The ninth annual San Diego Yacht & Boat Show, presented by the Auto Club of Southern California, is set to cruise into the Sheraton Marina in Harbor Island from July 26-29 for four days of fun on the water. As the area’s premier summer boating event, the 2012 show provides guests an all-access pass to discover the boating lifestyle and a chance to shop the newest boats and marine accessories. More than 100 boats, from jet skis and entry-level family cruisers to luxury motor yachts and sailboats will be docked in the marina and parked on land for visitors to browse, board and buy. Not in the market to purchase a boat? The San Diego Yacht & Boat Show offers a festive seaside atmosphere and is the “go-to” place to see and experience everything that boating has to offer in San Diego, with entertainment for all ages, including new on-water activities such as scuba diving and stand-up paddling. Here are some of the activities awaiting visitors. • Dive into an underwater world and learn to scuba in the comfort of a heated pool. Participants who are 10 and older can learn how to SCUBA dive with a certified instructor. All one needs is a swimsuit. DEMA will supply the scuba gear, changing rooms and hair dryers. Participants can also have a photo taken underwater as a keepsake. • Guests to find out firsthand why paddlesports are all the rage, with a variety of daily opportunities to get on the water, including stand-up paddling (SUP), kayaking and other activities. • Meet ‘Skipper,’ the boating dolphin: Returning to San Diego by popular demand, “Skipper” will be available for photo opportunities. • Wing-eating contest: Showgoers can cheer on contestants as they compete in the wing-eating contest, hosted by JACK-FM, with wings provided by Hooters on Saturday, July 28 at 1 p.m. • XPRS-AM and KGB-FM will be on-site providing music entertainment and will be giving guests a chance to win Padres tickets and other prizes. Tickets for the yacht and boat show, which takes place at 1380 Harbor Island Drive, are $12 for general admission (13 and up). Admission is free for children 12 and under and for active-duty military personnel with proper identification. The show runs from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 26 and Friday, July 27; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 28; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 29. For advance tickets and more details, visit www.sandiegoyachtandboatshow.com.
