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Imagine, if you will, standing at the helm of a big, shiny boat, sporting that stylish Captain's chapeau as you gaze out across the majestic sparkling waters of the wide open sea. This doesn't have to be a fantasy, or simply an attractive premise for a music video, you, too, can join the prestigious club of proud and happy boat owners. To find your ideal water cruiser, there is no better showcase to attend than the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail, taking place February 12-16, 2009. And be sure to visit www.miamiboatshow.com and www.strictlysail.com for the full lowdown! Regarded as the "Best Boat Show in the World," every year boat enthusiasts and people looking to be blown out of the water (figuratively speaking) by the most state-of- the-art advances in boats and their accessories come to Miami to check out this stunning exhibition. The massive five-day event is a shared effort presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the principal trade association of the recreational marine industry, NMMA members, and more than 1,700 companies touting boat and angler gear. With products so large in scale, it takes more than one venue to display all the vessels. In addition to the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, and Miamarina at Bayside, which hosts Strictly Sail Miami, are the other arenas that are involved with the show. The event premieres Thursday, February 12, 2009, and goes on all day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you're looking to get in on the action, tickets are only $30, and can be purchased at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Strictly Sail box offices. There is no admission fee required for the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center location. The schedule for the following days is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (13 th , 14 th , and 15 th ) 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Monday the 16 th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate this event, there's a hoppin' Block Party going on Friday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Just as the sun dips below the horizon, attendees can enjoy delicious food and great drink specials hosted at The Miami Beach Convention Center. THE VENUES Miami Beach Convention Center A boater's paradise, the more-than-one- million square-foot space is fraught with boats and tons of accessories. Hundreds of vendors are showcasing a wide variety of luxury yachts, high-performance boats, sportboats, fishing boats, cruisers, personal watercraft, jet boats, runabouts, and inflatables, with a range from 15 to 85 feet. Seeing the astounding embellishments and state-of-the-art features up-close-and- personal will have you amazed with what the boating industry is inventing. Hop on board and find the perfect boat suited for you. Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center Atop the crystal-blue waters of the bay is an exhibit of the world's most amazing fleet of powerboats, all right here at the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center. The area features more than 300 sport fishing boats, cruisers, high-performance boats, and yachts. And with it taking place right on the water, you can enjoy demonstration rides. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, would you? Miamarina at Bayside (Strictly Sail) Ahoy, Sailor! Miamarina at Bayside features hundreds of cruisers, daysailers, and multihulls here at this booming location fraught with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Among the 200-plus exhibits from all over the world, you'll find informative seminars MIAMI LIVING 105 All Aboard! For the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Words by Vanessa Pascale ML SPECIAL BOATING REPORT