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RSW Living Magazine

Gear Up for Spring Boating: Two big events celebrate all things nautical

Mar 09, 2021 09:55PM ● By ANN MARIE O’PHELAN

Bonita Springs Boat Show

The 32nd annual Bonita Springs Boat Show, held every March, attracts Southwest Florida’s fervent boating lovers. Fifteen area dealers show off dozens of boat lines featuring vessels under 40 feet and in every price range. Check out marine accessories, engines, electronics, boat lifts and more from a wide range of exhibitors. Plus, the Bonita Fishin’ Village offers a big display of fishing tackle along with expert advice. 

“At the show you can learn how to maximize your boating experience in Southwest Florida, from understanding insurance to learning about storage and navigation,” says show organizer Kyle Good. Food and drinks are available at the Caloosa Café. The show runs daily from 10 am to 5 pm, March 4-7, 2021. Free parking. Admission for adults is $8; free for children under 16 (with paid adult). 


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bonita Springs Boat Show 
(Greyhound Track) 10601 Bonita Beach Road SE, 
Bonita Springs
239-656-7083; goboatingflorida.com


Sail Away This Spring!

The 20th Annual Performance Race Week with North U, the training division of sailmaker North Sails, and Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School begins Sunday, April 11, with a meet & greet party, followed by dinner. The week ends Saturday, April 17, with a championship regatta and gala anniversary rewards dinner. 

The event takes place outside Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. The week includes more than 33 hours of sailing, during which sailors get a chance to hone their racing skills through onboard coaching, seminars, video reviews and more. “It’s great fun, you learn a lot, and there’s plenty of personalized attention,” says Bill Gladstone, director of North U and lead instructor for Performance Race Week.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

North U
22 Magnolia Drive, 
Madison, CT 06443
203-245-0727; northu.com

Steve and Doris Colgate's Offshore Sailing School
16731 McGregor Boulevard, Suite 110,
Fort Myers
239-454-1700; offshoresailing.com

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
275 Estero Blvd., 
Fort Myers Beach
877-583-2901; pinkshell.com
(Ask about packages.)

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.