Mega-yachts, green boats and fast boats highlight 30th Lake Union Boats Afloat Show

Free lifejackets for first 400 kids
Win a ride in a classic unlimited hydroplane

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2007 – What will you take home?  Mega-yachts, environmentally friendly “green boats”, sailboats, fast boats and a 32-foot personal submarine highlight the 30th anniversary Lake Union Boats Afloat Show Sept. 12 – 16 on South Lake Union in Seattle. 

With over 330 boats on 75,000 square-feet of South Lake Union docks, the 2007 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show is the largest floating show on the West Coast.  In 2006, the Boats Afloat Show attracted a record 11,214 boating enthusiasts from 17 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. 

Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend, the Boats Afloat Show features a fleet in all sizes and all price ranges including well-appointed power and sailboats for the most seasoned boaters to over 70 boats 30-feet and below – ideal for a family exploring boating for the first time.  Tickets ($10 for adults and $5 for kids age 12 and under).  Receive a $10 gift card from Boaters World with the purchase of an e-Ticket on www.BoatsAfloatShow.com.  Three-day adult passes can be purchased for $18.

Highlighting the floating show are over 17 yachts in excess of 70-feet including the 118-foot Shaw mega yacht After Eight. Over 67 sailboats 16 to 58-feet are among the fleet including the “green” 42-foot Lagoon 420 diesel-electric-sail “hybrid” that charges her batteries through propeller revolutions while undersail.  The fleet also includes over 70 boats 30-feet and below including the Chris Craft Speedster, which can get up on a plane in less than 3 seconds and achieve open-water speeds in the mid-50 mph range.  A 32-foot personal submarine will also be on display at the show.

Courtesy of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum (www.thunderboats.org), the fabled 1959-vintage Miss Thriftway and 1968-vintage Miss Budweiser will be on display throughout the show with show-goers having an opportunity to bid for a ride in one of these classics.  On Saturday and Sunday, unlimited light drivers Joe Turner of the UL18 Countrywide presents StraitThunder.com and Rod Bourke of the UL62 Benz Electric presents Miss IRS Environmental will be on-hand in full racing gear to share stories of roostertails and close calls, sign autographs and pose for pictures.

In 2007, the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show will again make use of transportation options such as off-site parking and a shuttle service to help visitors get to and from the South Lake Union neighborhood without adding to congestion. 

In addition to the largest on-water collection of sail and powerboats on the West Coast, the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show includes something for every boater and boater-at-heart including:

Boats Afloat Show Events

• Kid’s Lifejacket Giveaway (while supplies last) -- The first 400 kids age 12 and under attending the show will be properly fit with a free U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket courtesy of Discovery Yachts, Olympic Boat Center and Stearns.  The program includes water safety education and fun activities for kids of all ages. 

• Sailfest Northwest (Wed. – Sun.)-- Showcase of Northwest sailing featuring 67 sailboats, free seminars, free sailboat rides from Discover Sailing and more.

• Boating Seminars (Wed. - Sun.) – Seminars for mariners of all levels and interests including “How to select the best sailboat for you”, “Captain license requirements”, “Flight of the Osprey:  A seven year Circumnavigation”, and the popular “Doggy on Deck: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know about Cruising with Fido”.

• Pro-Am Sailing Regatta (Wed.12 noon to 2 p.m.)-- Buoy racing, America’s Cup style - featuring Washington Olympians, members of the media and some of Seattle’s top sailing instructors from Sail Sand Point.

• Marine Product Exhibits (Wed. - Sun) – Find everything you need to get out on the water in your new boat with help from qualified professionals in the marine industry. Over 60 shore-side exhibits will include marine displays and experts on topics such as marine finance and insurance, navigation, yacht maintenance, and marine decorating.

• Food and Entertainment (Wed. – Sun.)– Take a break from walking the on the Quarterdeck Galley for food, beverages and fun throughout the show.  Be sure to catch Dave Calhoun and Trop Zone on Saturday and Sunday afternoon for tropical rock music in the Margaritaville style of Jimmy Buffett. 

Featured Boats Afloat

• Mega Yachts -- Seventeen of the Northwest’s most well-appointed yachts over 70-feet in length will be on display including the Shaw 118-foot mega yacht, After Eight.  After Eight comes complete with five staterooms, SeaDoo Wave Runners, Motor Scooters and a 19-foot tender.

• Green Boats -- The 42-foot Lagoon 420 “hybrid” is a revolutionary diesel-electric sailing catamaran that charges her batteries from propeller revolutions while undersail and when under power her generators kick-in to charge her batteries saving energy and fuel expense.

• Sailboats – Sailfest Northwest includes 67 sailboats from 16 to 58-feet including many of the most well-appointed cruising yachts the Northwest has to offer.

• Fast Boats – Over 70 boats 30-feet and below will be on display including the Chris Craft Speedster.  The Speedster sports a standard V-6 configuration that gets her up on plane in less than 3 seconds and achieving open-water speeds in the mid-50 mph range.

• Submarine – Painted like a large Orca whale, U.S. Submarine’s 32-foot personal submersible was built with the Swedish Navy and anti-submarine training in mind.  She’s now ready for adventures in up to 300 feet of water in Puget Sound and beyond.

The 2007 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show is sponsored by Fireman’s Fund Insurance

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About the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association www.nwyachtbrokers.com is a non-profit marine trade group founded in 1988 consisting of over 340 marine brokers, dealers and other industry professionals representing over 230 marine-related businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Subscribing to the strictest code of ethics, NYBA members are committed to bringing integrity and professionalism to the buying and selling process of new and previously owned pleasure craft. NYBA plays an active role in marine youth and education programs and is active in creating a greater interest in the welfare and safety of the boating public. Along with the Northwest Marine Trade Association, NYBA's January and September Boats Afloat Shows connect thousands of boating enthusiasts with marine professionals and the finest pleasure craft the Northwest has to offer.