Sailing News & Views

American Diabetes Association Regatta 

Draws Well In Inaugural On Lake Minnetonka

Get A Jump Start On Summer At The 30TH Annual 

Minneapolis Boat Show, January 23-27

MINNEAPOLIS: Minnesota leads the nation in per capita boat ownership and the showcase to see all the new models for 2002 is the original BOAT SHOW, January 23 through 27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

Since its inception 30 years ago, the BOAT SHOW has been the Upper Midwest's major marine industry marketplace. More than 200 exhibitors will be at this year's show displaying virtually every new product and service for the marine industry. Displays include year-2002 powerboats, sailboats, cruisers, runabouts, pontoons, bass boats, fishing boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, inflatables, canoes, rowing shells, motors, trailers, docks, lifts, marine electronics, marine accessories, charter services, marinas, insurance and financial services. If it floats, you can see it and buy it at the BOAT SHOW! 

Although the boats are the true stars of this popular consumer show, there also are free special features for visitors of all ages.
The popular Antique & Classic Boats feature can again be seen in Lobby 2. This special feature is sponsored by the Bob Speltz Land-O-Lakes Chapter of the Antique And Classic Boat Society and spotlights original and restored boats owned by a variety of individuals from the Midwest. This year, the seven featured boats are truly special. Four are "original" boats with little to no restoration work, one was owned by a movie star and two are custom "one-of-a-kind" craft. Arguably the most famous of these boats is a 1959 26-foot Riva Tritone once owned by Rita Hayworth and her husband at the time, Prince Aly Khan.

The other boats include: a 1954 28-foot Chris-Craft Sportsman; a 1929 26-foot Hacker Craft Dolphin original; a 1936 22-foot Chris-Craft original which has been in storage since 1954; a 1956 18-foot Shepherd Classic Canadian in an art deco design; a 1954 12-foot Thompson Take-Along original which has been hanging in a garage since 1954; and a 1955 14-foot Thompson Thomboy original which has been in storage since new!

For many, there's nothing more satisfying than quietly slipping along a shoreline in a kayak or canoe. Others opt for the thrill of whitewater and lightning fast paddle strokes to maneuver through. You can learn all about "self-propelled" boating at the "Adventure Paddle Sports" special feature located in Lobby 3 at the BOAT SHOW.

Presented by the Minnesota Canoe Association (MCA), the Adventure Paddle Sports Feature includes a display of canoes and kayaks and a seminar area covering a variety of topics. Experts from the MCA will be on hand throughout the show to answer questions and give advice on these popular sports. In addition, visitors to this feature can see a canoe and kayak boat building demonstration.
Do you have a general boating question? Are you uncertain about boating laws and regulations? Are you looking for advice, publications or maps on prime locations to enjoy your boating activities? Then you'll want to visit the new "Boating Information Center" in Lobby 1 of the Convention Center. Organizations included in this key area include; the Boating & Water Safety Division of the Minnesota DNR, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol, The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron. 

BOAT SHOW hours are Wednesday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Thursday & Friday, noon to 10 p.m.; 

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5 through 11, and FREE for children under 5. Discount Coupons for $2 off adult admissions are available at Cub Foods locations (coupons good weekdays only). For more information on the BOAT SHOW call (612) 827-5833.

Woodside Biomedical Sponsors Popular Cruising Rally

West Marine Caribbean 1500 rally participants are easily identifiable. One of the event’s sponsors is Woodside Biomedical, maker of the ReliefBand.

When sailors embark upon the West Marine Caribbean 1500 rally on November 4, 2001, some of them may discover that having the ReliefBand Device on board will come in handy. Woodside Biomedical, maker of the ReliefBand Device, is one of the sponsors of the 12th running of this event.

The ReliefBand is a drug-free option for controlling the symptoms of sea sickness - especially in unpredictable ocean waters. Worn on the inside of the wrist, it uses gentle electrical pulses to interfere with the signals to the brain that cause a person to feel these symptoms. The ReliefBand Device offers five levels of relief and has an on/off push-botton feature.

Unlike drugs, the ReliefBand Device can be used any time before or after the symptoms of sea sickness begin. The manufacturer, Woodside Biomedical, also makes another version of the ReliefBand Device available by prescription for the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to morning sickness, chemotherapy and post-operative nausea.

The rally begins in Hampton, Virginia, and colcludes in Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. In keeping with the theory that there is strength in numbers, participants travel with a fleet of fellow sailors, maintaining radio contact with the others throughout the passage. Teams help each other prepare and provide support to one another along the way. Continuing this emphasis on camaraderie, the rally includes parties at both ends of the event to allow participants the chance to celebrate and share experiences together.

Contact Woodside Biomedical. Phone: 888-718-6900; www.reliefband.com.

Strictly Sail Chicago

January 31~ February 3
The premier all-sail show on Chicago's beautiful waterfront, Strictly Sail Chicago features sailboats, accessories, gear and charter information from more than 250 exhibitors. Celebrating its 7th year at famous Navy Pier this popular downtown location provides an ideal setting to jump start the sailing season.
Show hours are:
11:00-8:00 Thursday and Friday
10:00-8:00 Saturday and
10:00-6:00 Sunday

Show Location is:
Navy Pier, Chicago
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL

ADMISSION: $10 for Adults Thurs., Fri., and Sunday
$12 for Adults on Saturday
$5 for Children everyday
$18 adult two-day pass
$9.00 for a 2-day child ticket

Advance tickets are available now by calling the BoatU.S. Ticket center at (800) 937-2628, by visiting www.boatshows.com, sailamerica.com or by visiting your local Boat U.S. Marine Center. 

INFORMATION: For show information, call (401) 841-0900, or visit
Strictly Sail at www.sailamerica.com or boatshows.com

Strictly Sail-Chicago is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the principal trade association of the recreational marine industry, and Sail America, the sailing industry trade association and an independent affiliate of NMMA.

FREE SEMINARS ~ Extensive seminar program that is broken down into levels geared for all types of sailors ~ from sailors that are just starting out to the more experienced, advanced sailor. Check our website, sailamerica.com to get the most up-to-date topics and times.

ASK THE EXPERTS ~ Do you wish you could have one on one personalized attention from a sailing expert to ask your sailing questions? Well now you can at the Ask the Experts Area at the Strictly Sail Chicago. More industry leaders attend Strictly Sail Chicago than any other winter show.

DISCOVER SAILING ~ New to the sport? 2002 is dedicated to new sailors. Stop by the Discover Sailing, Center Feature display, and find everything you'll need to know on how to get into the sport of sailing. Talk to local sailing schools, clubs and sailing associations about where to begin. Try the brand new virtual sailing simulator. The sailing simulator will provide a real feel for sailing before you get out on the water. Take advantage of a free lesson from a qualified instructor without getting wet. Strictly Sail Chicago will provide everything you need to know to get started

AUTHOR'S CORNER ~ Come meet and have your favorite authors sign their books for you! Check out our website for a current list of authors.

KIDS CLUB ~ An activity center for young sailors that includes model boat making and racing, knot tying, draw your sailboat of the future and much more to come. Make sure you check out our website for seminars specially designed for junior sailors, sailing parents and sailing families. These take place everyday at the Kids Club next to the Sailing Pool

SAILING POOL ~ Come and race your neighbor, friend or family member with remote controlled sailboats.

ALLSTATE SAFETY DAY ~ Saturday, February 4th – The first 100 kids under the age of 12, that come to the show, will be given a life jacket compliments of AllState.

GARY JOBSON'S ULTIMATE SAILING ~ Gary Jobson is a world-class sailor, television commentator, author and corporate advisor. Come and listen to Gary review the America's Cup, give the latest scoop on the Volvo Ocean Race and discuss the latest trends in sailing. The seminar is free with the purchase of a ticket to the show. Check out sailamerica.com for dates and times.

SHOW PRODUCER ~ Strictly Sail Chicago is produced by Sail America (Middletown, R.I.), the sailing industry's national association and by the National Marine Manufactures Association (NMMA), the principle trade association of the recreational marine industry. Sail America is an independent affiliate of the NMMA. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ~ Visit our website at sailamerica.com or call (800) 817.7245