I'm pleased to announce that Sail America is partnering with the South West International Boat Show (SWIBS), to be held at South Shore Harbour Marina, Houston, Texas from March 22-25, 2012 Texas.

The South West International Boat Show, now in its fourth year, is the largest in-water boat show in the Houston area and the Lone Star State. With one of the highest concentrations of boats and one of the healthiest economies in the United States, the Texas Gulf offers exhibitors access to a largely untapped and enthusiastic marketplace. Together with Sail America’s endorsement and GEICO’s sponsorship, the South West International Boat Show is going from strength to strength.

As part of the partnership agreement, Sail America will create a “Sail America Village,”, sell space, manage the seminar program, run Discover Sailing, and organize special events.

The “Sail America Village,” which is a new concept and something Sail America plans to offer at other shows, will create a critical mass of sailboats and sailing-related exhibitors, as well as sailing activities, education and entertainment. This will help increase attendance and space sales, and will create a more appealing, attractive and exciting show.

This latest partnership with SWIBS adds to the number of strategic partnerships Sail America has with boat show producers around the country, including the NMMA, Show Management and the Northern California Marine Trade Association. The goal of these partnerships is to create a stronger presence for sailing at boat shows and help grow the sailing market.

Sail America currently owns and operates Strictly Sail Pacific, co-produces the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show with Show Management, and endorses and promotes NMMA’s Strictly Sail Chicago and Strictly Sail Miami shows. In addition, Sail America supports the Newport International Boat Show and the Long Beach Yacht & Boat Show, and is working closely with United States Yacht Shows to bring new features to the Annapolis Sailboat Show (e.g. Best in Show Awards).

Over the years, Sail America has produced many of the top sailboat shows in the country and is able to offer show producers a wealth of expertise, as well as access to unique sailing resources.