 to 11:30am. After that, the Quarter After Band will take to the main stage from 11am to 1pm. From noon to 12:30pm, the dunk tank returns with Mitch Dohman, KKMI project manager, as the dunk-ee. Then, from 12:30 to 1:30pm, guests may attend another seminar entitled Electric Powered Boats, No Longer the Future.
Also on the second day, Tim Rogers, the Sausalito Cruising Club commodore, will be available for dunking from 1 to 1:30pm. From 2:30 to 3:30pm, another seminar on Marine Electronics will take place, followed by a seminar on Marine Navigation from 4:30 to 5:30pm. In the meantime, The Cruz Boys will perform on the main stage from 3 to 5:30pm.
The last day of the Sausalito Boat Show begins with the Chartering for an Alaskan Cruise seminar from 11am to noon. After that, Melissa Blaustein will await at the dunk tank from noon to 12:30pm, and Dan Ashley will perform on the main stage from noon to 2pm. The seminar on swimming from under the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands will take place from 1 to 2pm.
Included on the last day, from 2 to 2:30pm, Nadine Urciuoli of Helmuts Marine Services will man the dunk tank. From 3 to 4pm, the final seminar will teach guests the best canvas options for their vessels. The final musical performance of the event will come from The Millionaires from 3 to 5pm.
Tickets to the boat show are $25 per day for adults, while children 12 and under may attend for free. A full three-day pass is also available for $50. To buy tickets to the Sausalito Boat Show, visit the website at sausalitoboatshow.com. For parking, guests may choose between free shuttled parking, available all weekend, or purchase a premium parking pass.
VIP tickets cost $145 and are available as well for those interested in a meet and greet experience with two stars from Bravo’s Below Deck, Daisy Kelliher and Fraser Olender, from 1 to 5pm on Oct. 5—VIP passes also include attendance to a special Q&A, a swag bag, cocktail hour and a private reception with the Bravolebrities.
The second annual Sausalito Boat will run on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 and 5, from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 10am to 5pm. This three-day nautical event will occur at the Clipper Yacht Harbor at 310 Harbor Dr. in Sausalito. To learn more, call 415.272.4130 or email sa***************@gm***.com .
