Euro Prix 2004

[amediaboy]

Why isn't there any more attention too the upcoming Euro Prix 2004 - www.timberlandeuroprix.com - event. It's nothing less than a European regatta with a major sponsor that seems too have a lot of good qualities - but it's not on a theme for pro-sailors or the main media such as Seahorse, YM og The Daily Sail. Why is that?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Salty]

It looks like a great race, but presumably not much coverage yet because its hard to get too excited about a new race with no track record, which doesn't start until next summer. It'll probably get more attention as it gets closer to actually happening and more teams/personalities commit.

There aren't many yacht races outside the Americas Cup and some of the round the world jobbies that get column inches six months before they're due to start.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[amediaboy]

It's 6 months to start and good PR management should be able to greate more buzz than this.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Salty]

I'm not sure. If you look at races that do create a buzz before the start, it's usually because of exciting boat design developments (eg AC boats and the new Volvo 70's) or because of the personalities involved.

I'm not so sure that this project has either of those elements: the EuroPrix45 boats are old Corel / ID 45's (which are what, 3,4 years old at least?) so no interest there, and as yet we have Adrian Stead and Glynn Williams championing the UK entry, with no other declared crew - good men both, but not the media profile of a Paul Cayard, Grant Dalton or Russell Coutts.

Also, looking at the web-site the whole project looks distinctly in the 'development stage' - what chance it goes belly-up before the start? As I say, it looks like a great idea for a race, but I'm not surprised the sailing media haven't got too excited about it yet.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[girlracer]

Also doesn't help that there is a £250,000 entry fee and only WOLF has declared that it is intending to race in the event at the mo. So frankly nothing to get excited about. Its really just another one design event, no different to the Farr 40 Worlds or Tour de France, tour de voille. Good concept but doesn't exactly entice or interest your usual novice racer............

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jamesjermain]

Don't expect much coverage in YM because we don't, on the whole, cover racing.

As far as this particular event is concerned is one of a number of esoteric races and had rather less news appeal than most becuse it has no entrants (almost), no history and no technologically interesting aspects either. Its not news for newspapers and there's nothing to discuss for the magazines.

<hr width=100% size=1>JJ

 

[qsiv]

In future I would be grateful if you would't pussyfoot around the issues.

Just tell it as it is, please!

I have to say it never struck me as exciting as you made it out!

<hr width=100% size=1>