You could conclude that shorter events including danger and close quarters manoeuvers contained within a stadium of some sort are more tv friendly than long draw out events.
Model yacht match racing then (with pain inflicted on the losing helm)
btw I'm with the guys who rate track cycling...awesome!
On a serious note...many sports have changed their format in order to court the TV audience eg Archery going to a more 'darts-like' format (1:1, alternate arrows)
I think I might be a fan of short-course racing, half hour races, because:
* Most races are a procession after the first half hour (less so in Cherubs?)
* It is a 'leveller' of boat performance - more depends on the sailing skills - starting, mark rounding, tacking, gybing, kite handling
* Boats finish closer together on time - less waiting for slow boats (us) between races
* It has a more intense feel to it
If we want a long blast, we have a Blast