The first will be held at the Virginia In-Water Boat Expo & SAILFEST on Norfolk’s popular waterfront, September 14-16, 2007, while the second event will be held January 23-27, 2008 in conjunction with the “NEW” Baltimore Boat Show, at the Baltimore Convention Center.

According to Kevin Murphy, Strictly Sail national show manager, the new SAILFEST additions are in direct response to consumer demand.

“SAILFEST was created as a response to boat show attendees asking to see more sailboats at shows, as well as exhibitors seeking ways to put their product in front of more people,” he said. “The overall goal is simply to expose Sail America members’ products to more potential buyers.”

In terms of the show format, Murphy says it will include a mini Strictly Sail show featuring sailboats, gear and accessories, seminars for sailors, special events and related features. Murphy said additional marketing will focus on attracting sailors in the region to the show and complement the existing show advertising with this new sailing component.

“The major benefit is we are working with highly successful, well established shows in markets where there are strong concentrations of sailors,” he added. “The more exhibitors that choose to participate, the more successful the events will be.”

Murphy said contracts are currently available for these events as well as the other Strictly Sail shows. For more information contact Lori Gleason at 800.817.7245 ext. 26 or Kevin at ext. 28.