San Diego Boat Show

We’re not sure if Thursday’s big opening day crowds at the San Diego Boat Show were there because of the economy — or in spite of it. The show opened at noon under sunny skies and warm breezes. By 2 p.m., boarding steps were surrounded by shoes and barefooted sailors were checking out the nice line-up of boats.

Of course the economy was on everyone’s mind, and these are challenging times, but the dealers we spoke with said activity has picked up. With good slips available in San Diego, and the Mexican border just a few miles to the south, it’s easy to see why the sailing dream inspires so many to head to the show in a continued ‘pursuit of happiness’. The show runs through this Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center.