9TH ANNUAL SUMMER SAILSTICE LAUNCHES JUNE 20 & 21 Global Participation Expected Up as People Sail Away From Troubles in A Down Economy

SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA (May 5, 2009) - In the face of a tough economy, Summer Sailstice announced June 20-21 for this year's annual sailing holiday on the summer solstice weekend and expects record participation as people sail away their cares and show support for ocean conservation.

"This year people want to unplug and get away from it all," said Sailstice founder John Arndt at the Strictly Sail Pacific boat show taking place in Oakland, California, this week. "We expect record participation in Sailstice 2009. The holiday's parties, imaginative events, and environmental goals emphasize the relaxing and accessible nature of sailing. School's out, and nothing's better than grabbing cool drinks, a picnic lunch, and enjoying the water with friends and family on the longest day of the year. Sailstice helps everyone focus on simple, low-cost ways to enjoy sailing compared to other summer pastimes."

Summer Sailstice 2009 will be celebrated on the June 20-21 weekend by over 12,000 sailors worldwide, with hundreds more potential sailors or friends and family participating in a related event. Sailors have registered to participate from all 50 states and 20 countries. The 50th state, North Dakota, joined in last year as a group of six boats organized a cruise and raft-up on Lake Sakakawea. Every sort of sailing craft participates, from windsurfers and kite boards, to tall ships and multihulls. With 70 percent of the world's population less than 50 miles from a shoreline, potential future participation could reach millions.

Founded as a way to unite the diverse and dispersed community of sailors locally and globally, Summer Sailstice is structured so any sailor can participate regardless of what or where they sail. Sailors register on the Summer Sailstice website (www.SummerSailstice.com) to tell others about their weekend sailing plans, find or create events in their local areas, and become eligible to win one of over 300 sailing prizes including a one-week Moorings charter in the BVI.

This year's event goes beyond good sailing, good parties, and good connections between sailors to doing good for the sailing environment. Arndt explains, "Sailing is already an earth-friendly way to enjoy life on the water, so Summer Sailstice is working with conservation group Sailors for the Sea to support their 'Around the Americas' adventure. Participating sailors can pledge funds for every mile sailed during the Summer Sailstice weekend." The goal is for Sailstice participants to sail a combined 25,000 miles, equivalent to a circumnavigation of North and South America, with all funds benefiting the on-going ocean preservation programs of Sailors for the Sea.

Arndt concludes, "The long range forecast is for a great summer of sailing. We ask everyone to grow sailing and benefit conservation by registering to participate and encouraging friends to do so." For more information and to sign up visit www.SummerSailstice.com.

About Summer Sailstice

Summer Sailstice is the global holiday celebrating sailing, held annually on the weekend closest to the summer solstice. This international event was founded in 2001 to unite the sailing community in a global celebration of sailing and ocean preservation. Every year, Summer Sailstice connects over 12,000 sailors all over the world-from cruisers to racers to recreational-to revel in a day of sailing. Summer Sailstice has expanded to include participants from across the Americas to Asia and Europe. For more information, please visit www.SummerSailstice.com.


Summer Sailstice thanks the following supporters:
Hunter Marine, Sailtime, Moorings, West Marine, Offshore Sailing School, Hobie Cat, US Sailing, Hobie Kayaks, SAIL Magazine, North Sails, Harken, Yachting World, Sail America, Dubarry, UKHalsey Sailmakers, Spinsheet, Blue Water Sailing, DeWitt Galleries, Landfall Navigation, Sailor Bags, Davis Instruments, Latitude 38, Sunsail, B & G, Vanguard Sailboats, 48 North, Boatblender, Ronstan, Ocean Navigator, Dry Creek Vineyard, Pineapple Sails, PeelAway Marine Safety Strip, Sailing Magazine, American Sailing Association, Lewmar, Points East Magazine, Doyle Sails, OCSC Sailing, Selden Spars, Dave Gale Books, Cruising World, Sailing World, Tom Varley and the Sun Dogs, The Cow Bay Cruz Boys, DIY Boat Owner Magazine, Sunsail, Good Old Boat, Beneteau, sailboatowners.com, DryShirt/SailingProShop, Reeds Nautical Almanac, Windcheck, Steiner Binoculars, GBG Inc., Oceangrafix, Schooner Fare, Yale Cordage, The Ultimate Sailing Calendar, Achilles Inflatables, Team McLube, Forespar, Schaefer Marine, Latitude 43 Organic Boat Soap, International Marine Publications, Gul Apparel, Nauti Gear, New England Ropes, Bluestorm, Cruising Direct, Doyle Marine, San Juan Sailing, Woodenboat, Broad Reach Marketing.