For Immediate Release:  October 23, 2006  (#061023)
Contact:  Media Direction/Bob Brown or Leslie Osborn
                 (714) 524-1755, mdirection@covad.net
SCMA boat show images are available to the media at: www.images.scma.com
Additional SCMA press releases are available at: http://www.mediadirection1.com/clients/scma/061023.htm#

*************************************************************************************

LADIES FIND PLENTY TO LIKE AT "WOMEN ON THE WATER" DAY

Orange, CA --  At the recently concluded October 5-8, 2006 International Sail & Power Boat Show in Long Beach, CA, show producer, the Southern California Marine Association, dedicated an entire day of the boat show to women and their interest in boating.
     "The idea to create a Women On The Water Day began during a brainstorming session during one of our early boat show committee meetings," commented SCMA Executive Director, Dave Geoffroy.  "It just seemed like a great concept to focus special attention on women who are passionate about boating.  Boating isn't a gender exclusive recreation, although we sometimes tend to overlook that fact.  Women are a very important part of the total boating experience and thought it was time develop a boat show agenda to reflect that."
     Committee member Suzanne O'Rourke of Blue Moon Yacht brokerage in Laguna Beach, CA volunteered to act as chairman of this first-ever "Women On The Water" day event.  "I've spent nearly all of my life enjoying boating," said O'Rourke, "and this seemed like an excellent opportunity to share some of that passion.  It didn't take long to develop an agenda for the day.  There are lots of resources for women to be involved in the sport and I was very pleased that so many of them enthusiastically wanted to be a part of this program."
     Friday, October 6 at the boat show was designated "Women On The Water" day featuring a long list of special seminars, demonstrations and activities including:  "How to Get into Boating and Gain Experience", "Family Fun and Safety on the Water", "How to Share Boating with the Woman in Your Life", "How to Buy a Boat", "Easy On-The-Water Culinary Tips", "Outdoor Skincare" presented by Nordstom's Spa, and non-stop on-the-water boat handling demos and basic seamanship instructions.  As additional motivation to attend, the SCMA offered free admission to the boat show for all women.
     "Our post-event feedback from both attendees and various boating organizations has been outstanding," commented O'Rourke.  "Boat show attendance definitely increased and the special seminars and demonstrations were well attended.  I see this success as only the beginning of a long and very beneficial campaign to encourage more women to become passionate about boating."
     For additional information regarding the Southern California Marine Association and upcoming 2007 boat shows, please log on to www.scma.com or call (714) 633-7581.