A Cool Idea For Arizonans

The Progressive Insurance® San Diego International Boat Show cruises into Harbor Island June 20-23, featuring more boats, more attractions, and more learning opportunities than ever before, providing boaters and non-boaters alike a chance to enjoy four days of fun on the water.

As the region’s premier boating event, the 2013 Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show, in partnership with the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) and San Diego Superyacht Association, is 30 percent large,r showcasing more than 150 boats to browse, board and buy, plus hundreds of the newest marine gear and accessories for sale.

New Reasons To Visit The Show

Tour Historic Steam Yacht, Medea: San Diego Maritime Museum is sailing the renowned Medea into the show. Attendees can tour the century-old steam yacht, built of oak, teak and steel in 1904. This vessel is rich in history having served in two world wars and is one of the last of its kind — a boat show can’t-miss!

Life Jacket Exchange: Representatives from the Department of Boating and Waterways will be at the show to inspect life jackets for proper fit and serviceability. If it is found to be outgrown or otherwise unsuitable, it can be exchanged for a new, properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket (one life jacket per family, while supplies last).Learn about California’s life jacket regulations and the importance of wearing a life jacket at http://www.wearitcalifornia.com.

Experience the Shellback Rum Hut Simulated Boat Race: The Shellback Rum Hut features a boat simulator inspired by the Shellback-sponsored ORACLE Team USA. In addition, visitors can sample rum cocktails and share their tales from the sea in a video confession booth. For participating in the experience, visitors may also be rewarded with a limited edition pair of co-branded "Shellbacker" boat shoes by Creative Recreation.

Climb aboard superyachts: For the first time, the boat show is showcasing a selection of superyachts from 100 feet and up, including Fraser Yachts’ Maximus II 106’ Horizon. Whether a big buyer or dreamer, visitors won’t want to miss this fleet of yachts.

DIY Fun: Head to Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center, a garage-like setting, to learn how to keep that boat in tip-top shape. Check the Web site for registration details and seminar schedules.

Expanded On-Water Educational Clinics & Seminars: Discover “Boating Puts You At The Helm” during 60-to 90-minute on-water skills-building clinics, with instruction on a variety of powerboating and sailing topics. And, for a more in-depth experience, there are several advanced 3 ½-hour, underway courses scheduled.

Not Ready To Leave Dry Land? The CYBA is presenting dozens of on-land seminars ranging from Boating 101 to lessons for experienced skippers. Advance registration for on-water clinics is highly recommended; fee for each on-water Discover Boating clinic includes complimentary boat show admission for the day; participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Back By Popular Demand

Learn To SCUBA: At the “Be a Diver Pool,” dive into an underwater world in the comfort of a heated pool. Anyone ages ten and older can learn how to scuba dive with a certified instructor — all one needs is a swimsuit to participate. The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) will supply the scuba gear, changing rooms and hair dryers. Participants can also get a photo taken underwater as a keepsake.

Paddle Sports Fun At Try It Cove: Try It Cove challenges attendees to find out firsthand why paddles ports are all the rage with a variety of daily opportunities to get on the water, including Stand Up Paddling (SUP), kayaking and more.

Show Details

When: Thursday through Sunday, June 20-23

Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21– noon to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 22–10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 23 – 10:00 a.m. to6:00 p.m.

Where: Sheraton Harbor Island and Spanish Landing Park

1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Admission: $12 – Adults (13 years and older)

FREE – Children (12 years and under) and military personnel with proper ID

Advance tickets can be purchased online at http://www.sandiegointernationalboatshow.com

Web: Visit http://www.sandiegointernationalboatshow.com; Facebook and Twitter.