I will be heading to the Strictly Sail Pacific boat show in Oakland, California (April 15-18). Will be screening the final cut of my first sailing documentary project, "Gales, Whales and the Baja Ha-Ha" (Waterfront Hotel, Portside auditorium, April 15 2:00PM, April 18 10:30AM).

The show shifts to an improved four-day format and the majority of the booth exhibitors will be housed in a 30,000 square foot ‘Exhibit Hall’ – site of the former Barnes & Noble bookstore.  lso new for 2010 is the addition of premium pre-owned boats in the in-water section of the show which is designed to enhance the show by providing attendees with a wider selection of boats to view.

The show's venue, Jack London Square, has undergone massive re-development since 1980s but the original "First and Last Chance" saloon, where author Jack London hung out while writing his books, still stands . The saloon is quite funky, more like a big tool shed, and the floor is so slanted that it is not recommended for persons with vertigo.