There have been some very good posts put on this thread lately regarding several issues.



In order for spectators to undersatand the event it is essential that:



A. The courses are standardized -- same in every location, for this reason(and others) the courses will be an olympic windward-leeward gate with a slight offset mark.



B. The rules of the series will apply and be paramount to the event. In otherwords, relevant sailing rules will apply with simplified translation so that everryone understands the rules. Such as thou shall not make contact with another boat!



C. Make protests very expensive (like $500 a protest) so that people win on the race course and not in the protest room. Also make the protest fee go to charity if you loose the protest. Also judges will be on the course to rule immediately -- their rule is final.



D. Make comentary relevant to the race.... not like some of the "back in my day " commentary that we heard during the last AC.



E. Make sure the courses are clearly defined so that outside traffic does not disrupt the event. I.E. make sure the coast guard keeps bubba and his fishing buddies out of the middle of the course.



F. Make it clear to the racing teams that they have to be available for interview by the press covering the event. IE mandatory press conferences and social affairs.



G. Mandatory team meetings where every crew member attends -- that way information is in everyone's hand and there is no " I did not know" excuse.



H. Make the sponsors responsible for their staff that comes to see the event. Also, make them accountable for the timely delivery of their commitments. (its all in the contracts-- enforce them)



I. Make sure everyone meets their responsiblities. IE sponsors moneys are there in advance (escrowed for by the year), teams entry fees are paid in advance and a timely manner, protest fees are escrowed in advance, teams boats are registered (weighed, measured, numbered, logged and colors blocked -- for the year), event workers are trained and responsible, event equipment is always servicable and in good shape, event site permits are pulled and posted in advance, YC staff nows what their job is an who is doing it, ......... the list goes on and on.



All of these things make a good event and nothing can be over looked.



Teaching the spectator is like teaching a child. Keep it simple, consistant and always do what you say your going to do.



Thanks

Steve