Discover Boating partners with AC Open for the 2013 America's Cup to welcome more people to the water

CHICAGO—July 17, 2013—Discover Boating today announced a partnership with the AC Open for the 2013 America's Cup to help educate more people about getting started in boating. Discover Boating is on-site at the America's Cup Park in San Francisco on Piers 27/29, with a display featuring a sailing simulator experience that gives youth, ages 7-16, an opportunity to learn what it's like to sail. The Discover Boating display is featured within the America's Cup Center of Sailing, alongside US Sailing and 101 Surf Sports, a San Francisco Bay area paddle sports organization.

The 2013 America's Cup is an exciting opportunity for the recreational marine industry to share its passion for the boating lifestyle with a large public audience and Discover Boating will be on-site to do just that. The Discover Boating display will be on-site through the duration of the 2013 America's Cup (through September) to help ignite passion for the boating lifestyle and welcome more people to the water.

"The 2013 America's Cup in San Francisco brings a thrilling ride for the racers and public alike while putting boating on a global stage," notes Discover Boating President, Carl Blackwell. "Through our partnership with the AC Open, Discover Boating will help convey the passion of the America's Cup racers and fans to the general public by showcasing how to get started in boating and the fun recreational boaters have on the water."

In addition to its on-site presence, Discover Boating will work with the America's Cup Event Authority to promote the Center of Sailing to media and the public to encourage them to experience all the 2013 America's Cup has to offer. As part of this effort, Discover Boating will share updates with its Facebook, Twitter, and online community about the excitement happening on-site at the 2013 America's Cup.

Separately, Discover Boating will work with consumer media to experience the boating lifestyle on the Bay while outlining how anyone can get started in boating and enjoy life on the water.

Media Contact: Ellen Hopkins 312-946-6249/ehopkins@nmma.org