Article

CHICAGO – August 21, 2012 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today the transition of the Long Beach Boat and Yacht Show to Southern California’s only all-sail boat show, Strictly Sail Long Beach. The show will take place October 18-21 at Rainbow Harbor, maintaining its original dates and location. With the transition, NMMA will produce the region’s three leading boat shows, including the San Diego Yacht & Boat Show and Los Angeles Boat Show, creating three distinct boating events in the region to meet the demands of consumers and the recreational boating industry.

“The sailing industry has long wanted an all-sail boat show in Southern California. With the help of NMMA staff who produce its other Strictly Sail shows, now is the perfect time for the transition. We have the resources to build a significant selling event for exhibitors and an ultimate sailing experience for attendees, with a first-rate selection of sailing product on display, new attractions, and renowned seminars,” said Ben Wold, NMMA executive vice president.

“By bringing the Long Beach show back to its  roots, we’ll be able to build it into an annual fall tradition and destination, providing sailors a unique opportunity to experience one of California’s favorite pastimes and giving the sailing industry a premier sales destination,” echoed Dave Geoffroy, NMMA West executive director.

The 2012 Strictly Sail Long Beach boat show will feature more than a hundred sailboats, representing dozens of brands and models from the region’s leading dealers, plus an area showcasing the sailing industry’s newest accessories and technology. Show attractions will include dozens of educational seminars for novice sailors and experienced boaters from the industry’s top experts, on-water attractions including daily lessons aboard sailboats, a chance to try paddle sports, a Sailing Simulator and more.

For more information about Strictly Sail Long Beach, visit www.StrictlySailLongBeach.com. For exhibit opportunities, contact Executive Director of NMMA West, Dave Geoffroy, at [email protected], 714-633-7584; or NMMA Show Manager, Kevin Murphy, at [email protected], 401-293-5207.

Media Contact: Sarah Ryser at [email protected].

###

About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit NMMA.org.