Olympic/Events/Scoring

Whilst your idea would increase the media friendliness (even if inconsistent winds would make winning a bit of the lottery), why the determination to make Olympic sailing appeal to spectators? 
The only reason to make the sport more media friendly is to get more viewers, sponsors and ultimately money. This isn't what the Olmpics are about. I haven't checked out the IOC's charter, but I'm pretty sure the concept is to find champions in existing sports. The Olypmics do not exist as a money making machine, they exist for the benefit of the athletes. 
Sailing should be in the Olympics, not because media exposure will increase participation (does it actually?), but because it is a good platform to establish who the champions of our sport are and because grass roots sailors eventually benefit from the increased knowledge gained by the competing teams. There is little benefit to sailors from Joe Public watching. If you want to increase viewing figures, use shark infested waters! How about skiff jousting?
Seriously, if the intention is to increase viewing figures then your idea is a fair one. But why bother, the Olmpics is for the competitors, not the armchair viewers.

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Chew my RS Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 05 Oct 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 790	Post Options Post Reply Quote Chew my RS Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Olympic/Events/Scoring Posted: 09 Feb 06 at 10:46am
	Whilst your idea would increase the media friendliness (even if inconsistent winds would make winning a bit of the lottery), why the determination to make Olympic sailing appeal to spectators? The only reason to make the sport more media friendly is to get more viewers, sponsors and ultimately money. This isn't what the Olmpics are about. I haven't checked out the IOC's charter, but I'm pretty sure the concept is to find champions in existing sports. The Olypmics do not exist as a money making machine, they exist for the benefit of the athletes. Sailing should be in the Olympics, not because media exposure will increase participation (does it actually?), but because it is a good platform to establish who the champions of our sport are and because grass roots sailors eventually benefit from the increased knowledge gained by the competing teams. There is little benefit to sailors from Joe Public watching. If you want to increase viewing figures, use shark infested waters! How about skiff jousting? Seriously, if the intention is to increase viewing figures then your idea is a fair one. But why bother, the Olmpics is for the competitors, not the armchair viewers.

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6662	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Feb 06 at 10:05am
	Now this is probably a very stuupid idea but... To make the Olympic events a bit more TV friendly maybe you could have a second TV friendly medal in a few of the classes. Sam comeptitors to keep down the costs. Idea is this. Just off the beach setup a 500m w/l track with a very small start/finish gate and a windward mark. At the end of 4 of the days sailing each team in the selected class gets one run up and downm the track which is timed. Best time of the day qualifies for the final unless already qualified, then its the seconmd fastest that qualifies. On finals day you have 4 teams, each of which takes turns for 3 runs. Best aggregate time for all 3 runs wins. TV should be pretty easy, camera on the windward, camera on the gate, plenty of split times.... Dunno what the Olympic sailors would make of the idea though... Be pretty boring with the leadmins, but ought to be quite fun with boards and 49ers...