With the weatherman predicting thunderstorms and high seas most of the crowd that we're accustomed to for the event found other activities for the day. For the few that braved the forecast the 3-5's were 2-3's and though the cloud cover never really broke we were treated to some great music, on an afternoon with no rain and great people!

Spectacular views, and fresh food at reasonable prices from AMI directly across from Passage Key....

Stop by Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Jungle Terrace for great atmosphere and solid food...

The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show never disappoints and has grown to be the biggest, and maybe the best, show on Florida's west coast! Every dealer of note from Sarasota to Tarpon Springs representing every manufacturer that you can imagine and a few that you've probably never heard of. If you happened to miss it this year do yourself a favor and be sure to calendar an afternoon next year to see boating's latest and greatest!

What a great day! Started it with light wind and calm seas over to Fisherman's Creek and the Eckerd College Waterfront for the annual marine yard sale. As usual it was well attended, got to see a couple of old friends and meet the new faces at EC-SAR. After the yard sale we were off to Reggae Rise Up to get some pics of the beautiful people enjoying the island vibes off the Vinoy Basin.

The weather was perfect though it would have been better with fewer clouds it didn't seem to dampen anyone's attitude!

Dockside dining in St. Pete Beach post Helene and Milton will not be the same....

Eckerd College Search and Rescue Annual Marine Yard Sale

Each year, local boaters look forward to one of the most unique events in the Tampa Bay boating community — the ECSAR Marine Yard Sale hosted by Eckerd College Search and Rescue (ECSAR). What started as a simple fundraiser has grown into a popular gathering where marine enthusiasts can hunt for great deals while supporting one of the most respected volunteer rescue organizations on the water.

A Tradition That Helps Keep Rescuers Ready

The ECSAR Marine Yard Sale typically features everything from anchors, lines, fenders, electronics, sailing gear, and boat parts to all kinds of miscellaneous marine equipment donated by local boaters and businesses. For many visitors, it’s a chance to pick up useful gear at a great price. But the event is about more than just bargains. Proceeds from the sale help fund ECSAR’s operations, training, and equipment so their student crews can continue responding to boaters in need across Tampa Bay.

Student Volunteers Protecting Tampa Bay

Based at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, ECSAR is the nation’s only entirely student-run nonprofit marine rescue squad. Founded in 1971, the organization was created to assist boaters in distress while giving students real-world experience in maritime operations and emergency response.

Today, ECSAR volunteers operate a fleet of rescue boats and stand ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The team responds to hundreds of calls annually — from disabled vessels and fuel shortages to medical emergencies and search operations. Their crews regularly work alongside the U.S. Coast Guard  and The Florida Fish and Wildlife.

A Vital Resource for Local Boaters

For the boating community throughout Tampa Bay, ECSAR provides an important safety net. Their fast response times and deep familiarity with the bay’s waterways make them a valuable partner in keeping local boaters safe. Just as importantly, ECSAR’s mission focuses on education, seamanship, and service, helping prepare students for careers in marine science, emergency management, and other maritime fields.

Supporting a Good Cause

The annual marine yard sale gives the community a chance to support that mission directly. Whether someone is searching for a spare propeller, replacing dock lines, or simply stopping by to meet the students who patrol the bay, the event offers a simple way to give back. For Tampa Bay boaters, ECSAR isn’t just a rescue team — it’s a trusted presence on the water. And each year, the marine yard sale helps ensure those student rescuers remain ready to answer the next call for help.

Reggae Rise Up: for many boaters the unofficial start of summer—a laid-back afternoon where friends, music, and the beauty of Tampa Bay all come together in one unforgettable scene.

From kayaks, paddleboards, and center consoles to cruisers and sailboats, captains dropped anchor, rafted up with friends, while reggae rhythms drifted across the water.

The perfect blend of boating culture and live music: sunshine reflecting off the bay, a steady coastal breeze, cold beverages within arm’s reach, and the sound of reggae carrying across the water from Vinoy Park.

As always, if you’re pictured in any of the images and would prefer that it not be posted, just let us know and we’ll be happy to take it down.