In its seventh year, Pacific SAIL EXPO (PSE) comes to Jack London Square from Wednesday, April 23, to Sunday, April 27. Working with Northern California Marine Association as onsite coordinators, PSE has become the largest sailboat show on the Pacific Rim. Going to a boat show is a rite of spring for thousands of sailors and boaters west of the Mississippi. PSE hosts 300 exhibitors from across the country and around the globe. PSE 2003 is offering more seminars, more sailing opportunities, and two fabulous tall ships to climb aboard Thursday evening.

Over 80 seminars offer a fabulous array of education and entertainment opportunities that are unparalleled in any other venue. Among the over 100 boats on view, several boats are making their debuts. The sailing world will see the 45-foot Tartan 4400, with a raised coach roof main cabin, for the first time.

New for 2003, Discover Racing has been added for a short windward-leeward race on Friday and Saturday afternoon to try the protected Oakland Estuary to get a fun introduction to the competitive and increasingly social side of the sport.

Once you enter the show gates, pick up your free directory. This guide includes a seminar schedule and a listing of all exhibitors, indexed by product, which will be a handy reference for future shopping. There is much to do inside the show and in the surrounding environs. Plan your route and show days so you don’t miss the many special events. If you can’t wait to plan which days and what to see, try www.sailamerica.org.

Show hours on opening day are 12 noon to 7 p.m. The show is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Ferry in and enjoy the shows.

Pacific Powerboat Expo 2003

Hosted at Jack London’s premier marina on the Oakland waterfront, the Pacific Power Expo represents 33 years of successful Spring boat shows. PPE 2003 includes over 100 yachts in the water including motor yachts up to 70 feet! Brokerage powerboats, 75,000 square feet of trailer boats, all kinds of boating products and marine accessories. This is the most boat accessories the Spring show has seen in years really making this show the season opener for any and all who love water sports and recreation.

Yachts from around the world make this a truly international event with representative yachts by builders from Australia, Argentina, Malaysia, China, Europe, Canada, and more, many seen here for the first time. Sport fishing boats, tournament ski boats, family cruisers, patio boats, and inflatables are just a few of the types to be seen at this West Coast boating exposition. Classic boats can also be seen, including Dan Arena’s Arenacraft, the first production fiberglass boat. Engines like Evinrude’s new environmentally friendly outboard motors, set up to demo, are just a few of the many new options to see along with favorite displays and activities.

Fishing University with Gary Watts offers some of California’s best salt water and fresh water guides on Saturday and Sunday and will get you fish savvy for the 2003 season. A casting contest for kids and adults with great prizes will test your skills. Saltwater tackle will be on sale and demonstrated.

A full day’s entertainment is only $9 per person, $5 for kids and under 6 years are free! ($2 discount tickets available from participating marine dealers, www.ncma.com and in our ad in Bay Crossings). Pacific Powerboat Expo is produced by the Northern California Marine Association and its member dealers and associates. Let’s go boating!

Hours May 1-4 are 10 a.m. to 6p.m.