Thousands of boating enthusiasts and community members attended the 2018 Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show over four days, April 19 -22, celebrating sailing, boating, and the marine sport lifestyle at the Richmond waterfront’s Craneway Pavilion and Marina Bay Yacht Harbor.

“We welcomed a truly dedicated maritime crowd, including our passionate exhibitors and in-water boat display participants,“ commented Katie Kelly, Sail America Association Manager. “We are fortunate to have so many people involved who make the show a success. We are already looking forward to next year, when the new ferry service to the Craneway Pavilion, currently in process, will make it easy and fun for people to visit the show.”

In its third year in Richmond, this year’s show filled the 45,000 sf exhibit space, created an in-water boat showcase and featured additional global participants. Show management also reported that attendance had increased over the previous year. The 2018 Best of Show winner is Jeanneau America. The Best in Show Water Display award went to Silver Seas Yachts. The Best in Show Booth Display – 200 sf and Under was awarded to 727 Sailbags and the Best in Show Booth Display – Over 200 sf was given to Helly Hansen.

Boat show visitors crowded around the new sail and power boats and shopped for exciting and new marine products and gear. “ We had lots of quality inquiries about our products,” said exhibitor Sean Svendsen of Svendsen’s Marine & Industrial Supply. Shoppers took advantage of expert advice and great boat show discounts.

“We’re so happy with the turnout and enthusiasm,” commented Matt Lewis, Visit Richmond CA. “Richmond has so much to offer this audience – from the dog friendly atmosphere to our hospitality establishments  and wonderful restaurants.  We were pleased to direct many of the attendees to our neighborhood gems with the Richmond Trail Guides on such a gorgeous weekend.”

Over 2,000 visitors participated in the ongoing seminars learning about weather forecasting, surface pressure charts, marine diesel engine troubleshooting, offshore cruising, medical emergencies, and more. Hands-on boating clinics featuring both sail and power boats were popular and radio-controlled model yacht racing was a favorite activity for young and old alike.

L-R Richard Jepson, US Sailing, Roger van Hertsen, Evrand van Hertsen and swimmer Christian Einfeldt

Environment and safety were a focus of the outdoor activities. A big highlight of the show, the U.S. Coast Guard showcased their water rescue helicopter both Saturday and Sunday and Groundwork Richmond hailed Earth Day with training and guided kayak tours. US Sailing presented the Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal to Roger van Hertsen and his father Evrand van Hertsen for their rescue of swimmer Christian Einfeldt, who was severely injured by an attacking sea lion in San Francisco Bay in December of 2017.

Camaraderie among the boating community was at an all time high. Latitude 38’s TGIF Party was filled to capacity on Friday night and Cruising Outpost’s Cruisers Party was a big hit, raising money for the Educational Tall Ships Project in Sausalito, CA.

As the boats slowly moved out of Richmond’s Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, exhibitors packed up their booths and drove away from Craneway Pavilion. It was kind of like the circus coming into a small town and transforming it into a fun and exciting show over four days. And then it leaves and afterwards the town goes back to regular life, with only the hope that it will return again next year. And it will.

About Sail America

Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show is produced by Sail America. Sail America is the trade association for the U.S. sailing industry and plays a vital role for all companies that are involved in providing sailing-related products and services. Established in 1990, Sail America works hard to promote the health and growth of sailing.

About Richmond:

Richmond CA is an East Bay city with historic roots on 32 miles of shoreline on the San Francisco Bay and is home to:

  • Three breweries – Armistice Brewing Co., East Brother Beer Co. and Benoit & Casper Brewing
  • Two wine bars –Riggers Loft Wine Co. which has four wineries and one cidery & Four2Nine Wine Bar with International wines
  • A landmark restaurant & hotel built in 1911, a getaway B&B on an island, and a newly renovated hotel with a restaurant, outdoor lounge, Jacuzzi & swimming pool
  • Three great dog parks because Richmond is dog friendly
  • Over 13 museums & art centers
  • Five yacht clubs and marinas
  • Music venues including a church with marvel acoustics and street festivals. Visit Richmond CA

U. S. Coast Guard and their pilots