Exhibitors Happy with Sail America’s First SailFest Event at the Virginia In-Water Boat Expo

Sail America’s first SailFest venture debuted at the Virginia In-Water Expo and SAILFEST® on Sept 14-16.  Although SailFest did not attract as much support from the sailing industry as expected, most of the companies that exhibited considered it a great success and were in favor of being together on the sail pier. There were 10 boats in the water, six boats on land, and a handful of booths. The two Discover Sailing boats were booked the entire time and more boats could have been filled easily.

“I think this was a great effort for the first year,” said Executive Director Jonathan Banks. “While we would have liked to have seen more boats and accessories on display, most exhibitors talked of bringing more boats to the show next year. The fact that Discover Sailing was booked the entire time suggests that this market has great potential for growth.”

For next year, an additional 40 ft will be added to the sail pier that will create dock space for at least another 6 boats. The seminars, small boat displays and the Discover Sailing tent will be located closer together, and more boats will be added to Discover Sailing.

There is strong interest in the SailFest event at the Baltimore Boat Show at the Baltimore Convention Center, Jan 23-27, 2008. For more information, contact Lori Gleason at lori@sailamerica.com or 1-800-817-7245.

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