Seattle’s 35th annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show will start in less than one week, opening its doors on Wednesday, September 11, at 11 am and will last until Sunday, September 15, 2013. The annual show, exhibiting more than 200 new and used boats or vessels from 20 to 90 feet, is recognized as the West Coast’s largest floating show. From sport boats to cabin cruisers to mega-yachts and everything in between, Boats Afloat has it all. The event will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
But the show is not just for adults or for mom and dad to shop for the boat of their dreams. The show is full of free activities for kids of all ages. Kids 8-16 can get on the water and be introduced to the thrill of small boat sailing with 60-minute free sailboat lessons courtesy of Sail Sandpoint. All ages can enjoy the Center for Wooden Boats hands-on toy boat building. And since safety on the water is an important boating lesson to teach kids, Stearns Lifejackets will be giving away 500 kids lifejackets on Saturday and Sunday of the show.
Going to the show won’t break the family piggy bank. Kids under 11 are free, kids 11-17 get in for $5, and there’s a nearby lot with a free shuttle to the show where parking is only $3 for all day.
Attractions this year include:
Largest and most expensive boat in the show is a 90 foot mega yacht, a 2011 Ocean Alexander, priced at $5.6 million. According to Power& Motoryacht Magazine, “The 90 is the kind of boat any owner would be proud to own—graceful and sleek on the outside, spacious and elegant on the inside, she’s really got it all. There’s not much else you could ask for.”
Most unusual boat in the show – Helicat
Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s HeliCat! It might look like a helicopter but it’s a catamaran and it can zip across the water at 40+ mph. Locally built in Monroe, the Helicat is making its world debut at Boats Afloat.
New for 2011: A special learn to sail ticket. As a part of the show, Seattle Sailing Club will be offering an introduction to sailing package. Participants will first take a 1.5 hour on-land seminar, followed by a 1.5 hour on-water lesson. Lessons take place on Seattle Sailing Club keelboats. This is professional quality instruction in a fun, accessible package. The $50 package includes 2-day admission to the show.
Free daily 45-minute sailboat rides for all ages on Lake Union on 30-40 foot boats through Discover Sailing.
Free 60-minute sailing lessons for kids 8-16 on 13’ Hobie Cat Waves courtesy of Sail Sandpoint. Lessons will be available on Friday at 1pm and 3pm and Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm. To sign up for free lessons in advance, email info@boatsafloatshow.com.
Center for Wooden Boats kids toy boat building Saturday and Sunday. Kids can use traditional tools to build and decorate their own wooden boat and see them float in the pond.
Kids Lifejacket Giveaway: Water safety awareness in and around the water is an important lesson for kids. And because kids are the most important people in the world, Boats Afloat will be distributing 500 free kids lifejackets on September 14 and 15. Kids must be present to receive the lifejacket while supplies last.
All you need to know
What: South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show
When: Wednesday September 11th – Sunday September 15th, 2013
Hours:
Wednesday, VIP Opening Day Experience, 11am – 8pm (festivities 4-8pm)
Thursday and Friday 11am – 7pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm
Where: South Lake Union in Seattle
Tickets:
$12 for adults / $5 for kids 12-17 (kids under 11 are free).
$18 for a multi-day pass.
Weekdays (except Wednesday) 5-7 pm: $6
New: VIP Opening Day ticket: $18 includes wine/beer tasting, commemorative glass and entertainment
New: $50 Intro-to-Sailing ticket includes 2-day admission, 1.5 hour seminar and 1.5 hour on-water sailing lesson.
e-Tickets can be purchased online.
Getting There: Parking lots are limited near the show. For convenience park downtown and take the Seattle Street Car directly the show on South Lake Union.
Saturday and Sunday: Park at the lot at the corner of E Blaine and Fairview Ave E and catch the free shuttle to the show. Park all day for $3.
Show Office: 206-748-0012
