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Annual boat show is not so strict anymore
Strictly Sail now has trawlers and more.
By LIBBY NELSON, Times Staff Writer
Published October 31, 2007
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[Photo submitted by Basil Garzia]
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ST. PETERSBURG- The annual Strictly Sail sailboat show is no longer just for sailboats. The boat show, which opens Thursday at Spa Beach at the Pier, traditionally has featured new sailboats for sailing fans. After the success of an exhibition of power cruisers and trawlers last year, though, boats without sails are making their way into the show. "It seems kind of unusual for Strictly Sail, but there is a power and trawler expo," said Mary Orme, director of public relations for the St. Petersburg boat show. There was enough interest last year that more boat brokers are showing trawlers and powerboats, she said. "That's a logical progression for many sailors - they go beyond sailing or they just don't want to work that hard on a boat anymore," Orme said. "So they start to think about moving into trawlers." This year, there will be about 150 boats at Strictly Sail, both in the water and on dry docks. Although advertising gears the event to sail enthusiasts - early ticket-buyers are promised subscriptions to sailing magazines - the event drew 10,000 people last year. Many are people who think they might be interested in sailing, most of whom tend to be interested in the outdoors, Orme said. "It's technically people with an interest in sailing coming to the show, but this show is not just for sailors," she said. Hoping to attract new sailors, and potential buyers, the show offers free sailboat rides. Clinics and seminars are geared toward new and experienced boaters. Seminars range from classes on taking pets on sailboats and tips for practicing yoga while sailing to celestial navigation and Caribbean cruising. Strictly Sail, a national boat show company, also has events in Norfolk, Va.; Oakland, Calif.; Baltimore; Chicago; and Miami. Libby Nelson can be reached at 727 893-8779 or lnelson@sptimes.com. IF YOU GO Strictly Sail boat show, Thursday through Sunday Where: Spa Beach, the Pier When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: Adult weekdays, $12 Adult weekends, $14 Two days, $24 Children under 15 free with paying adult
[Last modified October 30, 2007, 20:41:37]
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