Generally, GP14 Grand Prix events (i.e. Areas & Inlands) are attended by similar people each year. As long as the timing, format and venue are fairly good I think the GP14 product is good enough to always attract a good number of sailors. However, we can do better at getting people who generally don’t sail grand prix events to attend/qualify, but what should we be promoting or doing extra to make it compelling for people to attend? My initial thoughts are that we need to share experience better and transfer knowledge of the gold fleet sailors down the fleet more effectively, which will ultimately help the sailors when they go back and club sail. Discussions recently have been around:
– Gold fleet sailor pre and post-race briefings at all grand prix events (Not an OOD style briefing, but a briefing by one of the top sailors to talk about what you need to concentrate on considering the conditions of the day and then a briefing later about what worked and what didn’t).
– Alternative social activities? (Not really my area of expertise but I really liked the rules briefing at the Inlands. Should we be bringing in more things like this for just half an hour at the start of the evening?)
– Buddy groups at smaller events?