Cash Prizes?

[W.F. Oliver III]

How do the class members feel about racing in events that would offer cash prizes to the top 3 or 5 finishers in our class?

We have an opportunity to have this happen in the Summer Sizzler in Va Beach on 7/20&21.  An individual has offered to put up $5000 in prize money for that event.  This individual is interested in sponsoring other cash prizes in the future as well.

What do you guys think?  <br>
W.F.

[Hunt]

We don't know how others feel, and we are happy to do the class thing either way.  However, I do want to raise a couple of issues.

First, if we have sponsorship for an event, are cash prizes the best way to spend the $$.  Typically in sports sponsorships cash prizes are designed to attract the top competitors, but I think that there is sufficient enthusiasm in our class to attract people regardless.  Not being a top competitor myself, however, I do not know.  It does seem to me that the class could put the money to good use in class building activities (print ads in the sailing mags; buying more trailers, etc.)

Second, we have been really impressed by the support and sharing of information.  Would cash prizes make peoploe less likely to share what they are learning about the boats.  

Third.  If we really want to make our cicuit a "property" or a pro circuit,  then we should think about how to get the most value from it.

Net-net, I think we could take the sponsorship, but put most onf it into the class coffers, and maybe have a smaller purse for 1-2-3.  Still lets the sponsor present a check (photo opp), but does more for the class.

Just one oppinion - what does anyone else think.

[W.F. Oliver III]

Hunt,

You make some good points.  If sponsors would give the CLASS money for other needs, such as class equipment (trailerrs, marks, etc) or class activites (coaching, etc), then that would be great.

However, the sponsor that has approached me is not really interested in our class per se.  He is interested in building a cash purse series for catamaran racing.  I talked them into using a formula class for these events (F-18HT) to make it more specatator freindly (a main goal).  We needed the spectators to be able to determine the winner, because of the first boat across wins, rather than a handicap class.

These events would not be intended to replace our class circuit.  The sponsor (s) are more interested in placing these events in high visability areas in the future (ie Annapolis, Norfolk, Baltimore, Newport, Boston,, etc).  I feel that the class curcuit is better off placing events in area where the members sail and in established regattas.

The current sponsor(s) want a test event  to be held soon and have "controlled, reasonable expectations" for the inaugral event.  I am considering using an event that I host, Chick's Beach Summer Sizzler, as the test event.  

The Chick's Beach Summer Sizzler always features a great Saturday party complete with a top notch Reggae (Rasta Revolution), adult beverages, and great times for all.  None of the things that have made this event so fun will change.  The A-Class will still have their own start and there will be at least one Portsmouth Class (more if numbers allow).  The major differences in format would be the addition of a GOLD FLEET which vies for a cash purse.

The real reason for my orginal post was to get the feelings of some more of the class members about being the class chosen for the GOLD FLEET.  I have spoken to several class members over the telephone and they unanomously are excited about this opportunity.  All feel that having our class chosen to be the exclusive boat for such a series will be a very positive thing.

This GOLD FLEET thing will happen, with or without us, so do we want to be chosen?

[W.F. Oliver III]

Hunt,

I wanted to address a couple more of your ideas.  First, you mentioned getting more print media attention for the class.  This is in the works!  Our class will be featured, for the next year, in the Sailing World-Harken One Design Showcase.  An artical about the class is also planned for Sailing World, soon.  We plan to enter the Boat of the Year contest in Sail and Sailing World.  Our class invitation has been renewed in Cat Sailor Magazine.  Rest assured this idea is being acted on.

Next, Peter Cogan and myself are looking into an additional class trailor capable of carrying six ASSEMBLED F-18HT platforms!  I will keep the class informed as Peter gets  more information.

On another front, Matt Struble, Randy Smyth, Brian Lambert, Jason Sneed, a "mystery W-1000 skipper", and myself are planning to visit Italy in late June-mid-July for fun and R&D.   We will be racing in the F-18HT Euro Championship against some of Europe's finest sailors.  Visits are planned to the RIBA (Jav 2 Mast maker and F1 car part builder), Minardi (F1 builders), and of course BIMARE.   This is an excellent opportunity for the class (and the participants) to learn more aboout these great boats!  

[Hunt]

WF, thanks for the clarification on the sponsor(s) goals.  Given the situation, seems like a no-brainer having the HT be the Gold Fleet.