For relief from the winter doldrums, remind and refresh yourself with the pleasures of recreational boating at the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show, which debuts on Thursday, Jan. 24 and continues through Sunday, Jan. 27. The location is at the east end of Harbor Island, at Sunroad Resort Marina, 955 Harbor Island Drive. Show hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 25, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 27. This year’s show, the 24th annual event and the fourth at Sunroad, boasts about 125 sail and powered vessels to explore and inspect 25 percent more than last year. “We’re considered the largest sail display in Southern California, with new vessels from Jeanneau, Bénéteau, Hunter, Tartan and Catalina, as well as several catamarans from 38 to 51 feet,” said show director Jim Behun, who doubles as the marina’s general manager. The in-the-water vessels are split about equally between sail and power offerings. Unlike many boat shows, the Sunroad show offers both new and brokerage, or used, boats from 35 feet up to the $4.5 million 122-foot Flagship motoryacht Shogun. The nearby exhibit tent houses about 120 vendors offering only boating-related products, accessories and services. New this year is a group of exhibitors offering environmentally friendly, anti-fouling alternatives to traditional bottom paint, including an innovative foil bottom coating from Dutch firm Micanti and special paints from Pettit and Coppercoat. “This is a show by boaters for boaters,” said show sales manager Kat Ohlmann. Show highlights will include free boating experiences on a variety of watercraft. Seaforth Yacht Charters is providing sailboat rides, while Electric Yachts is offering electric kayak rides and San Diego Comfort Cruises will have rides aboard its 18-foot electric Duffy. West Marine is demonstrating its latest inflatable models. For the first time, the San Diego Humane Society will also offer pet adoptions at the show. “We particularly appreciate the [Unified] Port of San Diego for its support and participation. This event provides business and sales leads to many of the Port’s tenants and local marine businesses for four to six months following the show,” Behun said. Tickets are $12. Children under 12 are admitted free. Active-duty military with ID are also admitted free, and there is no cost to police and fire personnel with ID on Jan. 24 and 25. Because of crowding on the docks, participants are asked to leave pets and strollers at home, although service animals are welcome. Parking is available for $10 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island, with shuttles provided to the show, in addition to marina parking for $20-25. For more information and a list of exhibitors, visit www.bigbayboatshow.com or call (619) 574-0736.
