Jessica Watson’s voyage provides some sailing sponsorship insights

by David Fuller on 18 May 2010 On Saturday, Australian teenager Jessica Watson sailed into Sydney Harbour to complete an amazing journey. The 16 year old has spent 7 months sailing around the world, on her own, without stopping. The voyage will have a huge impact on the way sailing is regarded and also has big implications for the sponsorship of sailing activities.

Jessica’s story is not about sailing, not really. The reason that her arrival back in Australia received live television coverage and was reported in media that would never normally carry a sailing story, is that it is a human interest tale of achievement. It is the story of an individual who set out to accomplish a dream and succeeded.

The stories in media outlets like New Idea, 60 Minutues and ‘Stock & Land’ will not mention sail area or hull displacement. This story will now be turned into a ‘battler overcomes all odds’ tale, even by those who said she would never make it.

Jessica Watson deserves to benefit from any commercial deals that arise as a result of her adventure. With a bit of luck, sailing may also benefit from people who are inspired by her actions to get out on the water. Those who seek to promote the sport to the widest possible audience need to take note.

For the full story on yachtsponsorship.com http://www.yachtsponsorship.com/2010/05/jessica-watsons-voyage-provides-some-sailing-sponsorship-insights/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YachtSponsorship+%28Yacht+Sponsorship%29!click_here