Strictly Sail braves blizzards in its first year in Philadelphia

We headed for Philadelphia on Friday morning hoping to beat the crowds and the predicted snow storm that was heading our way. We didn't care about getting stuck in Philadelphia...that would be a pleasure. We worried about not being able to get to the show that was going to recharge our cruising spirit in the middle one of the dreariest winters in memory. We planned the lectures we wanted to hear, the exhibitors we wanted to visit, and the events we knew we wouldn't want to miss, and off we went.

What used to be the mid-winter Atlantic City sailboat show (SailExpo) and what was tested as SailExpo on the New Jersey waterfront last year, has now been combined into a single mid-winter event in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. We applaud the effort. Winter is the perfect time to go to a boat show, not spring or fall when we want to be out there sailing. The season is short enough as it is! Give us the boats, the lectures, the dreams of sailing off when the snow is blowing and the days are shortest. Give it to us in a location that's easy to get to and has alot to offer as a destination after the doors close. Philadelphia is that place.

Not only is Philadelphia a cinch to get to by car, train, and plane, but also has so much to offer in accomodations, topnotch restaurants and nightlife, entertainment, cultural attractions, and historical ambiance. The Independence Mall area, with the Liberty Bell and beautifully preserved historical structures is a great side trip for the kids. The art museum is among the best (and most beautiful) in the world. The Franklin Institute brings out the kid in all of us, and - mama mia - the dining is superb.

The show itself was in the centrally located convention center downtown. It was an interesting layout for the exhibit area, which we presume can only be improved in years to come. The show was arranged with boats around the perimeter of the floor, a bar and meeting place in the center of the floor and exhibitors in between. It was the in-between that seemed a bit out of kilter in this first year. It didn't flow quite as well as it could, but we're sure they'll figure it out for next year. On the other hand live entertainment was featured at various times in the bar area, providing a nice diversion right on site. And although there wasn't much in the way of food available in the hall itself, right across the street is the old Reading Station, a bustling treasure trove of eateries, fishmongers, butcher shops, fresh produce stands, Amish baked goods, and anything else you can think of. What a delight for all the senses! Once discovered, this became THE destination for lunch.

The lectures for which this show is so well known were held in adequate meeting rooms on the lower floors. Contrary to prior years in Atlantic City, this year, only people who had a badge for entry to the show could enter the area. The free lectures were informative and fun for the most part, and there were special mutliple day sessions for people who wanted more in-depth educational experiences and certifications.

We had a chance to talk to just about everyone we wanted to see. It felt intimate and comfortable. A few of the exhibitors who used to frequent Atlantic City were not there, no doubt waiting out the inaugural year. A few new exhibitors made it out, and were welcomed. Over all, it seemed that although attendance once the snow started falling Saturday afternoon was substantially reduced, the exhibitors reported a good experience because the people who did come were qualified leads and serious buyers. And from the attendees perspectives, it was great to be able to have an in-depth conversation about energy system requirements without ten people waiting for you to finish so they can get their turn.

When the snow came, it pretty much shut everything down. The city became still and quiet. We took the subway to our destination, and hopped our way to our friends' Penn's Landing condo via a well-connected string of lively bars and restaurants where all the locals mingled with sailors trading stories of braving the blizzard. Yes, it was a good show, and we'll be back again next year. Kudos to Sail America!

Side note: Sail America has announced the Southam Award winners. View the press release to see who is honored this year for their contribution to spreading the word about sailing to the world.