All-Sail Boat Show set for Nov. 3-6
Article published on Friday, Nov. 4, 2005
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| Strictly Sail St. Petersburg is debuting a lineup of new sailboats and featuring appearances by sailing legends as part of its four-day show Nov. 3 to 6 at a new location - Spa Beach at the base of the St. Petersburg Pier, also known as "The Pier." |
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ST. PETERSBURG - Strictly Sail St. Petersburg is debuting a lineup of new sailboats and featuring appearances by sailing legends as part of its four-day show Nov. 3 to 6 at a new location - Spa Beach at the base of the St. Petersburg Pier, also known as "The Pier."
Sailors from throughout the Gulf Coast and Southeast will gather for this "Southern Sailabration of Sail" that includes the debut of many sailboats, including the aft cockpit Island Packet 440, the sleek center cockpit cruiser Hunter 45, the all-new trailerable pocket cruiser Hunter 25 and the family friendly Island Packet BigFish and many more. Close to 100 sailboats will be on display in the water and on land at Strictly Sail St. Petersburg.
Plus, two enormous tents will be jam-packed with more than 150 international exhibitors displaying the best the sailing industry has to offer in sailing gear, charter companies, electronics and technologies. World adventure cruisers, authors and experts in navigation, software and equipment will share their stories and knowledge through the show's extensive seminar program.
Show attendees also can enjoy the chance to take a free sailboat ride through the show's "Discover Sailing" program, a national introduction-to-sailing program that seeks to attract more newcomers to become sailors. Sign up early as the boats fill up fast.
A special highlight of this year's show is "Sailing for Miracles," a series of fun sailing events featuring celebrity sailors. "Sailing for Miracles" is a joint fund raising event for All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and the Southeastern Sailing Industries Association. For more details, visit www.sailingformiracles.org.
Sailing legends Allison Jolly, Ted Irwin, Charley Morgan, Frank Butler, Mark Ploch, Ted Hood, Steve Pettengill, Olaf Harken, Jen French and Halsey Herreshoff will skipper a Masters Under Sail regatta.
The "Sailing for Miracles" events are as follows:
Masters Under Sail VIP Cocktail Party - Friday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m., St. Petersburg Yacht Club
The public is cordially invited to a "Masters Under Sail" cocktail party that kicks off the "Sailing for Miracles" fundraiser. Meet favorite sailing celebrities and join in the fun of a silent auction for great values on special items for sailing enthusiasts. The cocktail party is a joint fundraising event for the Southeastern Sailing Industries Association and All Children's Hospital. Tickets are $50 per person donation and can by purchased at www.sailingformiracles.org. Tickets include two free beverages and a variety of hors d' oeuvres.
Mother Tubber "Re-gretta" - Saturday, Nov. 5, 1 p.m., Spa Beach at The St. Petersburg Pier
Come out and sail in a festively and creatively decorated boat on the 5th, regardless of size or type, in a fun sailing parade. Entry is free and open to the public and the skipper of each boat enjoys a free weekend pass to the boat show. More great prizes awarded to the best, (and worst) participants, including first prize of 25 cases of Heineken. Any size or type of sailboat can enter. To register, go to www.sailingformiracles.org.
Masters Under Sail Regatta - Saturday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m., Spa Beach at The St. Petersburg Pier
Celebrity sailors will race aboard a fleet of ten Sonars in full view of spectators at the Strictly Sail St. Petersburg Boat Show. For a $100 donation to All Children's Hospital, members of the public can go sailing with one of the icons of sailing, while spectators have a chance to win sailing prizes. To register, visit www.sailingformiracles.org for further information.
Boat Builder's Poker Run - Sunday, Nov. 6, 1 p.m., Spa Beach at The St. Petersburg Pier
Fast, fun, and fantastic to watch, the Poker Run Regatta will feature yachts and teams provided by yacht manufacturers. Participants obtain poker cards at five destinations and the best poker hand at the end of the race determines the winner. Spectators can get in on the action and also win prizes. To register, visit www.sailingformiracles.org.
Strictly Sail St. Petersburg show hours are Thursday, Nov. 3, through Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Sunday's hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adult admission is $10 a person on weekdays and $12 a person on the weekend. Children 15 and under are free with a paid adult. Buy tickets at the show or order them in advance online at www.strictlysail.com or www.sailamerica.com.
Strictly Sail St. Petersburg is offering all attendees discounted parking and a free ride to the show. The discounted parking is conveniently located on Bayshore Drive just south of The St. Petersburg Pier opposite the Bayfront Center. Follow the signs for "BOAT SHOW PARKING." Space is limited so get there early.
Strictly Sail St. Petersburg is co-produced by Sail America, a nonprofit association that represents the sailing industry, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Participating sponsors are: Allstate, Hunter Marine, West Marine, city of St. Petersburg, Mount Gay Rum, Heineken and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Article published on Friday, Nov. 4, 2005
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