Author Topic: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...  (Read 5494 times)

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Offline Torchy

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Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« on: August 11, 2012, 05:18:36 PM »
...and in what ways will it need to change?

(In the wake of the 2012 TV coverage)

Was I gripped because I am a yottie or?...
Previously 2685 'Loco Perro' and 2345 'Tachyon'

Offline Graham Bridle

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2012, 09:42:18 PM »
Not in my lifetime, and be careful what you wish for  :D

Offline phil_kirk

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2012, 10:42:57 PM »
The coverage was really good with cameras everywhere. Those long lens shots really confuse things making everyone look much closer together than they are.  Even though I have tied to catch as much of the sailing coverage as possible it's not as exciting as the track cycling.

But we are not really comparing like with like. The sports are so different from each other.

Offline Torchy

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2012, 11:33:27 AM »
Match racing and short course, half hour races seemed the most suitable for TV coverage.

Team racing could be suitable.


Previously 2685 'Loco Perro' and 2345 'Tachyon'

Offline Tim Noyce

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2012, 08:41:13 AM »
I agree with Phil, Track cycling is the best olympic tv sport! Must get myself to the velodrome in Scotland for the Commonwealth Games in 2 years to sample some of the live atmosphere.

Offline phil_kirk

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2012, 01:06:26 PM »
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. 

Offline Torchy

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #6 on: August 14, 2012, 04:53:31 PM »
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

Previously 2685 'Loco Perro' and 2345 'Tachyon'

Offline Graham Bridle

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2012, 05:14:32 PM »
We did this in a vain attempt to attract TV in the early 90's in the 14 and 18 fleets, generally also close to shore for added thrills.

Stupidly hard work in skiffs, TV coverage still unintelligible, and brought my chalfonts out a treat !


Offline Clive Everest

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #8 on: August 14, 2012, 05:39:15 PM »
I like to spend my money to entertain myself, not others.
Hoisting gybing dropping every few seconds in a bumper car environment is not entertaining.
A full sized race course that rewards boat handling, set up and strategic decisions is.
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Offline Torchy

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Re: Is sailing about to become a TV sport?...
« Reply #9 on: August 14, 2012, 05:39:46 PM »
Chalfonts? :)

TV coverage has come on since then...it does need more than just fast boats though...

Here's a format for the nationals next year (take me semi-seriously):
* All boats in full, large course sailing up to last day
* Last day is short course match racing - 1st on points plays 4th, 2nd plays 3rd, final match race to decide Gold and Silver
* 2 video cams (see Born Slippy at Chew on Youtube) on each boat and chase cam
* Invite Y+Y to last day, then post video on Youtube

(we'd have to practice)
Previously 2685 'Loco Perro' and 2345 'Tachyon'