NOTE TO EDITORS: This sidebar is a copyright-free article that can complement any advance on the boat show you plan to publish. To inquire about photos, contact Cynthia Goss (203-453-2731; cynthiagoss@compuserve.com).

A trip to Pacific SAIL EXPO (PSE), the largest sailboat show on the West Coast, is a rite of spring for thousands of sailors west of the Mississippi. Held April 14-18 at Oakland`s Jack London Square, this annual event is a five-day festival that showcases the latest in boats and gear from over 300 exhibitors, seminars with world voyagers, and special events where sailors can meet their sailing peers.

The tradition of the show is to include something for everyone. PSE 2004 will showcase sailing dinghies, ocean-going cruising boats, gear and apparel, how-to books, information on sailing vacations, and seminars for all levels--from veteran racers and cruisers, to those who have never stepped foot on a sailboat before. Here are a few tips on navigating your way to this West Coast happening.

Visit Boatshow U: Included in your ticket price is admission to Boatshow U, five days of free seminars. Sessions are geared to all levels, from those who want to learn the basics, to those who are ready to set sail around the world (click here for complete schedule). A new series of seminars on the cruising grounds of Mexico will be held on Friday, April 16. Learn about Baja and Mexico`s Pacific Coast from veteran cruisers who know this region well.

Step onboard just-launched boats, Tall Ships designed 200 years ago: Seminars have been expanded beyond the classroom this year, with onboard sessions on boats from many eras: to those launched just weeks ago, to those whose design dates back over 200 years. An innovative 65-foot cruiser designed to become home to a family of five on long offshore voyages will be the centerpiece of the onboard seminars. In addition to the Wylie 65, other modern vessels in the series include the 46-foot Surprise and Alaska Eagle, the sail-training vessel for Orange Coast College. Seminars on Tall Ship Hawaiian Chieftain and 1891-built Alma will demonstrate how these boats were once manned and what life onboard was like. In addition, there will be nearly 100 sailboats to board and view in the show.

Go sailing, go racing, or join a Tall Ship crew: Sailing opportunities will be available for newcomers, racers, and those who want to step back in time and travel on a Tall Ship™. Discover Racing will give more people an easy entrée into the Bay-area racing scene. Races will be held on Saturday and Sunday: jump onboard as crew in these fun races run right off the show docks. Newcomers should head to Discover Sailing for an introduction to the sport with an expert skipper. Showgoers can also join the crew of the 103-foot Tall ship Hawaiian Chieftain. Sails with Discover Sailing and Discover Racing are free with the price of admission; sails onboard Hawaiian Chieftain carry an additional fee of $20 per person and can be booked in advance by calling 888-833-SAIL (7245).

Weekend days are kids` days: Children under 12 should head to Pacific SAIL EXPO early on Saturday and Sunday. As part of Allstate Safety Weekend, free lifejackets