Press Releases

As the 2010 winter boat show season continues with Strictly Sail Chicago, held at Navy Pier, January 28-31, the industry expects consumers to be closely watching their budgets and evaluating where to prioritize their discretionary income. In an effort to help existing sailors uncover budget-conscious ways to take to the water, Strictly Sail Chicago is introducing the Affordability Pavilion, which showcases sailboats that can be financed for $250 or less per month.

While recreational boating in the U.S. is perceived to be an activity for the affluent, the vast majority of boaters are middleclass participants. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s 2008 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, approximately 75 percent of boat owners have a household income under $100,000, and an estimated 95 percent of boats on the water today are 26 feet or less.

“As many boaters can attest, a boat is more than a financial investment – it’s an invaluable way to connect with loved ones, and one that can be achieved on most budgets,” noted Kevin Murphy, show manager.  “As we pull out of the recession, we want to make sure people know that buying a boat is still within reach. In addition to the Pavilion, attendees will be able to find some of the best deals we’ve seen in years on sailboats and accessories throughout the show.”

In addition to the Affordability Pavilion, Strictly Sail Chicago offers hundreds of boats in all shapes and sizes, plus the newest sailing accessories at the best deals of the year. Even through the credit crunch, financing is still available and consumers can find special show pricing and rebates throughout the show. Other attractions at this year’s show include the Author’s Corner, Green Boating Zone, Jack Klang’s Sailing Simulator, Kid’s Club, SAIL Magazine’s Innovation Station, hundreds of educational sailing seminars and more. 

Show details include:

When:   
Thursday through Sunday, January 28 – 31, 2010
Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday:  9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday:  9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where:  
Navy Pier, Festival Halls A & B, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
  
Admission: 
$12 – Thursday and Friday (Adults)
$15 – Saturday and Sunday (Adults)
$24 – Two-Day Adult Pass
FREE – Children 15 years and under (when accompanied by an adult)
  
Consumers interested in learning more about Strictly Sail Chicago 2010 can visit StrictlySailChicago.com for complete details.

Members of the media interested in attending the show are encouraged to visit StrictlySailChicago.com to sign-up for a press badge. Members of the media in need of additional information should contact Dana Fennewald at (312-946-6256, dfennewald@nmma.org).

EDITORS NOTE: Preview photos and b-roll available upon request

Strictly Sail Chicago Photos – Visit HERE to visit our show Flickr Set
Twitter – Follow us @NMMABoatShows. 
Facebook – Click HERE to become a fan of Strictly Sail Chicago

Strictly Sail Chicago is endorsed by Sail America, an independent affiliate of National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), representing the sailing industry – a powerful group of enthusiastic companies and individuals dedicated to promoting sailing.

About Strictly Sail Chicago
The Strictly Sail Chicago Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows.  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. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.