Apart from the various summer sails we had a chance to be a part of, the 2010 San Diego Boat Show from July 22-25 really kicked off our summer.

Located at our home marina, the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel & Marina, we didn’t have too far to go. If you’ve ever been to a boat show, then you can relate to the excitement of it all; the setting up of tents of various companies from West Marine to hopeful yacht brokers such as Sunseeker Yacht Group, to the building of support docks and beams and overhangs, to the hustle and bustle of people going to and from on the dock.

It was an awesome weekend to hang out on the Aolani Cat, where we got to meet people from all over the U.S. who had traveled to San Diego for this years boat show (and weather, I’m sure). We gave many a tour of the boat that weekend, and even had a few charters in between. But, more about that in our next blog!

As sailboats and multi hulls began to fill up the marina, a unique sailboat drew the attention of many- a 36 ft. sailboat known as the Islander 36. This particular boat, named the Intrepid, has caught the attention of eyes around the globe due to the fact that that is exactly where it has been .. around the globe. Now 19 years old, Zac Sunderland, a California native, took on an adventure that many only dream of, and circumnavigated the worlds oceans .. solo, at only 16 years of age. The journey, documented via his blog (Zac Sunderland Blog), took him 13 months and acquired him two world records: the youngest person to sail around the world, and the first person to sail around the world under 18 years of age. As Zac sailed into the Sheraton Harbor Marina with his friends, he was greeted by sailors and spectators, all pining with questions. I was one of them, and hopped on board Zac’s boat to check it out. I don’t know how he did it, that’s really all I can say. What a small space for 13 months of life! I can only give him props, and hope that he has a little more room next time..

Later on we had a chance to hang out with Zac and his friends when they came by the Aolani Cat and talked to him about his journey. He spoke of how he has been sailing his whole life, and was just pining for adventure. We had a great time with him and his friends at this years boat show, and wish him the best in his future ventures.

Not only did I make new friends and check out the latest designs in multi hulls and motor yachts with friends and family, but I also got the summer off to a great start. I love hanging out on the boat, passing the time dockside, listening to stories like Zac’s about pirates and storms; great food and epic surf spots. The boat show was only the beginning of summer on the Aolani…See you guys at next year’s show!

-Lindsay Schwarz, Aolani Catamaran Crew

Click here to purchase Zac’s amazing documentary