Q: How do you promote sailing? A: Jessica Watson

How to promote the sport of sailing to the masses has always been a conundrum.

When there is another element added to the actual sailing, it can become interesting; e.g. the danger of the Sydney to Hobart, supporting your country in the Americas Cup, or the thrill of watching fast catamarans try to stay upright and win a race in strong winds.

But unless there is another element, it is hard to get excited about sailing as a spectator sport. First, it is difficult to get close to sailing action. Second, unless you have a deep understanding of wind shifts, tides and race tactics, most people would be more interested in watching paint dry than a sailing race.

Sixteen yr old Australian Jessica Watson solved that conundrum, at least for today. Channel 7 (TV) is running special extended coverage of Jessica's completion of her solo 'round the world' adventure / arrival into Sydney harbour. The front page of today's Sydney Morning Herald is a special feature 'Welcome home Jessica' and the Prime Minister is there to greet her along with an expected 50,000 people!

Kristina Keneally, the NSW Premier is with her son down at the harbour, talking with spectators. She did an interview on Channel 7 highlighting the inspirational impact Jessica has had on the many children and teens who have been following her journey. 

Today, it seems the whole country is talking about sailing.

So, what is the learning? What worked?

• Jessica had a big dream that many people thought was crazy.
• She stuck to her guns amongst criticism and went on to achieve it.
• She engaged with her audience (mostly children & teens) via her blog (over 250 million hits).
• Perhaps the most important ingredient is the inspiration her achievement provides to others (or to be accurate what she is just about to achieve - she is still 3k away).

Now, how can we apply those learnings to the sport of equestrian; dressage, show jumping, eventing? Is anyone out there up for an inspiring, newsworthy equestrian feat?!

Comments

[Caesar Wong]

I'm sure it also helps that she's... how should I say... photogenic?