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| January, 2007 |
The Boat Show season is upon us once again and all of us at Sail America are working extremely hard to make the upcoming Strictly Sail Boat Shows a great success for exhibitors and attendees. Each year, the Strictly Sail Boat Shows attract more than 75,000 customers eager to buy sailing-related products, services, and boats. Sail America spends hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting these shows and sailing in general. In 2007, we will make the Strictly Sail Boat Shows even more successful by increasing attendance, improving the retail environment for exhibitors, enhancing the attendee experience, and reaching out to a broader audience of sailors. We are also working on a “SailFest” concept that aims to create a stronger presence for sailing-related products and services at non-sailboat only shows. While boat shows are invaluable in supporting the industry and generating sales, we are also looking at other ways to promote growth in sailing. In addition to Sail America’s successful Discover Sailing program, we have been closely involved with the Grow Boating Initiative, which is doing a great job at promoting the boating lifestyle and attracting new customers to boating. The sailing industry has benefited directly from the Discover Boating marketing campaign, which has generated thousands of sailing prospects. Based on the success of Grow Boating, Sail America is working on a Grow Sailing initiative that will enable the sailing industry to make a more equitable contribution to Grow Boating as well as fund sailing specific marketing programs. A task force representing different segments of the sailing industry has been formed to develop a funding model that will be equitable, fair, and easy to administer. We are still in the early stages of planning, but we will move forward as quickly as possible as I believe that the Grow Sailing initiative will be critical to the future success and health of the sailing industry. In an effort to add more value to Sail America membership, a number of task forces have been established to work on a strategic plan to map out the future direction for Sail America. Some of the key areas that the task forces will address include: identifying new member services, growing membership, generating additional revenue, improving the effectiveness of our boat shows, and creating a Grow Sailing Initiative. I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of our Show Team that has been hard at work organizing three back-to-back shows. I would also like to thank the Board of Directors for their ongoing support of our many programs and for their enormous contribution to the strategic planning process. New Plans to be Unveiled at General Members Meeting in Chicago
Members of the sailing industry are invited to hear its executive leaders address key marketing initiatives and plans during Sail America’s General Members Meeting on Feb 2nd from 8:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. at Room 328 at the Navy Pier, during the Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show. The Sail America General Members meeting is open to its members and prospective members to learn more about Sail America’s future plans and its marketing and boat show initiatives. There will be networking and a free continental breakfast from 8:30-9:00 a.m., before presentations begin at 9 a.m. Jonathan Banks, Sail America executive director, will discuss Sail America’s future in his presentation, “Working Together to Grow the Sailing Industry.” Guest speakers include: The Water Channel’s vice president of marketing, George Sullivan, who will discuss Sail America’s new agreement with the national television network and Kevin Murphy, Sail America national show manager, who will update members on the upcoming Strictly Sail Boat Shows. In addition, Grow Boating Director Steve Tadd and Carl Blackwell, vice president of marketing and communications for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, will unveil Discover Boating results and plans for 2007. Sail America President Bill Bolin will then present the President’s Report, including an update on the new Grow Sailing Initiative. Sail America Elects New Board Members Sail America is pleased to announce the election of four new board members – two existing members, George Day and Walt Brown, were elected for a three-year extension of their current terms on the Board, and two new members, Josh Adams and Brenda Collins, were elected to replace Board members whose terms expired at the end of 2006.
George Day is the Publisher and Editor of Blue Water Sailing magazine, and currently serves as the Vice President of Sail America’s Association Committee. Prior to starting Blue Water Sailing in 1996, George and his family spent five years sailing around the world aboard their Mason 43, Clover. Previously, George was Editorial Director of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines. He is the author of the books Out There (with Herb McCormick), Safety At Sea and The Well-Managed Sailboat.
Walt Brown has been involved with Sail America since the first Sail Expo in Atlantic City, and he has since grown four sailing businesses/brands, including Layline Inc., Musto USA, Tacktik USA, and Dubarry USA. Walt is currently the Vice President of Sail America’s Show Committee and believes that Sail America is more vitally important now than when it was started.
Josh Adams is a lifelong sailor and the Publisher of SAIL Magazine. He began work at SAIL in 1996 on the editorial team and was responsible for covering the performance, technical and lifestyle aspects of sailing. As Publisher, he has overall responsibility for both the editorial and business sides of SAIL, BoatWorks and the Sailboat Buyers Guide and their companion web sites. Josh was a three-time collegiate All-American at Tufts University, a member of the US Sailing Team in the mid-90s, a team racing world champion (1998), and a trimmer/coach for the 1999 America’s Cup challenger Young America.
Brenda Collins has been with Sabre Yachts for more than 23 years, and has worked in the marine industry for 34 years. As National Sales Manager at Sabre Yachts, she is responsible for client contact, dealer relations, sales administration, production scheduling, and deliveries.
Sail America News to Reach a Broader Audience Sail America News keeps hundreds of sailing industry professionals up to date on Association activities, show schedules and news from the industry. Now that Sail America News is distributed electronically, we encourage everyone in your company as well as your contacts in the marine industry to register to receive their own free copy. Anyone can sign up to receive a free copy of Sail America News at sailamerica.com. Midwest’s Favorite Indoor Sailboat Show Opens in Chicago at Navy Pier Strictly Sail Chicago, the largest annual gathering of sailors in the Midwest, will be held February 1 – 4 at Navy Pier in Chicago. Over 250 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest sailboats and sailing accessories, and more than 20,000 sailing enthusiasts of all skill levels are expected to attend.
“Launched in 1996, Strictly Sail Chicago has become the largest indoor sailboat show in the country,” says Kevin Murphy, show manager. “This show has grown considerably in exhibitors and attendees over the course of 11 years and prides itself on offering sailing enthusiasts of all skill levels the opportunity to learn and enjoy all aspects of the sailing lifestyle.” In addition to the latest sailboats, accessories and gear, attendees will have the opportunity to attend any of the more than 200 educational seminars. Sailing celebrities will also be available to share tales of their experiences at sea. An important feature of the show is the Kids’ Club; an activity center designed for junior sailors. Children will have the opportunity to build their own sailboat models, draw “sailboats of the future,” learn knot tying and race boats in the makeshift “lake” on the show floor. New boats on display at Strictly Sail Chicago include:
Celebrate at Strictly Sail Miami Feb. 15-19 at Miamarina Bayside
The 22nd Strictly Sail Miami is set to impress with a glorious fleet of sailboats on display on outdoor docks from Feb. 15-19 at Miamarina Bayside. Strictly Sail Miami is part of the 66th Miami International Boat Show, one of the world’s largest marine shows, attracting 2,200 exhibitors and an estimated 150,000 national and international visitors.
Amway Co-Founder Rich DeVos to Share Vision and Values with Marine Industry at Miami International Boat Show
NBA Orlando Magic Chairman and Amway co-founder Rich DeVos will speak at the 5th Annual “Leading with Vision and Values” luncheon at the Miami International Boat Show on February 16 sponsored by Regal Marine. DeVos has been called one of the great business success stories of all time. Along with his high school classmate, he founded Amway in 1959. The company has spawned a worldwide organization that reported sales of $6.4 billion in 2005. The 80-year-old DeVos has been the recipient of numerous achievement awards, as well as 11 honorary doctorate degrees. He is also an author of three books, and will be speaking on his latest book, “Hope From My Heart,” which was inspired by his life-changing experience of a heart transplant at age 71. He imparts 10 lessons for life on subjects like persistence, confidence, optimism, respect and faith. The “Leading with Vision and Values” luncheon will be held Friday, February 16 from noon - 1:15 p.m. at the convention center. To ensure your reservation, tickets must be ordered by January 31, 2007, and are available for $30 each, or $250 for a corporate table of eight. For reservations or more information, contact Yolanda Quiceno at (407) 447-9208 or yquiceno@regalboats.com. Sail America Achieves Marketing Success in 2006 Sail America runs and supports numerous marketing activities, all of which are aimed at promoting the sailing lifestyle, increasing participation in sailing and generating qualified leads for our members. Some of the marketing highlights from 2006 include:
2006 Southam Awards Set New Record for Entries A record-breaking 270 entries from journalists in 33 states were submitted for the John Southam Award for Excellence in Sailing Communications this year. Over 150 million media impressions in sailing coverage were generated from these entries, more than doubling the impressions of last year’s entrants. In its 14th year, the Southam Awards are named in honor of John Southam, former publisher of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines, who played a significant role in the growth of Sail America. In addition to the $5,000 grand prize, up to seven $1,000 category winners are also selected. For the first time, there were significant pod/webcast entries – showing a change in the mediums that journalists are using to cover sailing. The winners will be announced at the Miami International Boat Show during the International Press Breakfast. Cruising World Announces 2007 Boat of the Year Winners Cruising World has picked the Catalina 309 and the Malö 40 as the top overall boats for 2007. The winners, along with the rest of the Boat of the Year award winners, will be featured in the January issue of Cruising World, which hit newsstands on December 15, 2006. Despite being one of the smallest sailboats in the running, the Florida-built Catalina 309 hit the bull's-eye in claiming the top overall Domestic Boat of the Year award. "I think that for the purpose it was put on the water, to be able to walk down, jump aboard, and simply go enjoy it on a weekend, the boat not only hit the price in terms of value but also hit the mark in terms of use," remarked judge Alvah Simon, a world voyager. Cruising World Boat of the Year Winners 2007
Domestic Boat of the Year - Catalina 309 Sailing World named the following 2007 Boat of the Year Award Winners in its January issue article entitled: “Passionate Performance Rules.” Overall Winner Esse 850- Judges liked the generous sail plan, quality of construction and precise handling. Best Sportboat Corsair Sprint 750-Judges liked “the speed, the speed, the speed.”
Best One-Design Open 5.70-Judges liked the boat’s popularity in Europe, the price and the huge cockpit. Best Racer/Cruiser X-35 One Design-Cited for no-compromise racing layout on deck, its performance and surprisingly comfortable interior. Best Cruiser/Racer Salona 37-Judges liked the price, performance and overall quality. SAIL Announces Pittman Innovation Award Selections
SAIL’s annual Pittman Innovation Awards will recognize 16 inventive new products in the magazine’s February issue. Named for former SAIL Technical Editor Freeman K. Pittman, who died in 1996 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), the awards celebrate their tenth year by honoring pioneering achievements in four categories. In the Racing Gear category, the selections are:
Details on all these products can be found in SAIL’s February issue and after March 1, 2007 on sailmagazine.com. |
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