CHICAGO - Strictly Sail, the Midwest's premier sailboat show which made its successful Chicago debut last February, will be held January 30 through February 2, 1997. This will allow show organizers to accommodate the increased demand for exhibit space, announced Mike McCool, central regional manager of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

The show will return to Navy Pier, expanding into a second exhibit hall at the popular downtown waterfront location. Attracting 168 exhibitors and 22,445 attendees from across the Midwest, this year's show sold out weeks in advance.

"In order to secure the much-needed second exhibit hall, we had to move our dates from the beginning of March to the beginning of February," McCool said. "These dates should should suit exhibitors well since they don't overlap with other winter events, allowing exhibitors the option to attend all of the winter sailboat shows." Sail Expo is scheduled for January 10-18, 1997 and the Miami International Sailboat Show will be held February 13-19, 1997.

In its Chicago debut, Strictly Sail drew the majority of its attendees from seven states. "With 33 percent of the nations registered boaters in the seven-state region within 400 miles of the show site, the metropolitan Chicago area has proved to be the ideal Midwestern venue," said McCool. "Exhibitors were pleased with sales generated from this year's show and many have already committed to be here in 1997."

Exhibitors at this year's Strictly Sail included manufacturers such as Hunter, Beneteau, Catalina, Sabre and Caliber. The show offered designated sections for chartering, entry level sailboats, community sailing programs, racing and cruising sailboats, and more than 75 seminars and attractions for all levels of sailing ability.

"Planning is already underway for 1997 special events, exhibits, seminars," McCool said. "While we will offer new attractions, both Strictly Sail exhibitors and attendees can expect the same well-attended, high quality show that is fun for all.

Tentative dates for 1998, and 1999 are already planned for February 26 - March 1 of 1998 and February 25-28 of 1999.