Pacific Sail Expo

What a whirlwind that was, Boat Show Week.

It’s our re-entry into boat sales. The Ultimate 20 we were displaying was fresh out of the molds, second boat from the new production line. Lots of jobs still to do finishing up the boat...gear to install, hatches, blocks, cleats, etc. Had to haul the boat up from Southern Cal, fit it with a keel in Santa Cruz, deliver it to Alameda (Thanks Rob and Jeff) for a ramp launch and quick motor to Jack London Square.

We borrowed an Ultimate 24 from a great owner (Thanks Peter) cleaned her up and put her in as well. The Antrim 25 is based on the Ultimate 24 with the addition of the Antrim Articulated Bowsprit, a different main hatch and an improved roller furling deck site. Peter’s boat is fresh out of the yard with a freshly painted carbon spar, sprit and boom. He keeps the boat nearly new so it was perfect for the show. This boat has over a hundred races on it and people at the show were surprised it wasn’t a new boat. Good luck on the Coastal Cup with her Peter!

First day of the show was filled with the usual last minute hustle...all normal stuff. The gates open and viola, Ultimate 20’s are back on the sportboat scene. Woohoo!!! Lots of U20 owners came by to check her out and many, many prospective new owners. It’s obvious that this little sportboat has been sorely missed in the market.

The weather was forgiving (for once, no rain), for at least the first few days, then the weekend turned cold and uberwindy...20-25 in the afternoons. Too much for demos but we still managed some on Sunday, thanks to Trent Watkins for bringing UFO down from Richmond. Trent took a prospective boat owner out on Thursday as well, but broke a 14 year old rudder strap at the weld and had to RTB (return to base).

The show was smaller than in years past, due to the ongoing construction at JL Square but I think this is a good thing. It was easier to see everything and revisit the vendors you really liked.

I attended a preview of the upcoming major film release of the movie ‘Morning Light’ given by it’s producer, longtime sailing aficionado Roy Disney. In a word, stunning. Sailors and those yet to be introduced to our wonderful sport will all love this film. It’s all about the 11 kids who sail the TransPac aboard the Grand Prix TP52 racing yacht after which the movie is named. It focuses on the people, reality style, but there’s non of the back biting that you see in the television version of the real world. This movie is all about teamwork and positive influences...truly inspirational. Make sure you go see it’s early October release.

Highlights of the show for me were; The Andrews 28, a 3800 lbs, trailerable carbon fiber sportboat with standing headroom, inboard diesel and yes, even a private head; The new Catalina 37, replacing the venerable 36 but with many improvements over it’s predecessor; The Hunter 50, certainly the boat Hunter should try to emulate in it’s smaller designs and the Lagoon 42 Hybrid, the wave of the future in sailboat propulsion.

Great people, great parties, great fun....I’m glad it’s all over. I need to get some rest!

The best thing to come for the show for me was be able to confirm the delivery of our first U20. She’s in production and slated for the second week of June !!! More to follow.