If the turnout for the first stop on the 2002-2003 Discover Sailing tour is a sign, the coming season may be a banner year for this national introduction-to-sailing program.

Discover Sailing--which travels to events throughout the United States to introduce more people to sailing with free sailing excursions and information on getting involved in the sport--began its season at the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show (Michigan City, Ind.) in late August.

"The turnout for our debut event of the season was tremendous," said Discover Sailing Coordinator Julie Rezendes, who manages the program for Sail America, the trade association of the sailing industry. "We took 375 people sailing over the four-day Michigan City show--despite the fact that it rained for the first two days."

This strong turnout at the opening event is the result of a focused gameplan that, this season, integrates new elements for attracting more people to the sport. Discover Sailing's 2002-2003 season launches with a revamped Web site (www.discoversailing.com); boat manufacturers Corsair Marine (Chula Vista, Calif.) and Hunter Marine (Alachua, Fla.) as national supporters; a schedule that has been expanded to 11 events; a computerized sailing simulator; and an introduction-to-sailing video.

"Some of these elements were developed in 2002," says Sail America's Executive Director Scot West, "but this is the first season that the program has launched with all these pieces in place--and our potential to introduce more people to sailing is now that much greater."

Details on the new aspects of Discover Sailing follow:

- A revamped Web site at www.discoversailing.com now includes a comprehensive learn-to-sail section, compiled by the editors of SAIL magazine; links to sailing schools and charter companies; an interactive boat-finder feature that lets individuals input variables such as boat type, length, and price range to zero in on models that suit their needs; and information on boat shows and special deals for new sailors.

According to Rezendes, the Web site is a key tool--both for those who plan to visit a Discover Sailing event, and for those who simply want an online path into the sport. "The Web site functions like an online sailing lesson, with links to sailing resources. But it's also an important place to visit before heading to a boat show," says Rezendes. "People can narrow down the boats they want to look at when the arrive at the show--and they can even learn some sailing terms before stepping onboardIt's also a fun way for parents to get kids more excited about a boat show: children can visit the site on the eve of the show--and then test their knowledge when they get on the water with Discover Sailing." - Boat manufacturers Hunter Marine and Corsair Marine have both committed to bringing boats to every Discover Sailing event. Hunter will bring boats ranging from 14-foot dinghies to 38-foot coastal cruisers, and Corsair will bring a fleet of trailerable trimarans from 24 to 36 feet. Different models from each manufacturer will be at each Discover Sailing event.

Although both manufactures have supplied boats to Discover Sailing in the past, they both committed on a national scale for 2002-2003.

"We support the spirit of this effort--of simply giving more people a chance to get out on the water, go sailing, and discover a life-long family sport unlike any other," says Corsair Marine's Sales Manager Mike Stiles. "Discover Sailing participants will have a chance to sail on different kinds of boats: from small dinghies, to coastal cruisers, to our trimarans. It's a good way for new sailors to experience a variety of boats--and to see what type of sailing they gravitate towards."

For both manufacturers, their involvement in Discover Sailing has sales potential. According to Hunter's Market Development Manager Cutter Smith, Hunter sold four boats at the Michigan City show, a boat show that is largely for power boaters. "At Hunter Marine we are big fans of Discover Sailing, " said Smith. "New sailors have a chance to get out on the water--and to see for themselves how fun and relaxing an activity sailing is."

- "Discover Sailing: The Ultimate Adventure" is a 15-minute video that is sent free to individuals who want to learn about the sport and get guidance on how to get involved. World class sailor and ESPN commentator Gary Jobson, Olympic hopeful Martha Parker, and America's Cup crew Tucker Thompson are viewers' guides to the world of sailing. They introduce different types of sailing, boats, sailing schools, and even learn-to-sail vacations (the video is available through www.discoversailing.com).

- Discover Sailing has added two new events to its schedule this year (see schedule, below). According to Rezendes, the focus on new events is to add venues populated not by those who already sail, but by other boaters and outdoor enthusiasts--"by people who might just discover that sailing will be their newest passion," says Rezendes.

Discover Sailing next stops at the Newport (R.I.) International Boat Show, September 12-15.

Discover Sailing Tour: 2002 - 2003

Newport International Boat Show
Newport, Rhode Island / September 12-15, 2002

Norwalk International In-Water Boat Show
Norwalk, Connecticut / September 19-22,2002

Houston International In-Water Boat Show
Houston, Texas / September 26-29, 2002

Sail Expo St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida / November 21-24, 2002

*Atlantic Sail Expo
Atlantic City, New Jersey / January 9-12, 2003

San Diego Boat Show
San Diego, California / January 9-12, 2003

*Strictly Sail Chicago
Chicago, Illinois / January 30 - February 2, 2003

Strictly Sail Miami
Miami, Florida / February 13-18, 2003

Pacific Sail Expo
Oakland, California / April 23-27, 2003

Baltimore Waterfront Festival
Baltimore, Maryland / (dates to be determined)

*NOTE: All events are in-water events, unless noted by an asterisk.