As the Sprint 15 Captain at Thorpe Bay I would like some clarification around individual boat sponsorship, because if it is acceptable then I am sure many sailors would/could take advantage.
My understanding is that we are a strict one design class, having to buy main parts within class specification so as not to disadvantage anyone, the idea works well. Sponsorship of the class comes from Windsport which is used for all boats racing at an association level.
I do recall some talk of individual boat sponsorship but did not hear it being agreed. My thoughts are if a boat can get sponsorship then it is able to purchase new equipment maybe even a new boat, where normally a person could struggle independently to do this. Certainly new equipment and boats does seem to give sailors an advantage, as long as the are good at using it (not unfortunately for me). Therefore doesn't sponsorship disadvantage those that haven't.
I wasn't at the Nationals but can't help noticing that there was some individual sponsorship going on (advertising on sails) this time. It maybe the sailors own company but I still think there is a financial incentive to do it, which then reflects on the quality of the boat.
So if it has now been agreed we need to have the appropriate acceptable definitions added to the rules and published, as there is nothing at the moment. I can then encourage all Thorpe Bay sailors to take advantage of the situation.
If it hasn't been agreed, I assume it isn't acceptable and a boat should not be allowed into a competition. I assume a company only offers sponsorship for advertising, which also includes pictures in Yachts and Yachting and maybe other publications. It should also be discouraged as I know during local sailing they may advertise and then change the mainsail for the association events, but that just seems unfair sportsmanship.
I apologies, this is not to upset anybody, just to understand what is acceptable. For me personally no advantage or disadvantage would be experienced from others or me being sponsored as I am not sure it would improve my bad technique.
Paul Morgan, Thorpe Bay Yacht Club Sprint Captain
