The boats were divided into two long rows--powerboats and sailboats.
We started off with the powerboats, thinking that's where the fun was. And it was fun, taking our shoes off and climbing into different cruisers and exploring the decks, bedrooms, washrooms, galleys (kitchens), etc. It was quite an eye-opener, especially for my kids. When nobody was looking, we even checked to see if a washroom worked; unfortunately, we never found the flush lever.
Pretty satisfied with the powerboats, but thinking of stretching the $8 admission a little further, we went over to see the sailboat exhibits. We walked to the farthest one and sat down with Malcolm, a promoter who had gotten into sailing only recently. Malcolm assured us that sailing wasn't as complicated as it sometimes appears to be in how-to books. He learnt his ropes in a 4-day weekend course. Also, the silence and economy (no gas needed once out at sea!) of the experience adds to the enjoyment.
We proceeded to check out almost all the sailboats there--from 50' luxury yachts (with personal jacuzzi and lots of LCD TVs) costing half a million dollars to "good deals" like the well-maintained 36' sailboat for $49,000. There were promoters on hand offering fractional timeshares for sail and power boats at $700 a month for seven days' use per month during sailing season.
Hmm, tempting! However, we're unlikely to pick up a yacht anytime soon--to begin with, we don't have a sailing licence. More importantly, I was feeling seasick at the end of our boat show visit, a feeling that dogged me all the way home and into the evening. One timeshare promoter helpfully shared that one of her colleagues would pop anti-nausea pills as soon as waves reached 2" high, and offer the Gravol to her clients as well. What comfort ... not!
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