With an additional 400 feet of dock space installed for in-the-water exhibits, the San Diego International Boat Show showcases more than 200 boats plus a “bigger and better” display for the annual show, held this year on Father’s Day weekend.
The show splashes into the water near the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel and Marina, with exhibits located in the adjacent Spanish Landing Park, East, on Thursday, June 15, and continues through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18.
Show hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, with children under 12 free. Active military receive $5 discount with ID.
Expect to see expanded displays of both sail and power mid-size yachts from major yacht dealers, plus more trailerable boats, personal watercraft, paddleboards, kayaks, dinghies and inflatables.
About 12 luxury superyachts more than 80 feet will be for sale and available for touring, with many also listed for charter.
This year more than 80 vendors will exhibit under tents in Spanish Landing Park, offering an array of boating accessories such as electronics, canvas, anchors, deck materials, watermakers, cookware and other marine gear, and as well as boating services.
This is the first year that the show’s new owner, the Orange County-based Duncan McIntosh Co., has reconfigured the show to introduce planned changes after taking over the show last year from the National Marine Manufacturing Association. The main change is a significant expansion of in-the-water yacht exhibits.
Also new this year are Powerboat 101 lessons and training sessions for novice and would-be powerboat owners, taught by experienced captains, for $40 per session. Sign up in advance on the show’s website.
Seminars and educational programming remain a highlight of the summer show. Check the website for the seminar schedule, which will include topics related to boating and cruising in Mexico, plus boat handling, maintenance and equipment.
Sailing seminars are in abundance this year, with both classroom overviews and hands-on sailing introductory courses offered.
The “Try It Cove” again provides the opportunity to try out several water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing (swimsuit and towel recommended). This year, attendees can also ride in an inflatable and try fishing from a kayak.
The family-friendly boat show offers food for sale from the floating Fiddler’s Green Tiki Bar and gourmet food trucks. New this year is the Anchors and Ales Beer Garden, offering craft beer and wine tasting on Friday through Sunday.
The show is located near the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel and Marina, 3900 N. Harbor Island Drive. Paid parking is available adjacent to the hotel.
For latest exhibitor, seminar schedule, ticket information and Powerboat 101 registration, visit www.sandiegointernationalboatshow.com. INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW Where: Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel and Marina, 3900 N. Harbor Island Drive, with land-based exhibits located in the adjacent Spanish Landing Park. When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 15-18 Info:?sandiegointernationalboatshow.com.