For Immediate Release

Contact: Jonathan Banks
Executive Director, Sail America
(401) 841-0900
jbanks@sailamerica.com

Sail America Announces ‘New & Improved’
Strictly Sail™ Pacific Show

Middletown, RI, January 6, 2010 – Show Producer Sail America has announced that Strictly Sail Pacific will return to its former exclusive sail-only format at the newly renovated Jack London Square, Oakland, CA from April 15 – 18, 2010. The show will feature an enhanced layout, more convenient parking, indoor exhibit space, and numerous attractions and special features.

“We all agree that sailing needs a strong presence on the west coast and we have renewed our commitment to producing the best possible show for our exhibitors and attendees alike,” said Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks. “The Bay Area is one of the nation’s most active sailing markets and our show location on the waterfront sets the mood for sailing.”

As a result of exhibitor and attendee feedback, the show shifts to an improved four-day format to help reduce overall costs. Another key change includes moving the majority of the booth exhibitors to a 30,000 square foot indoor facility – site of the former Barnes & Noble bookstore – which will accommodate approximately 150 booths. The storefront, situated in the heart of Jack London Square, offers convenient underground parking, excellent facilities and, rain or shine, a climate-controlled environment. The new layout will improve traffic flow and provide maximum convenience for attendees.

Also new for 2010 is the addition of premium pre-owned boats in the in-water section of the show which is designed to enhance the show by providing attendees with a wider selection of boats to view. The small boat section will also be expanded to include affordable dinghies, trailerable boats and one-design classes.

In addition, improved seminar facilities are expected to be a big hit with show-goers and presenters alike. A full slate of special event activities, including the popular Latitudes & Attitudes Cruisers’ Bash, wine tasting, celebrity speakers, local regattas, youth activities and the Discover Sailing free sailboat rides, are all being planned by the local show committee. In addition, a VIP Preview Night for all in-water exhibitors on the evening prior to the show opening is being organized.

“The April Strictly Sail Pacific is just the stimulus package needed for west coast sailing businesses,” said John Arndt, associate publisher, Latitude 38. “The construction at Jack London Square is completed and the move to the former Barnes & Noble store is a win-win for exhibitors and attendees alike. This is a terrific venue with improved facilities offering lots of upsides for 2010. We’re looking forward to a great event.”

Added Banks, “We are preparing to launch a comprehensive marketing program to promote the show and drive attendance. With a strong mix of direct mail, magazine, print, broadcast, Internet and e-mail marketing, coupled with public relations, our marketing campaign is designed to target the regional sailing market and to generate a high degree of interest and enthusiasm in the sailing lifestyle and associated products.”

Show Details at a Glance

Location:	Jack London Square, Oakland, CA
Dates:	Thursday, April 15 – Sunday, April 18, 2009
Times:	Thursday: 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm
	Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
	Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
	Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

V.I.P. Preview Night (Sailboats only): 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 14

Admission:	$12 – Thursday and Friday (Adults)
	$15 – Saturday and Sunday (Adults)
	$24 – Two-Day Adult Pass
	$50 – Five-Day Pass (Available Online Only)
	FREE – Children 15 years and under (when accompanied by a paid adult)

Contacts:

Show Manager – Jonathan Banks (jbanks@sailamerica.com)
Show Chair – Sean Svendsen (sean@svendsens.com)
Operations Manager – Jorgen Bateman, NCMA (jorgen.bateman@sbcglobal.net)
Seminars – Patty Lawrence (seminars@sailamerica.com)
Sales – Mitch Perkins (mperkins@sailamerica.com)