America's Cup - Just Sail

Is the decision not to sail hurting the public's perspective, and view of the America's Cup? And, competitive sailing in general? The only word that comes close to being a household word in regards to sailing is the America's Cup. (At least in the U.S.) That is usually the most common link of competitive sailing to the general public. Now, here it is showcased, being televised live on ESPN2, and some non-sailors, even casual observers are tuning in to see what happens next. (This might even be better than Joe Millionaire, Survivor, other trash reality shows, and may even eliminate the Lifetime channel - sorry, just wishful thinking on my part) There are even people in the office asking me what I think, and looking for rule explanations. Asking, why did they do this, and why is the boat like this, what takes so long for this? But, after a week of watching the first three races' repeats, I think the masses are drifting away. The interest is waning.

Granted, you want to be competitive and have a good race, but just because the wind is a little light and the shifts are a bit much, is that a good enough reason not to sail? Alinghi obviously doesn't think so. Why do both sides have to agree to race when the wind is just not quite where it should be? Watching the race committee talk to the skippers on the radio, and seeing the TNZ sit under a tarp in the shade -- now that is boring. Ok, maybe there is a lot at stake, and TNZ has their back against the wall, and don't forget the money involved. Money and sponsors that must be having second thoughts right about now.

So we wait like a fine wine, until it's time. How many people will have had their fill by now and lost interest? I'm not talking about the sailors; they'll stick around because they love it, but the general public. This looks like a big P.R. mistake. It's all the perspective of the sport, which stimulates interest and gets that person to want to take that first ride, and makes the sport grow. Sponsors like people to get excited about an event, watch the coverage, watch the commercials, then buy their cars, and drink their beer. They don't even have to be sailors to do that.

Look at NASCAR. Boy, have they packaged that up nicely?! I don't even like NASCAR. I don't even pay attention to NASCAR. But, just by osmosis, I can name the top drivers and know who leads in the points and where the next race is running. Just glance at the sports page or watch Sportscenter. Do we need sailing to that level? Well, it would be nice, but not likely. Although, the boats are getting sponsors' names all over sails and boats. We don't have an infield, but do have plenty of water. I've heard too many times before, people say they'd rather watch paint dry than sailing. That doesn't bother me, because I don't believe it. Show them some action, sailing, not floating. Nice P.R. work on their part.

Ok, so you don't care about the general public and their view of sailing, but the new sailors have got to come from somewhere. And, people need to support the sponsors in these elite events or they go away. Maybe the next Cup will be on mutihulls. (We can only hope.) That would be great and certainly add some excitement. Maybe they could have beach cats race first in a couple of races, like pro boxing has the under card matches, then bring on the America's Cup multihulls as the main event.

Ok, this is getting long and drawn out. I'm bored, I'm working out of town, I'm tired of the cold, and ready to sail -- watching it might help though. Just Sail America's Cup!

Don Cook
ARC22