The Waterfront Gears Up for This Weekend’s Inaugural Sausalito Boat Show

As sailors, we love boats, and one of our favorite ways to enjoy boats is to attend a boat show. The Bay Area has a history of boat shows, but usually in the East Bay — a routine we’d come to know, and expect, until 2020 upset everyone’s calendars. This coming weekend, the other side of the Bay gets to turn it on, with the inaugural Sausalito Boat Show.

The event has been months in the making, starting from an idea seeded by a group of Marin-based maritime businesses and boating enthusiasts. “It’s taken on a life of its own!” says show manager Mitch Perkins of the local, “grassroots” event. The show will feature around 45 sailboats including Jeanneau, Catalina, Excess catamarans and others, all presented by Bay Area dealers. But of course, that’s not all.

Informative seminars about sailing, rigging, marine navigation equipment, corrosion, electrolysis and shock hazards, as well as a talk by the Marine Mammal Center, and Michael Rex sharing information about the Charles Van Damme Ferry Paddle Wheel Project, are spread across the three days. No registration is required. Seating will be on a first-come first-served basis.

In true show style, the weekend is likely to feel more like a festival than just a boating event. Five different bands will provide a musical backdrop, starting at 3 p.m. on Friday with the Hawaiian-grown performer Matt Bolton. And don’t forget Sunday’s “Last Call in Paradise Party,” from 12 to 2 p.m., co-hosted by Latitude 38 and Spaulding Marine Center. The party is free to show ticket holders, and you can get discounted beer tickets at the Latitude 38 and Spaulding booths. Come along and enjoy the music of the Cruz Boys and a tribute to Jimmy Buffett.

Another fun, community feature will be glass-art displays, and on Saturday from 11–5, artists at the nearby ICB/ART facility will be giving demonstrations in their studios.

Did we mention family fun? Parents can be assured both they and their kids will be entertained with games and activities such as Giant Jenga, Bean Bag Toss, a Pirate Ship Bounce House, and more. Oh, and scuttlebutt says KKMI’s Paul Kaplan is going to be seated in the Dunk Tank!

But back to the show. We’re looking forward to catching up with all our friends and readers. We’re also excited to spend time with many of our advertisers who are hosting their own booths. You can see the full list of exhibitors here.

The Sausalito Boat Show is scheduled from October 13 to 15, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday) at Clipper Yacht Harbor, 310 Harbor Dr., Sausalito.

Tickets are available here: Let’s Go to the Show!

And for the show map, parking and shuttle information, follow this link. There will be designated bike parking, so you can leave the car at home!

Oh, one more thing … pets are not invited this time, but service animals are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there!