If you can’t sail on a boat, the next best thing is shopping for new gear for your boat or yourself (or maybe for a new boat), and the best place to do that is at a boat show. In addition to the latest models of boats, which are fun to explore even if you’re not shopping, gear manufacturers are on hand to provide personalized attention, making sure you get the right product. And you might just want to pick up a great hat or weather gear at a discounted price. Late winter and spring boat shows are held all over the country but two to check out are the Strictly Sail Miami show at Miamarina at Bayside February 11 to 15 and the Strictly Sail Pacific show April 7 to 10. The Pacific show is being held in its new location at the Craneway Pavilion and Marina Bay Yacht Harbor in Richmond, California.

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