Seattle Boat Show Cruises Into Shilshole Bay Marina

Do you yearn to glide silently along in a sailboat, or is the full-throttle excitement of a powerboat more your speed? Either way, the Seattle Boat Show, Aug. 16-20 at Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard, will likely have just what you're looking for. Featuring more than 250 boats in the water and in the parking lot on trailers, the 28th annual celebration of boating offers a multitude of family activities, including live music, food, and much more.

"As one of the Pacific Northwest's premiere marinas, we are excited to be hosting the Seattle Boat Show for the seventh year in a row," said Shilshole Bay Marina general manager Darlene Robertson. "Shilshole, with its ideal location on Puget Sound, close proximity to Ballard and Seattle, and plenty of free parking is the perfect venue for this event. This year's show promises to be bigger and better than ever before."

Featured this year is an expanded marine exhibition area filled with boatbuilders, yachtriggers, and electronic equipment displays. Speakers covering topics ranging from shellfishing to what it's like to spend three years on a 12-foot sailboat are scheduled, as well as a series of how-to seminars, plus children's activities.

Hours are Wednesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $7 per person, 17 and under free if accompanied by an adult. Buy your tickets on-line and receive a coupon good for free valet parking. For more information, or to buy admission tickets on-line, go to www.seattleboatshow.com. The Seattle Boat Show is produced by the Northwest Marine Trade Association.

Operated by the Port of Seattle, Shilshole Bay Marina features moorage for 1,500 sailboats and powerboats. The marina also has guest moorage for more than 100 boats and dry moorage for 80 vessels, and a number of other services and amenities.