ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 26, 2010 - PassageMaker Magazine’s Trawler Fest, the premier niche boating event focused on the cruising-under-power lifestyle, successfully concluded its first 2010 West Coast stop.  Trawler Fest San Diego was held at the Kona Kai Resort and Marina March 5-7.  PassageMaker University, a two-day event offering in-depth educational courses, preceded the boat show.

Many attendees participated in the three-day event and there were more than 50 in-water and land exhibitors. Attendees included buyers looking to purchase their first cruising boat and current cruisers wanting to upgrade their boats. Land exhibitors met many new clients searching for the latest products and services to enhance their cruising experience.

“We were delighted with the second year support and turn out for the San Diego Trawler Fest,” said PassageMaker Magazine Publisher Rob Dorfmeyer. “There were almost as many pre-registered San Diego attendees, participating in three days of seminars, receptions and show, as there were the previous year.  The success of this show was further underscored by the sale of three cruisers/trawlers and several other intent contracts.”

The coveted PassageMaker People’s Choice award was presented to the Nordhavn 64, Sweet Hope.  She is outfitted in a classic, smart and understated style and boasts a wide-body saloon with teak joinery, granite countertops, and contemporary European appliances in the galley. Her pilothouse is exceptional with two helm chairs and all of the latest nav/com electronics. Sweet Hope is powered by a single engine dry stack exhaust with a cavernous engine room. The cockpit includes an eight-person dining arrangement aft with a built-in barbeque forward. The boat deck is home to her RIB tender and provides access to a very large flybridge that is protected with a fiberglass hard top.

Trawler Fest, in conjunction with PassageMaker University, offers a unique opportunity for both novice and experienced boaters to hone their skills and socialize with other cruisers. The next Trawler Fest will take place at the Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes, Washington, May 20-22 (PassageMaker University May 18 and 19). Three-day packages and a variety of seminar packages are available online at trawlerfest.com. Details on pricing, exhibitors, local travel and registration can also be found at www.trawlerfest.com or by calling 888.487.2953.