Riding the Waves of Opportunity at the Sausalito Boat Show

The Sausalito Boat Show (SBS) is back on the Bay on September 25–27 at Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito. Now in its fourth year, the event is growing, but remaining true to its waterfront roots. This year’s show will feature a fresh layout, with Clipper Harbor’s new docks hosting a variety of sailboats including the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380, 410 and 440 being brought over by Marine Servicenter from their new Point Richmond location. Naos Yachts will display the Excess 13, Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 and Lagoon 38. Of course, there’ll be powerboats for those who are floating the idea of a move to the “dark side.”

Aside from exploring boats at the docks, show attendees can take part in shoreside activities and entertainment. One of the big attractions of this year’s show is the Waves of Opportunity Happy Hour community fundraiser hosted by Helmut’s Marine Service and the San Rafael Channel Association. The Happy Hour’s mission is to get kids from the San Rafael Canal community out on the water, support the charter captains who make it possible, and bring the waterfront together for an evening that does some good.

This will be the fundraiser’s third running, with the first two events enabling organizers to pass on the benefits to the community. Here’s what they say about the success of their mission:

“Year One — we partnered with Canal Alliance and took a group of kids whale watching. Watching them see the Pacific from the deck of a boat, many for the first time, is what made this an annual event.”

“Year Two — we partnered with ELM (Enriching Lives through Music) to sponsor a charter fishing trip on San Francisco Bay for elementary students from the Canal neighborhood. First time on a boat, first time fishing, for most of them.”

“Year Three — we’re currently evaluating partner organizations to bring a new group of Canal-area kids out on the water. Details coming soon.”

You can help support this worthy community by joining the Waves of Opportunity Happy Hour for live music, wine, beer and waterfront views on Boat Show Friday, September 25, 6:00 p.m. at the Charter Dock, Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito.

Other activities at the boat show include educational seminars and workshops; the (free with your boat show entry) Women in Yachting Breakfast on Sunday, September 27, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; the Electric Boat Expo featuring models from different manufacturers, a panel and demo rides, including the Harbor Hopper shuttle that will take guests from one side of the show to the other. You can also bring your non-sailing friends and join them in opportunities for some on-the-water instruction with Modern Sailing and SailTime offering four slots per day Saturday and Sunday for $100 per person.

If you get tired and want to have some down time, you can take a break and chat with fellow mariners at the on-site Yacht Club Lounge or at the Coconut Bay, or get yourself some food and drinks served by local restaurant group Hot Monk, Spinnaker Restaurant and Latitude 38 crew party favorite Casablanca food truck. Or just roll with it all and try out your pitching arm at the Dunk Tank in support of Sausalito-Marin City Little League, or check out the model sailboat races hosted by the Sacramento and San Francisco Model Boat Clubs.

We know we have given you but a glimpse of what’s on at the show, but you can see the full list of vendors, events and activities, and get your tickets, here. And if you’re still unsure about how to maximize your time at the show, try this loosely arranged, weekend schedule:

Friday — Take your first look at the boats, browse the vendor booths and displays, explore the Electric Boating Experience, catch educational talks, and stay for the Waves of Opportunity Happy Hour.

Saturday — Go deeper on the docks, chat with the vendors about that product or service you’ve been wanting to explore, join some seminars, take your non-sailing friends (or yourself) for some on-the-water instruction, see the fireboat waterworks demonstration, and dance to the Illeagles playing live at 4 p.m. (included with admission).

Sunday — Start with the Women in Yachting Breakfast, revisit the boats, follow up at any booths you’ve missed, experience electric boating, and spend one more day at the PICYA Clubhouse.

Oh, and be sure to stop in and see the Latitude 38 crew at our booth #203 — pick up a free magazine, enter to win a free hat or a free subscription, show us your fancy rope tricks, or just swing by for a chat. It’s lining up to be a perfect weekend of sweet-spot sailing on the Sausalito waterfront.

See you at the Sausalito Boat Show at Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito, on September 25–27. Get your tickets here.