Sun possible, yachts a sure thing at Lido Boat Show

With the 37th annual Lido Boat Show drawing nearer and ominous gray clouds continuing to hang around the harbor Tuesday afternoon, organizer Duncan McIntosh had his fingers crossed for sunshine.

The event, marketed as the biggest fall boat show in the West, featuring roughly 200 vessels, will open Thursday at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach and run through Sunday.

McIntosh said he is hoping that the fall show will be a bit drier than the Newport Beach Boat Show, which saw several days of unexpected rain in May. But if the rain decides to continue, the show must go on, though attendance might suffer, he said.

“We don’t postpone anything around here,” he said.

Visitors will be provided a first glance at some of the newest offerings on the market. On site will be large yachts, mid-sized boats, power boats and sailboats.

McIntosh said the quality of the larger boats at the show continues to improve each year. With the cancellation of the Long Beach Strictly Sailboat show in 2014, which was traditionally held every October, the Lido show is seeing its sailboat display continue to grow.

“We have a whole block where we put the sailboats all together,” he said, noting that sailboat sellers prefer to have the boats showcased together.

Among the boats weighing anchor in the harbor, the latest Ocean Alexander, a 72-foot motor yacht, will be displayed by Alexander Marine. The vessel features expansive spaces and large windows that brighten the interior. The boat deck has enough room for a full-service bar, seating and a fully equipped helm station featuring Garmin electronics.

The new Azimut 53 Magellano, described as a “boat for cruisers,” will debut on the West Coast for the first time at the show. The Italian-style vessel features three cabins, storage, seating areas, a large cockpit and a hydraulic swim platform.

“We’re seeing the net effect of an improving economy with more new boat models entering this month’s show,” McIntosh said.

Attendees can inspect motor yachts, sportfishers, which are used for recreational angling, family cruisers, sailboats, long-range trawlers and sport yachts from international and national builders. The show will also feature boating gear and accessories, marine electronics, engines, generators and yacht services.

The Lido Food Fest, featuring entrees from Slapfish, Cucina Alessa and Bluewater Grill, will run for the four days of the show.

Lido Marina Village is at Via Lido and Newport Boulevard in Newport Beach, one block south of West Coast Highway. Show hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $15 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lidoboatshow.com.