As with most things, the truth is somewhere in the middle.
A good event focuses on racing.
A great event has great racing and parties.
An amazing event also has great PR, leading to better sposors and overall interest and future participants.
These things aren't mutually exclusive. Future success depends on all of these things.
I've heard the excuse before, from lots of people about lots of regattas: "We were focused on the sailors." Of course that's important, but if you truly believe that's all that matters, there's little hope for you.
And if you're so self-centered that you won't listen to input from people who have done this before, just because they aren't currently able to be at every event, you're not allowing yourself to learn.
It's difficult to monetize interest from fellow sailors on forums like these. But, every time you lose a rabid fan, exactly how does that help your event?
Mike
Fans!? Really! That's your concern? What about losing the folks that donate their time year in and year out to put on these types of events. Do you really think they don't have anything better to do and than to to listen to people like you and Todd tell them why they are doing it wrong. You were an active participant in turning the Alter Cup into just another weekend regatta so I really don't think that makes you an authority on how to make a regatta successful.
