OAKLAND, Calif., March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Salty sea-dogs, aspiring pirates, and off-the-beaten-path travelers alike will have a great reason to get their feet wet this spring: from April 14th - 17th the Strictly Sail Pacific Show will return to Jack London Square in Oakland, California. Featuring sailing demonstrations and seminars, special programming for kids and adults alike, and hundreds of beautiful boats, Strictly Sail Pacific 2011 offers people of all ages a fun and exciting chance to get outside, get on the water, and score a pair of bona fide sea legs.
This year's show centers around hands-on events and on-the-water demonstrations, with exhibits set up not only in the spacious and newly-expanded Pavilion, but also floating on the water itself. With an expanded marina area and unprecedented access to the beautiful waters of the Bay Area, Strictly Sail Pacific 2011 promises every attendee a chance to get in a boat and experience the unique thrill of sailing.
With exciting programming, fun events, free interactive seminars, and hundreds of boats, the event offers something for everyone. Highlights include:
America's Cup: The oldest trophy in sports will be on display at Strictly Sail Pacific. Celebrate the Cup's historic return to American waters, meet the team, and hear the latest news about the 34th America's Cup being held on San Francisco Bay in 2013.
The Small Boat Zone: Featuring the show's smallest, splashiest, and speediest boats, the Small Boat Zone will offer a great mix of one-design classes, class associations, active fleets and yacht clubs.
Discover Sailing: A fun and easy intro to sailing. Budding enthusiasts can sign up for a FREE 45-minute sail on the Bay with an experienced Captain. For those looking to improve their skills, the Discover Sailing Learning Center will feature FREE 2-hour sailing lessons that cover a range of courses from sailing basics to advanced boat handling.
Kids' Programming and Fun Zone: For kids and teens, Strictly Sail Pacific features an abundance of Youth Sailing activities, free sailing classes on the Schooner Seaward, and a Fun Zone where little ones can blow off some steam.
Free Seminars: Listen to the top names in sailing, electronics, navigation, weather and living aboard share their knowledge and experiences.
Interactive, Hands-On Demos - Sailing enthusiasts can get hands-on experience and hone their skills in these interactive seminars. Demonstrations include winch servicing, knot tying, diesel engine repair, and more!
Match Racing: Seasoned speed demons and newbies alike can learn the basics of sailboat racing or hone their competitive edge with live match racing demonstrations (Saturday, April 16, starting at 1:00 pm). Experienced sailors from the St. Francis Yacht Club will host a live racing demonstration, with play-by-play commentary.
The event will also feature special appearances by some of sailing's famous faces. Teenage sailing sensations Zac and Abby Sunderland will both be on hand, with Zac taking members of the media aboard his own boat, The Intrepid, for sails along the Bay. Abby will appear on Sunday, April 17th.
A V.I.P. Preview Night for boat dealers and builders is being planned for Friday, April 15, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
"Strictly Sail Pacific is an exciting chance for longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike to get on the water, experience the thrill of sailing, and see all that this wonderful pastime has to offer," said Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks. "With never-before-seen sailing products from top suppliers all over the world, a collection of exquisite sailboats, and a fun, engaging line-up of special programming, this will be an unparalleled event for anyone interested in sailing."
SHOW AT A GLANCE
Location
On San Francisco Bay at Jack London Square in Oakland, California. Just across the Bay from downtown San Francisco, with easy access from around the Bay Area by ferry, BART or bus.
Hours Thursday and Friday, April 14th - 15th: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday, April 16th: 10 am - 7 pm Sunday, April 17th: 10 am - 5 pm Admission: $12 - Thursday and Friday (Adults) $15 - Saturday and Sunday (Adults) $24 - Two-Day Adult Pass $40 - Four-Day Pass (Available Online Only) FREE - Children 15 years and under (when accompanied by a paid adult)
About Strictly Sail Pacific
The Strictly Sail Pacific Show is produced by Sail America, the trade association for the US sailing industry. Strictly Sail Pacific is the only all-sail boat show on the West Coast and runs April 14 - 17th, 2011 at Oakland's Jack London Square just across the Bay from downtown San Francisco, with easy access from around the Bay Area by ferry, BART or bus. For more information, visit http://www.strictlysailpacific.com
About Sail America
Strictly Sail Pacific is owned and produced by Sail America, the national trade association for the sailing industry. For more information about Sail America visit http://www.sailamerica.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Cunha, BigPicture PR: 415.362.2085 or amy@bigpicpr.com
For press credentials, send requests via: http://www.strictlysailpacific.com/shows/presscredentials.asp?page=9&show=pa&show_id=pa
For b-roll and images, please contact: amy@bigpicpr.com
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Strictly Sail Pacific
CONTACT: Amy Cunha of BigPicture PR, +1-415-362-2085, amy@bigpicpr.com,
for Strictly Sail Pacific
Web site: http://www.strictlysailpacific.com/
