Endeavour Trophy 2015

Originally posted by Peaky

For the competitors this is just such a well-organised event both on and off the water - excellent race management, accommodation provided free-of-charge, Friday training ahead of the event, hot food available on coming off the water etc. Everything is done to make the racing as fair as possible whether, as in the last few years poviding identical brand new boats (through Topper), or this year providing brand new sails and sheets for the 200s. 
Those that compete it in take it extremely seriously but, apart from a couple of reports in Y&Y, little is done to connect it to the wider racing community. So much more could be done to publicise the event and I'm surprised, frankly, that the sponsors don't demand more considering the money they put in. Wider pre-event publicity (has there been any?), articles on the competitors, previews, an event DVD including drone footage etc would all help. Last year all the competitors were asked to provide a brief biography but nothing came of it. It would also be easy to set up viewing boats for those wanting to watch - there's some top quality racing on show which some might like to watch.

It's not the best place to sail, it's not the most picturesque of settings and the format is always going to favour those that sail double-handers. However, it has it's place but that place could be so much more visible with only a relatively small amount of marketing.

On another note - RCYC also needs to define exactly what the event is. Traditionally, it has been to decide the best amateur dinghy sailors, hence the name of the event. However, in recent years there have been a number of Olympians and would-be Olympians competing who, with the best will in the world, cannot be said to be amateur. Is it an amateur event or open? Neither is necessarily right or wrong, it's just not clear.

Looking forward to reading the reports - hopefully the wind will appear over the weekend.