It’s time to say, “Oh, buoy,” because the first-ever Sausalito Boat Show is about to take its maiden voyage with an inaugural celebration that’s all a-boat boats.
The boat show, happening Oct. 13-15, is surprisingly the first of its kind to grace the scenic shorelines of Sausalito, said Mitch Perkins, an avid sailing enthusiast and the manager of the show.
“What makes a good boat show is, obviously, the boats—they are the key ingredient since people just love the idea of boating,” Perkins explained. “Even in Chicago on Lake Michigan in the middle of winter, people would still flock to boat shows.”
Perkins boasts decades of boat experience, both on-deck and docked, and he is excited to bring his passion to the piers of Sausalito. And in this experience, Perkins has helped to make the Sausalito Boat Show less of a boat show and more of an all-around boat party with the promise of not only boats but also a beer garden, live music and enough entertainment designed to enthrall even the most land-loving of folks.
“It has always been a dream of the boating industry, and of myself, to host a boat show in Sausalito since it really is the perfect place, but there was never a venue to host such an event,” Perkins explained. “[The boat show] was a grassroots movement, and we all pitched in, and it’s been a really incredible, intense experience that required a lot of work and a lot of help and community support from Sausalito.”
Perkins and the Sausalito community put all hands on deck to arrange the show within just a few months. But looking at the entertainment lineup and community collaboration efforts, one would never be able to guess that this event took anything less than a year to prepare.
“On the docks, you’re going to find an incredible array of so many brands and boats…sailboats, powerboats, fishing boats—everything from a 15-foot dinghy to a 90-foot charter yacht,” said Perkins. “It is a very diverse and well-represented collection, with something for everybody here.”
“There’s a houseboat, foiling boats, electric boats, Hobie Cats, kayaks—when I start listing it all, I can hardly believe what’s come together in just three months,” Perkins added.
The Sausalito Boat Show is also an excellent event for those interested, even passingly, in learning to operate a sea-faring vessel for themselves. Even those who are less than interested in boats can come along with family and friends.
“We’re changing the concept of this show to be almost more of a water festival kind of concept, where we are incorporating entertainment for the entire family,” said Perkins.” We’re bringing bands in for live music every day, are adding a children’s area, food trucks and local artists…just expanding the model to be more inclusive to the family and the community so that when a guy or gal goes to a boat show, they can bring their family along for an event that is festive, fun and all-inclusive.”
And for those interested in learning the ropes (in a very literal sense), plenty of crafters, makers and more will be hosting seminars to share all of their savvy sailing tips and tricks.
“Some people think that the barrier to get into sailing is difficult, but it’s not,” Perkins explained. “It’s actually very simple if you go through yacht clubs or find like-minded friends or look into sailing schools…there are actually lots of opportunities to get on a boat, and boating is a lot easier than you think once you tap into the available resources.”
The speakers start on Friday, Oct. 13 at 2pm with Kira Maixner on women and sailing. She is followed at 4pm by Laura Gill’s seminar: “Beyond the Bark: Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation.”
At 11am on Saturday, Oct. 14, Tom Relya will speak all about proper rigging practices (and the money it can save). Then, at 2pm on the same day, Ben Rifkin will share his insight into marine navigation. At 4pm, Malcolm Morgan will hold a seminar on corrosion, electrolysis and shock hazards.
Sunday, Oct. 15th’s seminar speakers include a 1pm audience with Jennifer Hinkle, the founder of Resilience Racing, followed at 3pm by SailTime’s Lisa Chapin and her presentation on the many pathways to sailing.
So, if the sea calls out like a siren’s song, tempting and sweet, consider going to the Sausalito Boat Show. There, adventurous spirits may initiate a conversation and seek out new sailing experiences. And even those who have never set foot on a boat may walk away knowing much more than before.
“That’s a thing about sailing and boating…you don’t go out alone a lot of the time because it’s not so much a solo venture,” said Perkins. “And that’s why I’ve stayed in the industry so long, because you meet the best and most interesting people that are just so knowledgeable about the world. Plus, it’s just fun.”
According to the official press release, the Sausalito Boat Show participants will include Denison Yacht Brokers, H&M Marine, Club Nautique, Silver Seas Yachts, Jeff Brown Yachts, Beneteau, Riviera, Axopar, Cruiser Yachts, Tiara, Princess, Defiance and Chris Craft, with additional marine service associates, Beach Riggers, Trident Funding and KKMI Boatyard.
Additionally, the local food vendors on-site will emphasize California’s classic seafood. The live musical performances will feature artists such as Fog City Swampers, Juke Joint Band, The Millionaires, The Cruz Boys and Matt Bolton.
“The hard work and dedication that has gone into creating this grassroots event is incredible, and the community support has been phenomenal,” concluded Perkins. “I can’t emphasize what a group effort it has been.”
The upcoming inaugural Sausalito Boat Show will occur at the Clipper Yacht Harbor, located at 310 Harbor Dr. in Sausalito. This event will span three days, from Oct. 13-15, and will be open to the public from 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and run from 10am to 5pm on Sunday. After that, it’s anchors aweigh until next year!
Children under 12 may attend the Sausalito Boat Show for free; otherwise, tickets cost $20 if bought in advance and $22 the event day—a full weekend pass is a flat $50. For more information about the boat show or to pre-purchase tickets, visit the website at sausalitoboatshow.com.
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The Sausalito Boat Show is an excellent event for those interested in learning to operate a sea-faring vessel for themselves. Even those less than interested in boats can accompany family and friends.
You should mention that, additionally, The Rowan Brothers play the Trident ? 5-8 Friday evening, for some great music and delicious food and drink.
Isn’t this just the promotion of more injury to the planet by the wasteful burning of carbon fuels. As there is no need for most of these boats and, as they damage the planet, shouldn’t good people avoid this show?