Overview: Yacht Rock Festival A subgenre of soft rock popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Yacht rock is characterized by smooth, polished production, jazz-influenced melodies, R&B, soul, and disco elements, as well as a laid-back, "breezy" vibe. Now you can sail back to the ‘70s and ‘80s with retro flair at the first-ever San Diego Yacht Rock Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 4-10 p.m. at Ingram Plaza in Liberty Station, 2751 Dewey Rd. Harbor Party will dock in San Diego on Oct. 11 for a night of great music. (Photo courtesy of Harbor Party)Enjoy America’s best yacht rock bands while sampling select wines, bubbly craft cocktails, and gourmet eats. Michael Esposito, co-founder of San Diego’s inaugural Yacht Rock Festival, is promoting the event.