How to Participate in World Boating Day This Week

The third-annual World Boating Day is May 23, with activities occurring today through May 24. The initiative involves yacht builders, marinas, maritime museums, and other businesses welcoming the public. Behind-the-scenes tours and special activities provide individuals and especially families better understanding of how yachts are made and what career opportunities exist. In the United States, you can participate in World Boating Day events from coast to coast. Here are some of the opportunities.

The renown IYRS School of Technology & Trades has been teaching the next generations of boatbuilders and restorers for more than 30 years. Students work on everything from classic wooden runabouts to high-tech carbon fiber yachts. On May 23, IYRS is giving the public a sneak peek at the Beetle Cat sailboats that the students have been restoring for nine months. In fact, they’ll be finishing work on the boats during the World Boating Day event. Beetle Cats are one-design sailing dinghies whose design dates back about a century. Come be the first to see the finished restoration ahead of them launching the last week of May.

Although Lake Erie isn’t a megayacht destination, an abundance of boaters and yacht owners are from Ohio. Old Mill Harbor is a marina in a prime location, with direct lake access via the Huron River. The region boasts one of the highest concentrations of boating activity in the country, too. On May 23, you can participate in World Boating Day festivities featuring the marina’s grand opening. Free food and music is included, too, as are discounts on service or repairs you can book with the on-site shop. Furthermore, you can meet the official marina dog, Luna (pictured).

Also on May 23, the newly renovated Pier Sixty-Six welcomes the community to learn boating basics, water safety, and environmental awareness. Conveniently, this week is also National Safe Boating Week. The marina staff is hosting hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, especially for children and young adults to learn new skills and build confidence.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Sail to Shelter, whose founder received The Honours award last fall from the Superyacht Life Foundation, is welcoming families on May 23. Out on the museum patio, children will design and build their own boats from reclaimed materials. These include handmade sails. The day is a creative approach to learning about boating, simultaneously sparking conversations about boat design and reuse. Kids and adults alike further will learn basic maritime vocabulary, such as the types and components of boats.

The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA), a trade organization representing the large-yacht industry, is inviting emerging industry talent to an evening of networking and career-focused conversation on May 20. USSA members will share their experiences with the next generation of superyacht professionals, offering insight into career paths and opportunities.

Attending these, and all related events around the world, are free. For full details, visit the World Boating Day website.

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