New Britannia

I agree, the press conference compere is rubbish, thankfully the skippers are normally pretty good. I particularly like the quotes Spithill comes out with when he is there, the latest was about 'payback for the poms'. I dont think it is the role of the press conferences to promote the sport though, the few non-sailors watching the sailing definitely wouldnt watch the press conferences. The coverage of the sailing itself is what should be promoting the sport.

It needs more diversity. Where are the females, ethnic minorities and disabled trans persons?

Originally posted by Sam.Spoons I find it hard to see how AC coverage can promote sailing as such (at least as far as encouraging participation), it is so far removed from the kind of sailing 99% of sailors do. I was going to say it's like comparing F1 to casual cycling but it's more like comparing the space shuttle to a penny farthing. In that respect the Olympics was much better at showing the public what racing a dinghy was about.

Originally posted by Chris_H Peple dont relate to the sport, they relate to the personalities IN the sport. Sailing lacks enough personalities. Arguably, Alex Thomson has done more for the Vendee in terms of recognition, than the Vendee management themselves. Were someone like Alex media-fronting the Ineos team, then I could see much more general public interest and TV coverage.

Thanks for reiterating what I said ( in your first sentence)

I guess the participants didn't go into the sport to promote it (fair enough). It shows. Thinking any suggestion of increasing the profile of the sport is largely lip service?

We cant expect lots people to watch any high level sailing and think about taking it up - doesnt matter if its a Finn, AC 75 etc etc - that will appear way beyond most people.

However - they may be interested in the sport and follow it - like F1 etc.

The AC could be easy for a fan because its pretty simple to follow and (could be ) well covered. The races are short and its one against one. These fans may get more interest in sailing and they/their kids might have a go ?

BUT we need far more racing - this AC is hopeless in this regard. During this whole Aukland event there should be racing going on most days if they want people to follow.

The GP series looked hopeful but perhaps that will die too ?

So whoever wins this cup has got to come up with a format that will includes lots of entrants and lots of racing. Sounds simple....