Welcome to the Regatta Promotions Sailing Marketing Blog

Handy Boat in Falmouth, Maine owned by Merle Hallett is rumored to be in the process of changing hands. Mr. Hallett a long time sailing enthusiast and proficient sailboat racer has long been a promoter of the sport and friend to many sailors far and wide. Hopefully sailors won’t miss out on this gem of a boatyard that hasn’t changed since the 70s or will it get better? Maybe cruisers will finally get that well deserved shower the cruising guides have been promising for years. Here is the view from Handy’s top floor - one of the best views in all of Casco Bay.

One of the United States best, biggest and most competitive events just concluded. Although the overall numbers were off a bit this regatta still lived up to its reputation. The Key West Race Week web site is still confusing and not well laid out, however the coverage of the event really took a step up this year. Mainly the increase in coverage was due to web sites such as www.sailinganarchy.com and sailingworld.com. Each had daily updates with race reports and interviews of the participants. However I found that sailing world to have some great coverage. Sailing World’s podcasts with interesting interviews and links to current video produced by Gary Jobson were both fun to watch and listen to. However, what is worst than watching uninteresting sailing on tv is listening to that same sailing on the radio or podcast. Podcasts are great for inexpensive fast real-time info but the sailing community still need to figure out how to make it more exciting to listen.

What do you think? Did you enjoy the coverage of Key West or was it boring and uninteresting? Let us know!

This exact boat will be sailing in Maine raced by Jon Randall with family and crew during the GMORA circuit. His competitors - Frers 41, Beneteau 367, Farr 39, Flying Tiger 10M, Tripp 41, Andrews 36 will be chomping at the bit to cross tacks.

The boat is pictured here with a super fast carbon wheel. Sorry Jon dealer says its just for show, although the actual wheel will be larger in diameter. The interior is cool with ultra-leather and nice wood trim. Not sure the line package will last long. Sta-Set for main and genoa sheets might be too stretchy. Anyways a cool-fast boat that is sure to be fun to watch and sail.

Saw three interesting boats at the NE boatshow are great for racers or cruiser/racers.  Also there were only 10 or so booths that  were appealing for sailors, less if you weren’t interested in new sails.  The photo above is a J-100 which obviously has been on the racing scene for a while but is still cool.  The rating in PHRF is favorable and the boat is super quick and comfortable.  This boat has lifelines though which isn’t standard and I prefer the boat without.

See something cool at a regatta (cool trophy, award, party, etc..)? Let us know about it. We’ll post it for the world to know about!  Write a regatta report good or bad and we will pay you with regatta promotions gear - hats, t-shirts, etc…

Over 110 boats the Kings Cup in Asia is a well organized and promoted event. Oh yeah invite the King and name the event after him doesn’t hurt either. How many times were you interviewed for a tv spot as a race officer? Not many?

Did I see a few Kiwi 35s sailing? What winged wonders!

It’s winter where we are however the temps are up to 60 degrees F. Lets get those sailing juices flowing.

For years many people have been waving the virtual flag of the sport of sailing; claiming it’s great for families of all ages. The sport seemed to have been in a decline for many years with less free time for families to participate together in outdoor activities. Well, John Dane and Austin Sperry have proven, even at the highest level of our sport that family, fun and age can all fuse together on the water.

John Dane at age 57 with son in law Austin Sperry recently won the US Sailing trials in the Star sailboat, winning a spot to the 2008 Olympics in China. Other family teams such as husband/wife and father/daughter have competed at the Olympic trials and at the Olympics, even winning medals.

If you are trying to find a sport that is fun for all ages and family friendly or if you are like us and trying to promote the sport of sailing look no further. Sailing, unlike football or baseball(couch watching sports), is fast becoming the sport for couples and families to spend their time.

Let us know your thoughts. Is sailing growing? Is it good for families? Can you have fun and win races at all ages? I say yes! What do you say?