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May 27, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

PROVINCE EMERGING AS PRIME SAILING DESTINATION

"The Cabot 500 anniversary year is shaping up as the best year ever to promote our coastal waters as a recreational sailing destination," says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

"The Cabot celebrations are serving as a draw for sailing craft from throughout Canadian and United States waters as evidenced by the departure of the Newfoundland Flotilla from Toronto on May 10," Kelly says.

The Newfoundland Flotilla is an independent project originated by members of Toronto's National Yacht Club. Conceived by Newfoundland native Bob O'Brien as a sailing trip to Newfoundland to greet the Matthew at Bonavista, the project has grown dramatically beyond original expectations, and began with a sailpast of Flotilla participants in Toronto on May 10.

It is anticipated the Canadian contingent of the Flotilla will ultimately reach 90 vessels, with a further 30 vessels from the North Eastern Seaboard of the United States expected to join the excursion when they reach the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

"While the Flotilla is an excellent complement to our Cabot Celebrations, and will do much to promote our province as a sailing destination, mainstream sailing publications have also discovered the adventure which awaits around Newfoundland and Labrador," Kelly says. "The latest edition of Ocean Navigator, one of the world's leading sailing journals, features a cover story on sailing our coastal waters from the perspective of Nantucket skipper Dave Dillard, who circumnavigated the island portion of the province in 1996."

In his detailed article in the Portland, Maine publication, Dillard notes the unspoiled nature of our province, and questions its lack of prominence as a well-known sailing destination. However, his comments leave little doubt that a change in profile is coming. "As more and more virtually indestructible fibreglass yachts crowd the traditional cruising grounds, it seems likely that more sailors will seek less-traditional but higher quality destinations such as Newfoundland," he writes.

Ocean Navigator also references the incoming Flotilla as a "Newfoundland Invasion" by Canadian and American craft.

Kelly noted the province's incomparable scenery is a prime element for a sailing destination, but it is equally important that the sector is aware of the high quality of marine services available, along with the outstanding hospitality of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

"There's no question this is our year for international tourism exposure on many fronts," Kelly notes. "From the American Bus Associations designation of the Matthew visit as a number one North American tourism draw for 1997, to the Flotilla, to feature pieces in Ocean Navigator and other publications, this is our year to shine in the eyes of international tourism."

Contact: Doug Burgess, Manager of Communications, Cabot 500 Anniversary Celebrations, (709) 729-1997