This year Seattle’s Boat Show held at the QWest Field is a little more subdued than usual. With the economy in turmoil, the attendance is lower. It was reported that boat sales for 2008 was down 40% compared to the previous year, and it is expected that 2009 sales to be down by another 25%. Today’s newspaper headlines reported that Microsoft and Starbucks, both Seattle companies are laying off staff.

There used to be long line-ups to view the big yachts. There’s hardly any line-ups this year, and what seemed to be the most popular boat on display is the Nordic Tug 26 – a small boat. – my favourite.

This Boat called the Little Toot is my favorite, easily manageable by myself.

A free shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes takes visitors to the floating boat show at Lake Union, all at the show admission price of $10 per person. Not bad entertainment for the day. It is indeed a great chance to view many megayachts first hand, all in one day. Even if you’re not a boating enthusiast, it is worth the visit simply for the entertainment value.