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The Oct. 6 General Members Meeting in Annapolis was a tremendous success. There was a record turnout, despite torrential rain, and the presentations were upbeat and positive. The Members Meeting was my first chance to meet many of the members, and I truly enjoyed the opportunity to hear their thoughts and opinions about our future plans and goals. Sail America members are the backbone of this organization and, together, we can make a difference for our industry. Lori Gleason and Jared Wallin from the Strictly Sail Sales Team gave an excellent presentation about the Strictly Sail shows: “Five Ports of Call. One Smart Investment,” in which they outlined their goals to improve the retail environment for exhibitors, improve the attendee experience, maximize new revenue streams, and introduce new people to sailing. They also unveiled the marketing plan for Strictly Sail Philadelphia, which aims to reach every sailor in the Mid-Atlantic market. NMMA President Thom Dammrich described how the sailing industry is benefiting from the ongoing success of NMMA’s “Grow Boating” Initiative and the “Discover Boating” media campaign. The "Discover Boating" website, which posted 1.6 million total site visits from March to September, generated 7,000 sailing prospects, of which 1,795 were considered “hot prospects.” In the future, the “Discover Boating” campaign will include increased visibility for sailing. More sail-specific marketing articles such as ads, ad builders, and billboards are also planned. The popular “Discover Boating” website will include further sailing information and enhancements to the distribution of sailing DVDs. In his talk about growing the sailing industry, America’s Cup sailor and ESPN commentator Gary Jobson described the sales profile of sailors as: passionate about their sport; service-minded; comfortable with advanced technology; outdoors-oriented and competitive (even cruisers); well-connected socially; affluent; hard-working; goal-oriented; versatile with talents in many areas and people who pay attention and like to maximize their lives. Gary described many challenges to the sailing industry, including shrinking leisure time; complex rules of racing; higher insurance premiums; regulations; sales taxes; environmental issues, including global warming resulting in less wind in some areas; and declining slip space for boats, including condo docks and transient slips. But he said the aging population and the growing youth market represent prime opportunities for the sailing industry. In my presentation I outlined what I consider to be some of the market drivers for our industry, including positive economic indicators and robust international markets, and new trends, such as fractional sailing, increased regatta participation and growth in high school and collegiate sailing that are bringing more people into sailing. Going forward, my goal is for Sail America to become an essential resource for any company that is involved in the sailing market, whether it represents 5% or 100% of its sales. We will achieve this through gaining a better understanding of the needs of members, bringing strong leadership and direction to the association, adding new member services, increasing funding, providing ongoing support to the Strictly Sail shows, and increasing the points of contacts with the sailing market. As I walked the show, I was impressed by the many new boats, products and innovations. I was greatly inspired by the positive outlook of the industry and I feel optimistic about the prospects for 2007. As we look forward to the winter boat show season, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of Strictly Sail Philadelphia to Sail America and the sailing industry. We have a strong commitment from all the major boat builders and other leading companies. If you are still on the fence, now is the time to book your space and be part of the #1 winter sailing event. I look forward to seeing you at Strictly Sail St. Pete and the upcoming winter shows. Happy selling!
Sail America paid tribute to three departing board members— Former President and current board member John Peterson; current Treasurer/Secretary and board member Linda Klockner; and current Vice President Marketing Chair and board member Doris Colgate at the General Members Meeting Oct. 6 during the Annapolis Sailboat Show. Sail America President Bill Bolin presented each of the departing board members a half-hull model of the schooner “America” in recognition of their years of commitment to Sail America. “Each of these members have helped to shape Sail America—generously sharing their knowledge and expertise to build a unique organization dedicated to growing our industry,” said Bill Bolin. “We are deeply indebted to John Peterson, Linda Klockner and Doris Colgate for their dedication, skills and values that have contributed enormously to developing such a strong Sail America organization.” John Peterson has served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Hunter Marine Corporation, one of the four companies that comprise the Luhrs Marine Group, since 1994. Prior to that time John worked in the marine industry, both on the manufacturing and retail side, for 10 years; and the financial services industry for 10 years. Elected to the board in 1997, Peterson was first Boat Show Chairman, then became President in January of 2000 and stayed on for an extended two-year term for a total of four years as President. Linda Klockner is SAIL Magazine’s Marketing Communications Director, responsible for SAIL’s market research, advertising, public relations, direct mail promotion, boat shows, and the marketing of SAIL’s Sailboat Buyers Guide and calendar. She was a member of International Women in Boating. As a Sail America board member from 2001-2006, she served as Treasurer/Secretary, as well as working on the Atlantic City show committee, and a research sub-committee. Doris Colgate is Co-Owner and President of the 35-year-old Offshore Sailing School and founder and president of the Women’s Sailing Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women and girls through sailing. She worked in the advertising department of Yachting Magazine in the late 60s and joined Offshore Sailing School as vice president in 1969 when she married its founder, Steve Colgate. Doris is the author of SAILING: A Woman’s Guide, published January 1999. She is a member of the BOAT/U.S. National Advisory Council. As a Sail America board member from1999-2006, Doris served as vice president marketing chair. She also has served for several years on various Sail America committees including membership, education, and the Sail Expo Atlantic City boat show committee. Winners of Free Caribbean Charter Cruise and Sail America Membership Announced Julian Crisp, managing director of U.S. Spars, Inc., won a free one-week charter on a 40’ yacht in the Caribbean, courtesy of Sunsail, a First Choice Marine Company. Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks announced the winner at the recent Oct. 6 General Members meeting in Annapolis. Individuals and companies who submitted membership renewals to Sail America by September 15 were entered into the drawing. “It was a good deal,” said Crisp. “I was very surprised and happy. I will be concentrating on the boat show season and then hopefully in the springtime, I’ll be sailing in the Caribbean.” Crisp says he particularly values the “one-on-one attention I get from dealing with the people at Sail America. They’re very helpful-they answer any questions I need about the shows right away and I consider them an asset to my company.” U.S. Spars, Inc. is the American subsidiary of the French Z-Spars Group. The company produces sailboat masts, booms and rigging, dealing with boat builders and manufacturers. In addition, Banks collected more than 80 entries of business cards at the Annapolis meeting for a free one-year membership to Sail America, The winner is Annapolis Performance Sailing, a company that sells sailing apparel, hardware, accessories and gifts. Kyle Gross, president and owner with his wife, Jeanne-Marie “Zsa-Zsa” Gross, said he just attended his first General Members Meeting for Sail America in Annapolis. “We’re in a small industry and I didn’t realize how developed the Sail America resources were until I attended that meeting,” he said. “It was great to get feedback on markets and statistics that really don’t exist in any other places. Sail America might just be the Wall Street Journal for us, as far as the marine industry goes.” Last Chance to Be Listed in Sail America’s New Annual Report Directory Sail America is once again producing an Annual Report and Directory due to be published at the end of this year that will list all of the organization’s current members, with their mailing address, phone, fax and website addresses listed. To be included, all members must have their Sail America dues paid and current by Nov. 15. For current members who need to update or revise their listing, please send the latest information for yourself or your company to Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks at jbanks@sailamerica.com by Nov. 15. “We have plans to produce an Annual Report and Directory that will serve as both a compelling summary of Sail America’s accomplishments and a very handy and useful desktop directory that will read as a 'Who’s Who' list of everyone in the sailing industry,” said Banks. “In addition, we’ll also update our website listing of our members too, so it’s doubly important to ensure that Sail America has the most current accurate contact listings for all of our members.”
Special New Events Highlight Upcoming 2006 Strictly Sail St. Petersburg
Sailors throughout the Southeast will be headed to the 12th annual Strictly Sail St. Petersburg Boat Show on Florida’s Gulf Coast – one of Sail America’s premiere events in the country. St. Petersburg’s lovely Spa Beach at The Pier sets the scene November 2-5, 2006. New sailboat models at the show include: the Hunter 49, Island Packet SP Cruiser, O’pen Bic, Beneteau First 10R and Beneteau 49, Multihaven 37, HANSE 531, Sun Odyssey 39i and Seawind 1160. For a complete boat listing click on “New Product Gallery” and “Boats on Display” at www.strictlysailstpete.com. Since many sailboat manufacturers are testing the waters in the long-range cruiser arena, this year’s show will display for the first time a select group of trawlers and power cruisers. The all-new Trawler and Power Cruiser Expo is sponsored by Power Cruising magazine. New models at this Expo include; Albin 28, Albin 31 and Albin 35; Beneteau Swift Traveler; Ocean Alexander 48; Monk 36, Mainship Trawler 34 and Mainship Pilot, Packet Express and Menorquin. Over 150 international exhibitors will display sailing gear, hardware apparel and accessories. More than 100 seminars will include presentations from global sailors, authors and experts in navigation, software and marine equipment. The show’s Discover Sailing program will offer free sailboat rides on a variety of boats, from small sailboats to large cruising yachts as part of this national program introducing newcomers to sailing. As Strictly Sail winds to a close Saturday evening, you won’t see the crowds dwindle—the swarm of sailors only grows bigger as the sun goes down. They’re coming to the annual Latitudes & Attitudes Cruisers Bash—a party that is a famous good-time tradition and included in Saturday’s admission. Strictly Sail St. Petersburg show hours are: Thursday, November 2 through Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $10 per person on weekdays and $12 per person on the weekend. Children 15 and under are free with a paid adult. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.strictlysailstpete.com. Strictly Sail Cruises into Philadelphia in 2007
Nearly one hundred sailboats—ready to be launched for the 2007 boating season—will be on display at the 2nd Strictly Sail Philadelphia show, taking place January 18-21, 2007 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Early indications from the marketplace indicate that mid-January will be a great time to sell boats to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast customers. As the only all-sail indoor boat show on the East Coast, Strictly Sail Philadelphia is expected to attract upwards of 15,000 attendees. Sailing gear, electronics and charter information will be on display from the industry’s top sailing companies. Additionally, a full schedule of daily seminars and special events for sailors of all ages and abilities will be offered. “We’re excited to bring Strictly Sail back to Philadelphia for all of the Mid-Atlantic sailors,” said Kevin Murphy, national show manager for Sail America. “It offers sailors a unique opportunity because of its convenience to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and beyond. We provide a family friendly atmosphere that attracts a lot of people—some who may already own a boat and are looking to outfit it and some who are looking to get on the water with a new boat for the start of the season.” Scot West, Philadelphia show chair, notes that 40% of the U.S population lives within four hours drive of the convention center. He rates the convention center “as one of the best in the country with dramatic entry ways, large display areas, wireless Internet access and a direct, indoor connection to the official show hotel.” West notes that “boat builders are all committed to the show and committed to making it a buying extravaganza. Hunter and Catalina again have huge displays planned. Beneteau is taking more space this year and Island Packet, Tartan, C&C, Jeanneau, Sabre, Caliber, Colgate 26 and many more have already committed to the Philadelphia show.” He also notes that while numerous boats on display are critical for a successful show, “so are the brands that are found on all of the boats and in the aisles of the aftermarket retailers.” He says the committee is pushing hard to bring in more booth exhibitors. The show committee is working on a plan to maximize the retail environment by having several featured retailers set up to sell anything/everything sailing-related right from the show floor, said West. Interested retailers are encouraged to call Sail America Sales Manager Lori Gleason at Lori@sailamerica.com. A phone and mailing sales campaign is just about to start and the show committee is also working on additional extra-push marketing ads in major sailing publications and websites. West said, “Philly has all of the key ingredients that set it up for success this year. HOWEVER, it is up to us, as the membership/exhibiting companies to MAKE IT GREAT. Strictly Sail Philadelphia is one of five Strictly Sail boat shows, and one of only three shows owned entirely by Sail America. Don’t kid yourself; Sail America needs YOU to make it successful.” TOP
SAIL Magazine Recognizes Sail America Member As Industry Leader
Vanguard Sailboats President Chip Johns of Portsmouth, RI, was awarded the SAIL Magazine Industry Award for Leadership at an Oct. 6 ceremony during the Annapolis Sailboat Show. “Getting more people hooked on the sailing lifestyle takes ongoing commitment from truly dedicated individuals,” says Josh Adams, Publisher of SAIL, who made the presentation. Chip’s business is “all about putting big numbers of people in small boats…he’s a sailor, a businessman, and an industry leader determined to grow sailing,” Adams continued. Twenty years ago, Steve Clark and Chip Johns bought Vanguard Sailboats from Peter & Olaf Harken, who had been manufacturing the Vanguard 470 & Finn. “Their management formula is simple: Steve cooks up cool ideas, and Chip uses the resultant products to appeal to recreational sailors,” Adams explained. The Vanguard 15 was developed in 1993, and in 1997, Vanguard purchased the Sunfish, Laser and 49er product lines from SunfishLaser, Inc. Today, Vanguard is the leading manufacturer and largest U.S. supplier of recreational and high performance small sailboats including the Optimist, 420, Flying Junior, Vanguard 15, Nomad, Vector, 49er, Laser, Sunfish, Pico, Pram, Zuma and RS Feva brands. In addition to being devoted to growing the base of sailing through his business, Chip served for six years on the Sail America Board of Directors—and for 15 years on the US Sailing’s Industry Council, working with sailors to grow sailing. He is currently up for election to US Sailing’s Board of Directors. |
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