SAIL AMERICA/NMMA SAIL SHOWS ADOPT SINGLE NAME

Strictly Sail events will be in five cities in 2005

CHICAGO, June 4, 2004 - - Sail America and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today that their five co-produced shows will now all fall under the Strictly Sail brand. Show organizers say the change will allow for more powerful branding of the shows as a series of the best all-sail events in the country.

The Strictly Sail moniker, currently in use in Miami and Chicago, will now be used for shows in St. Petersburg, FL, Philadelphia, PA and Oakland, CA, replacing the Sail Expo name used in these show previously.

“Our shows include the most comprehensive gatherings of sail boats, gear and equipment in the country, and attract crowds that are passionate about sailing in five of the highest concentrated areas for sailing in the country. The Strictly Sail name best reflects those elements of each of our shows,” says Sail America executive director Scot West.

The National Boat Show Committee, which includes representation from NMMA and Sail America, recommended to the Sail America board that they use the Strictly Sail name going forward, following the completion of surveys with exhibitors and past show attendees. Exhibitors showed no preference between Sail Expo and Strictly Sail, but when attendees were asked, they chose the Strictly Sail name at a ratio of two to one compared with Sail Expo, and five to one over the next option.

“I am extremely pleased with this decision. With all shows falling under the Strictly Sail banner, it will eliminate confusion for our exhibitors, allow us to communicate more effectively about the shows in consumer and trade promotions and showcase these five events to sailors nationwide as the shows for everything sailing,” says NMMA president Thom Dammrich.

Dates for the five Strictly Sail shows are:

• Strictly Sail St. Petersburg, November 4-7, 2004
• Strictly Sail Philadelphia, January 20-23, 2005 (Premiere event)
• Strictly Sail Chicago, February 3-6, 2005
• Strictly Sail Miami, February 17-21, 2005
• Strictly Sail Pacific, April 13-17, 2005

For more information about the Strictly Sail tour of shows, contact West at (401) 841-0900; scotw@sailamerica.com.

Sail America is an independent affiliate of NMMA, representing the sailing industry - a powerful group of more than 650 enthusiastic member companies and individuals dedicated to promoting the growth of the sailing industry.

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce over 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gea