Jobson to Speak at Industry Conference

 
Gary Jobson to Speak at Sailing Industry Conference, Plus Final Sponsor Slate ‘Exceeds Expectations’

May 26, 2010, Middletown, RI – In a late breaking announcement, Sail America reports that ESPN commentator, America’s Cup champion and US SAILING President Gary Jobson has agreed to speak on “Making Sailing Essential” at the Sailing Industry Conference and Regatta, June 14 – 16, 2010 in Annapolis, MD. According to Jobson, the topic is designed to provide a strategic overview about what is required and how to grow the sport of sailing.

“We are extremely pleased to have Gary join us to give this exciting presentation,” said George Day, event chair and publisher of Blue Water Sailing magazine. “He brings a wealth of personal passion and professional expertise to the podium, and we’re eagerly looking forward to his valuable insight and recommendations that will help us grow our own businesses, while helping to promote the sailing sport and lifestyle.”

In other developments, the final sponsorship slate has been confirmed which Sail America reports far exceeds expectations, including the recent announcement of the United States Sailboat Show as a presenting sponsor. As part of this sponsorship agreement, any company that exhibited at the 2009 Annapolis Sailboat Show or has submitted a contract for the 2010 show will receive a $50 discount to attend the Sailing Industry Conference, so long as they register by June 4.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome the United States Sailboat Show to our event, and by the tremendous show of support from sponsors across the industry,” said Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks. “We have surpassed our original sponsorship goal by 25 percent, thanks to the great efforts of Sabre Yachts’ Brenda Collins and her outstanding sponsorship task force team. We are also riding the wave of success from the previous 2008 Sailing Industry Conference and are pleased that many of our original sponsors have returned.”

Conference sponsors include Title Sponsor Yanmar; Presenting Sponsors The Sailing Company, Gill North America, Blue Water Sailing, SAIL Magazine, Harken, GE Financial, Gill North America, YachtWorld.com, Jeanneau, and the United States Sailboat Show; Regatta Sponsors West Marine, J World Annapolis, US SAILING and A.G.A. Correa & Sons; Partner Sponsors Soundings Trade Only, Caffeine Interactive, Kenton Smith Marketing, and Insight Marketing & Media; Donating Sponsors The Moorings and Sunsail; and General Sponsors Sabre Yachts, Imtra Corporation, Yacht.Com, Hunter Marine, Forespar, Edson, Ronstan, Newport International Boat Show, the Gowrie Group; Offshore Sailing School, Vetus, Maxwell, North Sails, New England Ropes, and the American Sailing Association (ASA).

“While the marine industry has experienced a very challenging year, having this phenomenal level of solid partnership support for our industry conference is a direct reflection of the high level of commitment to the sailing industry by many of our member businesses and industry leaders,” added Banks. “No doubt, there is a great feeling of momentum coming into this conference and a very positive, upbeat feeling of enthusiasm and excitement, which will be refreshing for everyone attending.”

In terms of attendance, Banks reports more than 70 companies have signed up to date. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, sponsor Gill North America has provided an excellent early-bird incentive to promote advance registration, with a $75 day pack available to the first 100 registrants.

For complete information on the 2010 Sailing Industry Conference and Regatta and to register online, visit www.sailamerica.com/conference or call Kimberly Tuchon or Jonathan Banks at (401) 841-0900.

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