YachtFest

Despite being held annually for the past decade in San Diego, YachtFest is skipping this year, “to take a complete fresh look at how we fit into the superyacht business paradigm,” according to the board chair.

The event had been scheduled for September 16 to 19, with plans announced last November. It typically features builders, brokers, and other related exhibitors as well as new and brokerage yachts.

Organizers and exhibitors alike say a revamp is a good idea. Doug Sharp, president of Sharp Design and YachtFest’s board chair, explains that the goal is to incorporate more San Diego businesses, plus reach out to other megayacht businesses throughout the United States and around the world. Diane Fraser, vice president of Fraser Yachts Worldwide, one of the regular exhibitors, says, “It’s time to substantially refresh and bring the show to the next level. San Diego has grown in so many positive ways in the past 10 years. The show needs to reflect the new San Diego.”

Written by: Diane Byrne
Diane M. Byrne is the founder and editor of the daily updated website Megayacht News. A longtime yachting writer, she also contributes to Yachts International, Boat Exclusive, and other magazines. She is additionally a member of the International Superyacht Society Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association.