Yacht Fest Sails Into San Diego

Luxury Yachts: For all of you yacht aficionados out there, be sure to clear your calendar from September 13-16. Back for its eighth consecutive year, Yacht Fest sets sails into San Diego's Shelter Island to present some of the world's finest boats, yachts, and super yachts available for purchase or charter. With a flourishing maritime community and arguably the nation's most agreeable climate, San Diego makes for a perfect backdrop to host this grand event.

Spanning the docks of San Diego's Shelter Island Marina and the halls of the Island Palms Hotel, Yacht Fest will feature more than 30 super yachts with price tags teetering at $50 million. With more and more consumers than ever cutting checks for these high-priced sea vessels, you better believe they come fully equipped with the finest amenities money can buy. Just some of the luxuries within these "mini-mansions" include helicopters, hot tubs, workout rooms and wine cellars. Only the most prestigious of luxury yacht builders will be in attendance to showcase their vessels; participating manufacturers range from Christensen and Ocean Alexander to Sunseeker and Northstar Yachts. Also on site will be a crew of sales and charter brokers ready to answer questions pertaining to the sea cruising lifestyle. Dubbed as one of the West Coast's premier yacht shows, Yacht Fest, presented by the San Diego Marine Exchange, is expecting record-breaking attendance.

Highlights of the four-day event entail everything from workshops and seminars to fundraisers and fashion shows. Attendees can take advantage of free seminars where they can talk candidly with captains, crewmembers, engineers, stewards and chefs about their experiences aboard a luxury yacht. On Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. be sure to attend "Your Career in Yachting," a seminar covering the many facets of today's yachting industry.

Benefiting the San Diego Armed Services YMCA, the "All Decked Out" fashion show will showcase the finest yachting apparel. Models outfitted in attire—suited for any mega yacht millionaire—will make their way down the red-carpeted docks. Tickets for Friday's fashion show at 11:30 a.m. are priced at $50 or $75 for preferred access admission.

YachtFest will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-General Admission tickets are priced at $32 and allow guests to experience the life aboard a first-class yacht. Two Day General Admission tickets are also available for $46.
-The Preferred Access Badge is available for $68 and gives yachting enthusiasts priority when boarding all yachts, as well as a complimentary beverage.
-The Two-Day Preferred Access Badge is the ultimate package for yachting connoisseurs. Available for an amazing price of $82 this badge enables guests to soak in the lavish lifestyle of a yachtsman. Experience all YachtFest offers by expanding your experience into two days worth of intimate yacht viewing.

For LxM Christina Stewart