BOAT SHOW ROUND-UP
STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI EXHIBITORS REPORT POSITIVE SALES ACTIVITIES
Despite a slight decrease in attendance from previous years, this year’s Strictly Sail Miami saw an uptick in sales and a positive attitude among show exhibitors.
“Exhibitors at the 2011 Strictly Sail Miami show were very pleased with the move back to Bayside and the buying mood of the crowd,” said Show Director Kevin Murphy. “Attendance was down slightly from previous years but the buyers were definitely at the show. We didn’t receive one complaint of poor sales or slow traffic and, in fact, many exhibitors commented that this was the best show since 2007. Many boat manufacturers were selling more boats than expected at the show. More than once I heard ‘the International crowd is back’ and they were reportedly buying boats.”
A variety of exhibitors shared Murphy’s enthusiasm.
Neil Harvey from Harken said, “It’s great to be back at Bayside. Friday was the biggest day in our Miami Boat Show history!”
And Roy Laughlin from Multihulls Magazine added, “It’s the best first two days since 2007. The Internationals were back in the show this year at Strictly Sail. I had customers speaking at least five languages. I’ve also sold subscriptions to at least seven states. Great show!”
Seldén Mast’s Scott Williams said, “Traffic has been spectacular and people seem to be in a buying mood. The industry is bouncing back and Seldén Mast is happy to be back in Miami in the coming years.”
Beneteau’s Matthew Morrison was equally impressed with the quality of the crowd. “We’re having a much better year than last year and the show has exceeded our expectations. We were not expecting this much retail activity and are very surprised.”
Hugh Murray from the Catamaran Company agreed. “This has been a great show. The international clients are back and buying boats!”
Chuck Meier from S.A.L.T. echoed the overriding Bayside consensus shared by many.
“We’re glad to be back at Bayside,” he said. “This has been great! We’ll be back next year.”
Strictly Sail Miami will return to Bayside, February 16 – 20, 2012.
STRICTLY SAIL PACIFIC COMING ON STRONG FOR 2011
Strictly Sail Pacific is expanding its footprint for the 2011 show to accommodate more exhibitors. The West Coast’s largest all-sail show will feature a wider selection of boats, a record number of new boats, many new booth exhibitors, and an impressive lineup of activities and special events, including a special America’s Cup presentation on the opening day of the show. According to Sail America Executive Director and Show Producer Jonathan Banks, the stage is set and the exhibitors are coming.
“This year’s Strictly Sail Pacific show is on a big roll and I'm pleased to report exhibitor space sales and advanced ticket sales are tracking well ahead of last year,” said Banks.
“Currently, space sales are 15% ahead of last year, and we still have three weeks to go to the show. We’ve added significantly more exhibit space to accommodate the additional booth and bulk space exhibitors. There are still a few slips available in the marina but we expect the show to be “sold out” by the end of the week. We have an impressive lineup of special events, with a focus on the hands-on experiences that get both newcomers and longtime enthusiasts excited about all that sailing has to offer.”
“We’re especially pleased to welcome the many new exhibitors that are making their first appearance at the show, or are returning after many years, including venerable brands like Antares, Sabre, and Morris Yachts, among others,” said Banks. “In addition, many new boats are making their West Coast debut including the Beneteau FIRST30, Catalina 355, Morris 36, Alerion 38, Jeanneau 409, Antares 44i, Lagoon 450, Sabre 456, Beneteau Oceanis 50, and Prout 50.”
In other show developments, the highly successful “Multihull Lagoon” which debuted last year is returning. According to Banks, it will feature “the best line-up of catamarans in the history of the event,” including models from Antares, Lagoon, Prout, Seawind, Corsair and Hobie.
While the boats are always a key highlight of the show, Banks noted that Strictly Sail also features the latest in high-end, high tech gear and gadgets, along with a full spectrum of special events and activities.
“We’re proud to note we are sporting literally dozens of new products that will be showcased at Strictly Sail Pacific, covering the full gamut from new deck hardware to the latest eco products. In addition, we are chock-full of seminars from the top names in sailing, along with a whole host of parties and special events.”
New for 2011, the DIY Mad Mariner sponsored “DIY Tent” offers live demonstrations by experts in engine mechanics, rigging and splicing, winch maintenance and other topics. Families, young people, and the budget-conscious will get special attention, with activities that emphasize youth sailing and family boating. A “Kids' Zone” with climbing wall, brush boarding, bouncy castle, and other fun activities will keep little ones entertained, while free sailing rides and lessons for sailors of all skill levels will target newcomers and longtime enthusiasts alike.
Celebrity sailors Zac and Abby Sunderland will be on hand for presentations, with Zac hosting the media aboard his boat, The Intrepid. A repeat of last year's highly successful America's Cup presentation is also on tap, a bonus considering the recent selection of San Francisco Bay as the venue for the next America's Cup. Entertainment, parties, live music, and tours are part of the action-packed show, along with a new VIP package for boat builders, dealers, and sailing enthusiasts that includes red-carpet events, special programming, and an early look at the boats.
For exhibitor information or other details, visit www.strictlysailpacific.com
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