April 17-21, Jack London Square, Oakland, California

Pacific Sail Expo 2002, the premiere sail-only show held on the US West Coast, returns with the largest display of boats and sailing gear on the Pacific Rim. Show organizers have been working with a wide range of sailing organizations on the West Coast to highlight different aspects of sailing to continue broadening the show’s appeal. In 2001, 15,000 show attendees enjoyed more than 300 exhibitors and 100 yachts in the water and this year show organizers hope to add more dock space to allow for more in-water exhibits.

“We’re off to a great start with pre-show planning for Pacific Sail Expo,” said Scot West, Executive Director for Sail America. “Pacific Sail Expo is such a positive event and our biggest challenge is how to fit it all in. We expect that the upcoming show will exceed the 2001 show in exhibitors, number of boats on the water, and attendance. Pacific SAIL EXPO enjoys a wonderful level of support from the industry on both a local, national and international level, with resulting growth in the show each year. It’s a sailor’s best opportunity to compare products, get answers and solve problems with help from the experts.”

New events planned for Pacific SAIL EXPO 2002 include a dedicated Family Weekend to encourage parents to the show knowing the kids can be occupied. Activities will include dinghy sailing right at the show, a junior regatta, as well as an action packed Family Boat Building event organized by Wooden Boat Magazine.

In 2002, new topics in the show’s outstanding seminar series will include a panel discussion on shorthanded sailing and ocean racing featuring Brad Van Liew, the only American to finish the grueling 27,000 mile Around Alone 1998-1999 competition. Added by popular demand, a new seminar, ‘Catamaran Cruising’ will be presented by Richard Spindler, publisher of Latitude 38. Returning to the show are John Neal and Amanda Swan Neal of Blue Water Sailing, presenting seminars on ‘Galley Essentials’, ‘Storm Survival Tactics’, and ‘Preparing For Blue Water Cruises’.

Other confirmed events include Latitude 38’s first annual “I’ve Been Around” Party at the show on Friday, April 19th from 6-8PM. The gathering will be a reunion for all West Coasters who have circumnavigated under sail, as well as those who want to, in celebration of the circumnavigating achievement.