BOAT SHOW ROUND-UP
ANNAPOLIS SALES, CROWDS ON THE UPSWING
A cannon shot marked the successful conclusion of the 42nd Annual United States Sailboat show in downtown Annapolis, Maryland on October 10 as 200 sailboats streamed out of the purpose-built marina in less than two hours.
According to show General Manager Paul Jacobs, most marine exhibitors were very pleased with the crowds, their willingness to spend, and especially the near-perfect weather. He cited 200+ boats on site for the event including three dozen catamarans, with nearly 20 boats making their U.S. debut. Reports of boat sales, scheduled sea trials, and contract preparations were consistent among the many boat manufacturers exhibiting at the show. Land and booth displays reportedly pushed the limits of the show, forcing producers to erect more and more tents on floating docks to accommodate the demand.
“Both exhibitor space and attendance were up in quantity over 2010,” said Jacobs. “Although only slightly higher (1-3%), the quality of attendees seemed markedly improved. Those manufacturers who took the opportunity to present themselves in a positive way were rewarded. More boats were reported being sold during the five days than in any show since 2007. Everyone seemed genuinely pleased with the results. We continue to be gratified by the support demonstrated by the sailing industry and our attending consumers from around the world. We hope this is an indication of much success during the winter boat show season and all of 2012.”
Added OEM Sales Manager Scott Alexander of Selden Mast Inc., “Crowd volume and quality was better than pre 2008 and they were hungry to buy.”
Fred “Hutch” Hutchison of PYI, Inc. agreed. “The Annapolis Sail Show was one of the best we have had in years. Both customers and vendors were positive and upbeat. Traffic was great and people were there ready to buy.”
ST PETERSBURG POWER & SAILBOAT SHOW AROUND THE CORNER
The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast of Florida, will cruise into the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg, Fla., from Thursday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 4.
According to Show Management, this year’s show is already tracking to exceed past years in number of exhibitors and boats on display. The show will feature an impressive selection of both sail and power boats in an expansive waterfront area and on land, in addition to a 40,000-square-foot clearspan tent housing all types of marine gear.
“We are very pleased with the interest we are receiving for this year’s St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show,” said Dane Graziano, senior vice president of Show Management. “Exhibitor numbers are already up 25% compared to last year. Judging by sales results from a fantastic Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, we are off to a strong boat show season.”
In addition to the large selection of exhibits at this year's show, there will be an array of special events and fun and educational activities, including seminars, youth clinics and live musical entertainment.
Vendors interested in exhibiting at the show can call (800) 940-7642, or visit ShowManagement.com, for more information. To make travel arrangements, contact the show's official travel partner, Identity Travel, at (866) 877-3083, or visit BookBoatShowHotels.com.
2011 ST. PETERSBURG POWER & SAILBOAT SHOW SCHEDULE/TICKETS:
SHOW HOURS
| Thursday, Dec. 1 |
12 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 2 |
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Saturday, Dec. 3 |
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Sunday, Dec. 4 |
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
ADMISSION
| General Admission (Adults) |
$8.00 online, $10.00 at show site |
| Children (Under age 15) |
FREE |
| Military Personnel with ID |
FREE |
PLANS UNDERWAY FOR STRICTLY SAIL CHICAGO AND STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI
According to NMMA, the 2012 Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Chicago scheduled for January 26-29 at Navy Pier, and the Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Miami on February 16-20 in conjunction with the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, are both on track for success, with space sales continuing to exceed expectations and new companies lining up to fill space.
“Strictly Sail Chicago is shaping up to be one of the best shows ever,” said National Show Manager Kevin Murphy. “We’re adding world class seminar speakers for attendees and Social Media workshops for exhibitors. New boats will debut and we’ll have more interactive seminars on the show floor than ever before.
“Strictly Sail Miami has really come out of its shell with an assortment of boats that are new to the show and again world class speakers that attendees have never seen at a Strictly Sail show before,” he added.
New for 2012, Jimmy Cornell will make a rare US appearance at both shows to talk cruising. Cornell is an accomplished sailor who has logged more than 200,000 miles sailing every ocean in the world; is author of numerous nautical books including the best selling World Cruising Route; is founder of Noonsite and the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers.
The Safety at Sea seminar will also be an integral part of both shows. Other notable seminar speakers include: Nick Turney, John and Amanda Neal, Lee Chesneau, Jim Johnson, John Kretschmer, George Day, Bob Bitchin and many more. Visit www.strictlysailchicago.com or www.strictlysailmiami.com for details and schedules.
Making a return to the Miami event is the second annual Dealer Connections which brings together dealers seeking new brands with manufacturers desiring dealers. More than 70 boat manufacturers participated in Dealers Connections' inaugural year, and now includes accessory manufacturers to further networking opportunities for dealers. Dealer Connections' participants receive free admission to the show, with special access before and after show hours; FREE educational seminars to help dealers build business; access to Dealer Connections appointment software to schedule meetings and test drives with top brands; access to the VIP Dealer Hospitality Lounge; and exclusive invitations to special industry events. Visit Dealer Connections on www.MiamiBoatShow.com for more information. Questions should be directed to Cathy Rick-Joule at crick-joule@nmma.org or 954-441-3231.
Murphy reminds exhibitors who plan to participate at either 2012 Strictly Sail show that the second payment to secure the previous year’s space was due October 28. Any space not confirmed will be released for reallocation. To secure your space, contact Murphy as soon as possible – kmurphy@nmma.org or call 401-293-5207.
STRICTLY SAIL PACIFIC IN EXPANDED FOOTPRINT
Sail America recently announced dates for Strictly Sail Pacific 2012, to be held at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA from April 12-15. The all-sail show returns with the popular four-day format in the brand new Jack London Square Marketplace Building. With stunning views of the estuary and marina, a walkway that connects to a 1,000-space parking garage, an open atrium, and excellent traffic flow, the show has never been hosted in a better facility.
Sail America Executive Director and Show Producer Jonathan Banks reports that the show will also feature enhanced on-the-water activities as well as new partnership opportunities with many waterfront municipalities. Demo rides, races, Discover Sailing and a variety of hands-on events are also planned.
“With all that’s happening on San Francisco Bay leading up to The America’s Cup, cities and towns are excited to promote their waterfront facilities. This is good for the communities and great for the sport of sailing,” said Banks. “With more on-the-water activities, participation of youth sailing groups, a more extensive seminar program, and local municipal support, Strictly Sail Pacific Show will be a bigger and better show.”
In addition, Sail America will be engaging in an aggressive marketing campaign to reach a new and broader audience by using the latest social media tools, a content-rich website, email marketing, and traditional print and radio advertising.
According to Banks, another focus for 2012 is to make Strictly Sail Pacific a West Coast Show, reaching out beyond the traditional market to encompass Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Southern California and the Western United States.
Banks noted that space contracts will be sent out shortly and encourages exhibitors to submit the necessary paperwork by the Dec. 15 deadline to stand the best chance of securing their desired space. Space preference will be given to returning exhibitors and Sail America members. Despite rising costs, Sail America has decided to hold space rates for the 2012 show. “We recognize that it is still a challenging market and we want to make exhibiting affordable and worthwhile,” he said.
To view the site map or download space contracts, visit the Exhibitor Center at www.strictlysailpacific.com
SHOW DETAILS
Hours
| Thursday, April 12 |
10 am – 6 pm |
| Friday, April 13 |
10 am – 6 pm |
| Saturday, April 14 |
10 am – 7 pm |
| Sunday, April 15 |
10 am – 5 pm |
Contact Information
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