Shows

Sail Expo runs through Sunday

Sailing enthusiasts have gathered at the Vinoy Boat Basin for Sail Expo St. Petersburg. The expo began on Thursday, but there is plenty of time to enjoy the show. The expo, which will feature over 160 exhibitors and sailboats ranging from day sailors to large cruisers, will run through Sunday.

There will be many activities, including more than 60 seminars on a variety of sailing topics, including hurricane and offshore safety, basic celestial navigation and cruising the United States and Caribbean. There will be a daily children's boat-building workshop, where children 4-and-older will build, launch and race 10-foot wooden skiffs.

From 6-8 p.m. Saturday, those with tickets can enjoy a cruisers bash with beer and pizza and a chance to win a Hunter Marine sailboat and a weeklong Sunsail vacation.

"This show is one of the most popular sailboat shows in the U.S., known for its easy access and complete range of sailboats and sailing products," executive director Scot West said.

Tickets for the expo can be purchased online at www.sailamerica.com or by calling 1-800-817-7245. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate today and $9.60 in advance or $12 at the gate Saturday-Sunday. Children 6-12 years old are $4 in advance, $5 at the gate today-Sunday. Children 5 and under are free.

The Expo is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. A shuttle will be provided from designated parking lots downtown to the boat basin. Signs around the city will direct people to the parking lots.