It is luxury afloat, an experience enjoyed by royalty, presidents and top executives.
It is the world of luxury yachts.
On its return in September, YachtFest San Diego will give those who can (and cannot) afford one of the pricey yachts the chance to go on board and take a look around.
The second annual YachtFest runs Sept. 13-16 at the Shelter Island Marina/Island Palms Hotel, which hosted the show last year.
This time organizers promise at least 20 luxury craft, most longer than 100 feet and some worth upwards of $10 million.
Down below, visitors will find roomy interiors with warm wood paneling, comfortable upholstery, and in some cases priceless furnishings and artwork.
Interiors frequently have the professional decorator’s touch. King-size beds, bidets and whirlpool baths can be the most conservative of amenities.
All these combine with state-of-the-art power plants, electronics and auxiliary vessels like personal watercraft or runabouts. Some luxury yachts carry their own helicopters.
Such is the case with the Eagle III, a 107-foot Suncoast model that works as a charter yacht. It was a hit at the 2000 show and it will be back this year.
Yachts from Westport, Horizon, Delta Marine, Palmer Johnson, Feadship, Christensen, Codecasa, Crescent Beach, Nordlund, Nova Tech, Sovereign, Sensation, Swan, Sunseeker and Sonship are also expected for the show.
Sailing superyachts will be introduced to the show for the first time.
One-day admissions to the show are $50. A two-day pass costs $75.
The show will also offer seminars for yacht owners and crews, and a major fund-raising event.
A gala dinner and cruise Sept. 15 will raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A cocktail hour at the marina precedes the cruise of San Diego Bay. The cost is $250 per person. For more information, call Deborah Chandler at (858) 373-8700.
More information on the show is also available at (http://yachtfest.com).
