Marine
Aquapalooza Registration Hits Astronomic High
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – June 9, 2008 – It's clear that boaters aren't going to let these stressful economic times keep them landlocked this summer. At least that seems to be the case if early registration numbers for Sea Ray's third annual AquaPalooza are any indication. As of the end of the day on June 8, the multi-location marine extravaganza had achieved an astounding 352-percent increase in boat registration and a 395-percent increase in guest registration over last year's numbers.
Here's a bottom-line breakdown of the actual figures:
- In 2006, there were 442 boat and 1,785 guest registrations by June 8.
- In 2007, there were 1,048 boat and 4,732 guest registrations by June 8.
- In 2008, there were 4,502 boat and 22,277 guest registrations by June 8.
“I'm almost speechless,” said Rick Stone, president of Sea Ray. “This just goes to show that now more than ever people want to get away from the stresses of life and take to the water with family and friends. And that's what our AquaPalooza is all about. The event is Sea Ray inspired, but really it's all-inclusive, and everyone is welcome. It's a testament to the boating lifestyle.”
Last summer, AquaPalooza attracted more than 10,000 boats and 30,000 guests to 120 events around the world. This year, The World's Largest Boating Party was expecting to draw a more than 50,000 guests this year to 150 events on lakes, rivers, bays and harbors from New York to California, Egypt to Australia. “But with the amount of registrations we've already had, AquaPalooza 2008 could be bigger than we ever imagined,” said Stone.
Most of this year's festivities will take place during the last two weekends in July, but other events are planned both before and after these dates. Sea Ray and its dealers will kick off AquaPalooza stateside from July 18 to 20 at the Signature Event at Coconuts at the Lake, at Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. Hosted by MarineMax Lake Ozark, MarineMax Osage Beach and MarineMax Laurie, this massive heartland jam will feature food, drinks, music, games, giveaways and much more.
For those who cannot make it to Lake of the Ozarks, Sea Ray dealerships around the world will transform 150 additional locations into official AquaPalooza party sites, making it easy for boaters to get in on the action. “Our dealers do an outstanding job of coordinating the AquaPalooza events in their areas,” said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. “Whether folks are new boaters or veterans, this event is for all people who love life on the water. No one throws a party like Sea Ray.”
Attendees can visit the AquaPalooza Website at www.aquapalooza.com or call 800-SRBOATS to see what fun events may be in their own backyard.
ABOUT SEA RAY
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats.
Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 60 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.
ABOUT BRUNSWICK
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill “Genuine Ingenuity”Ô in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Albemarle, Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Laguna, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Örnvik, Palmetto, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Savage, Sea Boss, Sea Pro, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land ‘N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; IDS dealer management systems; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and Dynamo, Tornado and Valley pool tables, Air Hockey and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.
For additional information, contact:
Chris Helton
Marketing Manager
Sea Ray Boats
2600 Sea Ray Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37914
Phone (865) 522-4181 / Fax (865) 971-6444
chelton@searay.com
