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Sausalito Struts Its Stuff at Inaugural Boat Show

Sausalito turned on its best weather for the Bayside city’s inaugural boat show. Under the guidance of a team of local boaters and waterfront businesses, the event shaped up in true show style, with the festival-like atmosphere being soaked up by sailors, powerboaters and water enthusiasts alike. The docks were packed with boats and booths hosted by welcoming staff, and entertainment was on hand for everyone from 5 to 50 and beyond!

Sausalito Yacht Club delivered a great crew of volunteers, who manned the gates and ticket counter while boat show staff and volunteers moved among the crowds to facilitate smooth runnings. And by all accounts they succeeded! No one would have guessed the show was pulled together in only three months.

“We’re delighted to have been able to showcase not only the marine lifestyle and industry, but also acknowledge the grassroots activity and energy that led Sausalito to becoming the waterfront community that it is today,” show manager Mitch Perkins said when we spoke with him this morning.

Mitch Perkins opens the first annual Sausalito Boat Show on Friday. The show closed on Sunday at 5 p.m. to an orchestra of boat horns.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Heather

“So many nautical entities were born here, including the Liberty Ships and Latitude 38, and the Mathew Turner …” Perkins said. “And we want this to continue.

“We want to give a huge thank you and a shout-out to the community and everyone who helped make this happen, from the businesses, to the locals, the City of Sausalito, and to Sausalito’s EDAC [Economic Development and Advisory Committee],” he added.

A good day both on and off the dock.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Nicki

A big thanks must also go to Clipper Yacht Harbor for hosting and providing such a great venue. We heard compliments all weekend! Habormaster Curtis Havel said they were very happy to have had the opportunity to host the Sausalito Boat Show.

“The event was a great success, and we were thrilled that our guests got to explore so many beautiful boats as well as a broad selection of maritime services provided here in Sausalito and Marin County,” Havel told us.

Here are a few pics that we took over the three-day event.

Modern Sailing was on hand to guide people into the sailing life.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Nicki
From left to right: Erica (KKMI) Nick (Denison Yachts), Mitch (boat show manager), and Ethan from H&M Marine take time out for a quick group hug and photo at the show.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Nicki
The dunk tank was a hit with everyone!
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Nicki

There was even a display and on-water demonstration of model boats by the Elk Grove Model Yacht Club from Sacramento.

It’s the tactic of racing model boats that keeps the club members enthused — among other things.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Monica

If you didn’t make it to the show, you did miss out. But given the positive feedback from vendors and visitors alike, we expect you’ll have another opportunity at next year’s Sausalito Boat Show.

6 Comments

  1. Dale E Land 7 months ago

    I enjoyed the venue, displays and hosts at each, friendly atmosphere, nearby restaurants, boats, music and so much effort by many to bring this event to Sausalito.
    Once I see the date for the show next year it will be on the calendar for sure.

  2. Memo Gidley 7 months ago

    Great show! Thanks to Clipper Yacht Harbor and all involved to make this show so fun to be at!

  3. Janis Gio 7 months ago

    Totally enjoyed being at the show with our great community of mariners. Looking forward to next year and hoping for an additional tent with more vendors. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.

  4. Christine Weaver 7 months ago

    I loved this show! Having grown up strolling the docks in Sausalito as soon as I could walk, holding onto my daddy’s hand, I always enjoy reliving those strolls as an adult. Being at the show on the Sausalito shoreline felt joyous. The show was well produced, visitors and vendors alike seemed to be having a great time, the weather was beautiful, the venue was scenic and clean. What took so long for Sausalito to have a boat show? Kudos to Mitch Perkins and the staff and volunteers who pulled this one together. I’m looking forward to next year! (Full disclosure: I worked at the Latitude 38 booth.)

  5. Trish D’Anna 7 months ago

    So delighted to welcome boaters to our docks for a Boat Show. Attendees spoke highly of the variety of yachts and the sense of fun felt throughout the show. Bravo!

  6. Steve Ware 7 months ago

    Attended on Sunday morning. Great weather and great show.

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