Here's what US Sailing told me about sponsorship yesterday. The proposed sponsor has no conflict with Rolex, Hobie Polarized, or Gill.
". . .they could receive visibility on your yacht club’s website, and signage at the venue during the event. We would not be able to add them to the US Sailing website, on official event clothing, or on the boats’ hulls and sails. US Sailing reserves the right for hull and sail placement for the National sponsors of this event. . ."
Brian Welsh Marketing Manager US Sailing BrianWelsh@ussailing.org Phone: 401-683-0800 x692
And... boom goes the dynamite. Sponsors the club picks up would not be reflected in 95% of the imagery generated from the event. I really hate to be negative...it's not my usual MO. I've just been down this road and stuck in the middle between clubs and sponsors that want to help the event but can't justify the investment for the lack of return. If the event received a significant influx of funds from the sponsorship that is absorbing all the white space, it wouldn't make this a touchy subject.
