The landmark Boats Afloat Show is returning to South Lake Union September 12 to 15, with hundreds of in-water boats and exhibitors from all parts of the marine industry. Boats Afloat, which has been at the Chandler’s Cove location for nearly 40 years, will move to the Port of Everett next year as Vulcan Inc.’s land development plans for the area proceed. The show is organized by the Northwest Yacht
Brokers Association.
Notably this year, the venerable show will feature over 200 new and interesting boats and the return of kids sailing lessons. Previous show favorites returning this year include the Women’s docking clinic, adult sailing lessons, free boat rides, kids boat building, and more.
Among the boat exhibitors is Blackfin Boats, back at the show after a 10-year absence. Fans of the classic fishing boats may not know that the brand was purchased by two boatbuilders in Florida, who have been turning out custom builds for years.
The boats have only been shown in Florida in more recent times, but Irwin Yacht Sales will have three new models—a 212 CC, 242CC, and 272DC—at the show. Additionally, Crow’s Nest Yachts will be showing a new 2020 Apollonio Yacht 52’, the first to make an appearance on the West Coast in decades.
Kids between 8 and 16 can enjoy free sailing lessons courtesy of the Center for Wooden Boats and Sail Sand Point for a hour-long experience on Lake Union on September 14 and 15. They will learn basic principles such as tacking, jibing, sail trim, and weight balance while parents cruise the show at their leisure. Pre-registration is recommended as popular times fill up fast, so email Kirsten at showinfo@boatsafloatshow.com to reserve a space.
In the email, please include how many kids, their respective ages, and first choice of time slot. Time slots can be found online at boatsafloatshow.com. A confirmation of time and date will be sent to you. Please show up 10 minutes early to sign a release form and get fitted for a life jacket!
More details about the 2020 transition to the Port of Everett will be reported as they develop. Everett has invested millions into their public waterfront infrastructure over the last several years, with recreational boater use as a top priority. As a result of their efforts, the Port of Everett is widely considered one of the largest, if not the largest, public marina on the West Coast, with 2,300 slips and a 13-lane boat launch facility.
Perhaps there is a lesson here. If one city does not want to invest in the marine industry and public waterfront access while another does, the people and their boat shows will respond. For now, it’s a last dance with Seattle before the first date with Everett for Boats Afloat. Time will tell if other marine industry leaders follow suit.
