Yacht Life Unveiled at the San Diego International Boat Show

For those who have stepped aboard a yacht and felt the ocean’s hush beneath their feet, it’s clear why many call it life-changing.  It’s a sensory awakening to a slower pace where the horizon invites instead of limits.  

Sunshine, sea breeze and stunning vessels — the San Diego International Boat Show has it all.

By Fábio Borges, reporting from San Diego, California.

The 2025 San Diego International Boat Show (SDIBS) offered more than just a glimpse into the world of maritime luxury. The event, held from June 19 to 22,  was a compelling case study in how "yacht life" can redefine one’s sense of freedom, community and purpose.

With over 150 vessels, the event was a vibrant fusion of innovation and tradition. But more than that, it served as a meeting point for those whose lives have been transformed by the water. 

"The whole purpose of boat shows is to help educate people," says Trenton Carroll, a seasoned yacht broker and entrepreneur. "And it's not just about the boats, it's about the lifestyle. Being around the water keeps you young. It pulls you into a community full of energy and stories."

Trenton Carroll sharing his passion for life on the water.

Indeed, the stories are as varied as the vessels. One standout is Leilani Anne Wales, co-founder of AGL Yacht Sales and a certified yacht broker. Over two decades ago, Leilani made an unexpected leap into the world of yachts after years in the jewelry business. "I never really knew there was a boating community," she says. "But it was the people who made me fall in love with it."

AGL Yacht Sales, which she named after her daughters April and Gina, is more than a business; it’s a legacy. Leilani is known not only for her expertise, from dinghies to mega yachts, but for her human-first approach to client relationships. "Our bond doesn't end with the sale," she explains. "These connections turn into lifelong friendships."

Representing AGL Yacht Sales, Leilani Wales turns dreams into voyages.

This is the magic of San Diego International Boat Show and the city itself. It isn't just a maritime hub; it's a gateway to transformation. From its rich naval history to its thriving leisure boating scene, San Diego provides the ideal setting for those ready to chart a new course.

For Bob Wyka, a lifelong adventurer and boat owner, yacht life offered a different kind of freedom. "My boat enables me to visit destinations on an intensely personal level with each voyage,”  he says.  Now in his seventies, Bob is preparing to downsize to a smaller boat. "I have evolved into planning shorter voyages with my new partner (Dean Taylor), as well as friends and family.”

For those who embrace the yacht life, it unlocks not just a pastime, but a completely new horizon.