Ocean lovers and yacht enthusiasts can show their respect for the sea and support for marine preservation at a fund-raising gala for The Ocean Conservancy, part of the activities of YachtFest San Diego.

The fund-raiser begins at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13. A Toast to the Oceans will begin with sunset cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Morton’s Steakhouse on the docks at Shelter Island Marina, amid the yachts participating in the four-day super-yacht showcase. Guests will have a chance to take VIP private yacht tours on the luxurious vessels, lit up under the night sky. Following the cocktail reception, the gala will move to the Island Palms Hotel, where guests will enjoy a dinner, auction and live entertainment, hosted by See’s Candies.

Tickets for the gala are $100 per person, or $900 for a table of 10. For tickets, call Integrated Sports Marketing at (858) 373-8700.

YachtFest San Diego ’03, presented by the San Diego Marine Exchange, will feature mega-yachts Sept. 11-14 at Shelter Island Marina/Island Palms Hotel. Tickets are $50.