Oakland, CA (April 22, 2011) - Sailing enthusiasts gathered in record numbers at Strictly Sail Pacific at Jack London Square, April 14th – 17th to view the latest in sailing boats and gear, learn from the experts at over 100 seminars, take free sailing lessons, and learn more about the future plans for the America`s Cup to be held in San Francisco Bay in 2013. Exhibitors throughout the show reported strong attendance, brisk sales and an upbeat mood. The weather was perfect and customers were out in force.

Overall attendance was up 10%, with an impressive 35% increase in eticket sales. Space sales were up over 20% and the show site had to be expanded to meet the higher-than-expected demand.

Show producer, Jonathan Banks, Executive Director of Sail America expressed, "Attendance was up every day of the show and many exhibitors commented on the quality of the crowd. The new show layout worked out extremely well and the new features, including America`s Cup Day, VIP Day, the DIY Demo Tent and the Discover Sailing Learning Center were a big hit."

Lauren Durfee, Boat Show Manager for West Marine shared, "There was a lot more excitement this year, a higher customer count and higher sales activity. Items were selling off the shelf, with a focus on electronics and safety gear."

Charlotte Taylor of Harken commented, "Friday was outstanding. The trend is good, there is a momentum."

"People are spending money and planning cruising again," commented Star Marine`s Ian Wail. He further commented, "After the economy took a slump, the interest in cruising all but disappeared. With the economy on the rebound, sailors are cruising and prepping their boats. Clients came from Hawaii, Oregon, Southern California and Nevada."

Sean Svendeson, of Svendenon`s Marine shared the sentiment that there was more of an interest in cruising this year and consumers had a positive outlook.

Debbie Betz of Bank of America Financing thought the show had "been fantastic" and had resulted in financing and sales for nearly twenty boats.

On the docks, Don Magraf with Lagoon Marine expressed that it was a great show, with a luxury catamaran sold on the first day of the show, and two more in progress. And, Marnie Reid, with Morris Yachts of Maine added, "It was great to be back. The Morris 36 was extremely well received; it was a terrific show with well qualified buyers."

JK3 and Sabre Yachts presented the all-new Sabre 456 as well as the Sabre Spirit. "The Sabre 456 caused such a buzz, that we couldn`t hold on to her. The boat sold at the show with two more pending offers on the Sabre Spirit," said Jeff Brown, President of JK3. JK3 also unveiled the exciting new promotion from Sabre called "LaunchPad", a revolutionary new service for sailors to manage their boating activity online, with everything they`ll need, all conveniently loaded onto a sleek iPad.

Jim Tull of Crusing Yachts accepted an offer on the 2000 brokerage Jeanneau 40, and has a deposit and signed contract on a 2011 Jeanneau 42 DS.

Jonathan Banks concluded, "By far, this was the strongest Strictly Sail Pacific Show in recent years. There were no complaints about the economy; exhibitors and attendees were in remarkable spirits, and the weather was perfect. The show got off to a strong start with America`s Cup Day, and enthusiasm continued to build throughout the four-day sailing extravaganza."

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