STRONG RETAIL SALES AT STRICTLY SAIL PHILADELPHIA, CHICAGO AND MIAMI

Exhibitors came away pleased from recent Strictly Sail shows in Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami. Sales were solid as exhibitors connected with core customers at all three shows that kicked off the winter boating season and set the pace for the year's sales.

Strictly Sail Philadelphia 2007 Draws 13,000 Attendees

A family friendly atmosphere and nearly 100 sailboats displayed by some of the biggest industry names drew 13,000 attendees to the 2nd Strictly Sail Philadelphia boat show, which took place January 18-21, 2007 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

"We were excited to bring Strictly Sail back to Philadelphia for all of the Mid-Atlantic sailors," said Kevin Murphy, national show manager for Sail America. "We were able to draw from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and beyond. We provided a family friendly atmosphere that attracted a lot of people who were looking to get a jump-start on the 2007 season."

Show-goers enjoyed climbing aboard a variety of sailboats, ranging in size from dinghies and daysailors to a 49-footer. Participants also tested their sailing skills by operating 36-inch remote-controlled boats on the show's indoor 30' x 50' pool in the center of the showroom floor. A full schedule of daily educational seminars, booths of sailing-specific gear and accessories, and special events for sailors rounded out the show. Local high school students also built an eight-foot pram on the show floor, which was donated to the Philadelphia City Sail at the end of the show.

Wilbur Pokras Best of Show Awards at Strictly Sail Philadelphia:

Sail America congratulates the following Wilbur Pokras award winners, who are recognized for the extra effort made to present distinctive, unique show displays.

Winners were honored in the categories below:

Booth Displays under 200 square feet - Imtra
Booth Displays 201 square feet and above - Sailtime
Boat Displays 20 feet and under – Colgate 26, Offshore Sailing School
Boat Displays 21 feet and above – Catalina

Strictly Sail Chicago Attracts Large Crowds of Global Boaters

Exhibitors generated quality leads at the 12th Annual Strictly Sail Chicago show that attracted close to 20,000 sailors from throughout the Midwest. Although the Chicago Bears' playing in the Super Bowl did affect Sunday's show attendance, contributing to an overall decrease of 9 percent, the show still attracted a high number of quality customers.

"Overall, exhibiting manufacturers and dealers noted a positive amount of sales with a considerable number of quality leads generated throughout the four-day show," notes Kevin Murphy, Sail America national show manager. "Positive exhibitor feedback is encouraging, as the winter boat show season is often a good economic indicator of the recreational boating industry for the year ahead."

By the numbers, Strictly Sail Chicago impressed show-goers with more than
150 sailboats and dinghies, more than 200 sailing educational and adventure seminars, and hundreds of booths devoted to every facet of the sailing lifestyle, including sailing gear, accessories and equipment.

In its 12-year history, Strictly Sail Chicago has earned national recognition as the only all-sail show in the Midwest and the largest indoor all-sail show in the country.

Strictly Sail Chicago 2008 will be held January 31- February 3, 2008 at Navy Pier. For show information, call (800) 817-SAIL or visit www.strictlysail.com.

Wilbur Pokras Best of Show Awards at Strictly Sail Chicago:

Sail America congratulates the following Wilbur Pokras award winners in the categories below for their distinctive displays that reflect their extra effort made to stand out on the show floor:

Booth Displays under 200 square feet – The Canvas Store
Booth Displays 200 square feet and above - Harken
Boat Displays 20 feet and under – Hedlund Marine
Boat Displays 21 feet and above – Beneteau
Finally, a special award to Elton Spitzer from General Boats for always being there.

Strictly Sail Miami Lives Up to Its Reputation as a Buyer's Show

Strictly Sail Miami reported strong sales at the 2007 show, despite an 8 percent decrease in visitor attendance. Known as a buyer's show, Strictly Sail Miami, which ran Feb. 15-19 at Miamarina in Bayside, attracted over 23,000 sailors—many of them in the mood to purchase a new boat.

Ed Massey, president and owner of Massey Yacht Sales, said: "The 2007 Strictly Sail Miami was the best-selling show for us in five years. Visitors had a serious appetite for new boat sales that we hadn't seen in a while."

Bomon Inc. President Willem Boon enjoyed his third year at Strictly Sail Miami. "The show offers a forum for building a strong customer base, as evidenced by another outstanding show," he said.

Nick Harvey, director of Lagoon America, said, "Strictly Sail Miami is important to us because it is where people know to come to see the latest and greatest in catamarans. Our newest addition, the Lagoon 420 Hybrid with green technology, received great response by visitors."

Sail America national show manager Kevin Murphy said the Miami show, with its international appeal, is the ideal setting for launching new products and setting the sales pace for the remainder of the year. He said, "It's a buyer's show, and, despite the drop in attendance, we're very pleased to hear that it generated tremendous results for our exhibitors."

The 23rd Strictly Sail Miami is set for Feb. 14-18, 2008. For show information, call (800) 817-SAIL or visit www.strictlysail.com.

Wilbur Pokras Best of Show Awards at Strictly Sail Miami:

Sail America congratulates the following Wilbur Pokras award winners recognized in the categories below for the extra care and effort put forth to present distinctive, exciting show displays.

Small Booth display - Teak Works
Large Booth display – Glacier Bay
Boat display - Catalina
Boat display – The Catamaran Company

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