We’re all about promoting the sport of sailing, in fact it is the only reason this website exists really. We do think though, that if you are going to promote sailing, then you need to do it properly. Regular readers will know that in 2009 it is really easy to get the internet to help you create engaging professional looking material and you would think that even more true in San-Francisco.
The Marine Media Alliance, which promotes itself as “Bringing Sailing into the Media Spotlight” is organising “The first ever Celebrity Media Regatta” in San Francisco. Those who have seen Lewis Hamilton and various other celebrities in the UK’s Round the Island Race might take issue with the claim, but nevertheless, the principle is sound. Get a bunch of people who can spread the message together in conjunction with a baseball game and get some exposure.
The event will also aid BAADS (Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors).
It’s a super cool idea that should get people fired up about sailing. A great location, some media friendly set-ups but given that Silicon Valley is just down the road, someone could have come up with a better website. Perhaps it doesn’t matter. Perhaps once the video is shot and the photos are taken and the celebrities gush about how cool the experience was, the day will have served its purpose.
But what if it works? What if people are inspired to go sailing, where do they go for more information? The obvious choice seems to be http://www.gosailingsf.org/ – but this site is unlikely to inspire.
Why are we being so down on people who are well meaning and giving their time and energy to make the sport more popular? We believe that with just a tad more professionalism, sailing can be exciting and inspirational. Using cheap, even free, tools sailing can use the web and digital media to deliver photography, video and great stories to a new audience.
Maybe we are being too harsh. Maybe we not living in the real world. Maybe we are biting the hand that feeds – if so – tell us.
The webpage for The Summer Sailstice Celebrity Media Regatta is at http://www.gosailingsf.org/celebritymediaregatta.html
