SAN DIEGO – (September 25, 2009) – Fulfilling the city’s “new super-yacht capital” title, YachtFest San Diego presented by San Diego Marine Exchange was a smooth sailing success.^* The 10th anniversary show achieved the second best paid attendance in YachtFest history and boasted nearly 40 yachts, along with a stellar showcase of cars, planes, jewelry and numerous other sea-faring accessories and services – worth a total of over $100 million.  YachtFest San Diego, now recognized as the premier boutique yacht show in the West Coast, is known for its San Diego hospitality, highly select display of builder, charter, fractional and brokerage yachts and ample industry networking opportunities. “With more exhibiting yachts than last year and the second highest paid attendance ever, we are very pleased with the results of this year’s show,” said Doug Sharp, YachtFest board chair and president of Sharp Design. “In addition to exhibiting a magnificent collection of quality yachts, YachtFest has become a prominent venue to showcase San Diego’s robust – and ever-growing – yachting industry.”  Throughout the four-day show, eager attendees – including those in the market to buy/charter a yacht and people fascinated by the yachting lifestyle – walked the red-carpeted docks of Shelter Island Marina, took off their shoes and asked permission to come aboard some of the world’s most luxurious floating vessels, ranging from 48 to 156 feet.  

Show highlights included a sold-out “All Decked Out” Fashion Show, on Thursday, September 17. Benefiting the San Diego Armed Services YMCA’s “Operation Kid Comfort” program, the event featured models wearing the latest fall fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue.