26.06.2023 by Ben Remocker

    June Update - Mast Tops and Media Strategy

    New 49er Top Mast Discount Ends June 30

     

    CST has done a great job of producing new 49er top masts to capacity since the 49er Executive approved the spec change to the TV17. Many of those first masts will start to find their way into sailors hands as June comes to an end.

    Also ending in June is the discount program launched with this change. Top masts are available at 50% off for replacements, but the paperwork and order must be complete by June 30th. Work with your local supplier to complete this.

    From July 1st onwards, pricing on masts will return to retail levels.

     

    Shift in Media Strategy

     

    Many of you will have already seen the ad posted for a media professional.

    This approach represents a shift in strategy for the classes. While we have tried valiently to build a following through the live broadcasts of our regattas, we have never achieved true penetration into the broaders sailing market.

    At the same time, covid shifted people further into sailing by themselves, instead of in teams.To continue to build our pipeline of young sailors aspiring to the highest levels of our sport, we will reach out via more short form content, edited and aimed at the various social media platforms that dominate today, youtube, instagram, tiktok, and facebook.

    The cost of this new person will be paid via the existing Port Tack Racing contract, and will be budgeted via a decrease in spending at Events. We will still aim to have live coverage of our main championships, but with fewer bells and whistles and delivered in a more cost effective manner where possible.

    If you know of a great storyteller who is savy in modern social media and interested in sharing our journey to Paris, please have them apply for the position.

     

    Sign Up for Junior Worlds

     

    A big summer of regattas await. While the Test Event and Hague Worlds are under the remit of World Sailing, our Junior Worlds will occur at the end of July. Please remember to sign up so our regatta hosts can make their plans.

     

    New Nacra 17 Mainsail Testing

     

    The proposed Nacra 17 mainsail has begun it’s testing among the junior teams. So far it is performing very well. We are still testing materials and slight variations in deisign, but for the most part it is ready for broad testing by fleet members. If you would like to test the sail, please reach our to Peter Vink at Nacra to get an assigned testing slot.

    As a reminder, we will vote on what to do with this potential mainsail change at the AGM in November. Any change would only be for racing post Paris 2024.