Folks
I started to read all the threads on the sponsorship issue and think Pat has made a good case. Too many people speak about sponsorship issues without experience and pre-concieved ideas.
There is now and has been in the past a load of inaccurate C**P talked about sponsorship. Having been well known in the class sailing 3547 in the 90s, have a good idea of how the class ticks, both mid and at the front fleet.
With regard to sponsorship, I have sailed in 14 different Category C classes over the years as well as many Category A classes, so feel I have good reason to offer constructive advise and comments.
With regard to event sponsorship, that is not an issue as Category C events tend to get better sponsorship that Category A such as the Merlin Rocket. ISAF have made provision for event sponsors in the rules.
I currently helm B14 768 Readycrest (category C), probably one of the most photographed dinghies on websites in the last 3 years (not just sailing ones). What we have offered our sponsors is a focal point for their work force and clients following our efforts on their intranets (Top 3 boat since 2004). People who have never considered sailing have been following us and now have a basic understanding of the sport which has been a spin off for sailing as well as introducing some to the world of sailing. What we have got out of it, is some financial benefits, not large but enough to make a difference whilst Tom studies for his Law qaulifications. What has Category C done for the B14 class, raised its profile to the point that it is one of the photographer's and website's choices.
For most dinghies that are sponsored other than Olympic classes, is not that much. It will usually result in a sail or suit of sails (£300 - £1,700) per year or 2 years.
What has it done for the class. Well to be honest many things and all have been positive:
1. The top and mid fleet boats that are sponsored, tend to run 2 - 3 suits of sails over 2 years (some paid for by owners) with the rolled suits filtering into the fleet. This potentially offers all members of the fleet good sails championship winning sails at reduced costs. This is not often apparent in the Merlins as most people buy new sails and filter out their second or third suits which are long past their best.
2. It raises the profile of the class and attracts sponsorship for people throughout the fleet at all levels and ages. It also often leads to some of the individual sponsors leading on to sponsoring events as they see what the association does for their company profile, work force and client base.
3. Some people who cannot afford to buy new boats and sails in proliforation as some members of the class have and still do (arms race), would allow the less affluent to compete on a limited basis and possibly beat the front runners on the ST circuit. This has got to be healthy for the Merlin Rocket class. Just imagine another 20 boats across the fleet able to compete with the elete 15 (ability and pocket), how great would that be. This has worked to great satisfaction in many Category C fleets to the point the racing has improved. I very much doubt that any sponsor will input the amount of money certain people have and do spend on kit. An arms race, you already have it whether you like it or not, so all the comments in the previous threads about affluence and elitism through sponsorship would be and are wrong.
4. It will attract new members to the fleet who would have in the past thought it unobtainable or of little interest as the class's profile was that of a 14 foot clinker boat steeped in history and though high tech, not Category C or high profile. A sleeping giant possibly awakening to a new audience.
5. It introduces new people to sailing and that has got to be good for all involved in sailing.
On a negative point there may be some who feel put out by the fact some have sponsorship they do not. Also this is not what the purests see as the way sailing is heading.
The truth is that most of the sponsored boats will possibly now be able to compete on a near or level playing field and they may beat others they have not in the past, due to the fact that they are possibly better but now have the same and not inferior kit. Category A is here today but for how long. More and more classes are venturing into Category C and with positive results. It is now time to switch and be there with the others and be innavotive rather stayed and be a late follower. This class will change over, be this year or in 10 years, only the class can decide but be assured it will happen eventually.
For one, if it was Category C, we would return to the class as this is one of the main reasons excluding us from buying a Merlin Rocket. Food for thought and I have given my reasons and offered advice based no a wealth of experience.
Constructive comments would be much appreciated.
Bye for now.
http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/photos/?s=64&PID=12849
Posted: 09/07/2006 22:28:19 By: Barnsie |
