With Earth Day celebrated worldwide April 22, and the increasing consumer interest in environmental stewardship and healthy living, this month seems a particularly good time to discuss Sail America's efforts to look for new ways to fully position sailing as a "Green" activity that promotes health, wellness and environmental sustainability.

Dan Coughlin, best-selling author of ACCELERATE: 20 Practical Lessons to Boost Business Momentum, is the keynote speaker at the inaugural annual "Growth Through Innovation" Conference presented by GE Capital Solutions and Sail America and Industry Regatta sponsored by West Marine from June 11-13 at the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, RI.

Open exclusively to Sail America members, the first-ever 2008 Sail America Industry Regatta sponsored by West Marine will take place on Friday, June 13th at Sail Newport. The Industry Regatta kicks off with breakfast and registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by a skipper briefing and team photos.

Over 80 Sail America members attended the General Members Meeting April 18 at Strictly Sail Pacific. The meeting covered Sail America’s future plans, a presentation on the State of the Sailing Industry Research, an update on Grow Boating, an announcement of the 2008 Industry Conference and Regatta, and an update on Strictly Sail Shows.

Sail America hosted a special preview of select scenes from the yet-to-be-released film Morning Light on Thursday, April 17, at Strictly Sail Pacific. The film is the real-life adventure story of one of the youngest crew to compete in the legendary Transpacific Yacht Race, an offshore sailboat race between Los Angeles (California) and Hawaii.

Strictly Sail Pacific returned to Oakland’s Jack London Square from Wednesday, April 16 to Sunday, April 20. The 12th running of this five-day sailing event, the largest sail-only boat show on the West Coast, attracted over 13,000 attendees, over 200 exhibitors, and a fleet of over 70 boats.

Sail America welcomes Raul Bermudez as a new Board member, replacing outgoing member Lex Raas, who recently resigned due to heavy future work-related commitments.

Leading sailboat manufacturers say the recent impressive growth in the big-boat category is fueled by a number of factors, including: new product launches, non-stop marketing, strong customer service and benefits, technology innovations, and wealthy clients insulated from the bumps of today's turbulent economy.

The newly revamped and updated www.DiscoverBoating.com has just been launched this month and features a much stronger presence for sailing destined to generate more future sailing prospects.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association is asking Sail America members to take action immediately to support S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 in Congress to preserve recreational boating and protect the environment. The following article outlines the background, impact and proposed solution through new Congressional legislation.

US SAILING, national governing body for the sport, recently announced it has created a new financial aid program - named Sailorships - aimed at providing financial assistance to junior sailors between the ages of 13 and 19 who are interested in competing in US SAILING Championships and/or clinics.

The 9th International Sailing Summit, Paris 2008, is seeking support from the sailing industry for its program, to be held Dec. 4, in conjunction with the Paris International Boat Show, which opens the following day.

SpinSheet, the Chesapeake Bay sailing magazine is debuting in April its free new sailor guide, Start Sailing Now.

Ronstan has introduced three stylish new watches designed and programmed to meet the unique needs of racing sailors based upon the popular Clear Start™ timer. Each retains the easy-to-read, easy-to-use functionality of the original Clear Start™ timer, yet all three models are attractive and comfortable enough to wear off the boat.

Molly Winans has been named editor at SpinSheet, the Chesapeake Bay sailing magazine.

Jan Peterson Promoted to Cruising World, Sailing World and Power Cruising Online Ad Director

Vito Miceli has joined Power Cruising as the new Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regional sales manager.

Claudette Chaisson has been promoted to the newly created position of advertising director of Power Cruising.

LaserPerformance announces the appointment of Devin Kelly as President and Jim Forrest Chief Financial Officer