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Is the Jubilee regatta presenting the wrong image of yachting?There is an undeniable risk that the forthcoming Jubilee Regatta could reinforce the moneyed image of 'yachting' within the minds of the general public. However, since the success of Team GBR at Sydney, I for one have noticed that the perception of the sport has shifted towards dinghy sailing and that it is an 'affordable' alternative to yachting. In order to build on this perception, publicists in all mediums during the regatta should celebrate the beauty and achievements of the historical America's Cup classes, whilst maintaining a focus on the high number of sailors within today's GBR Challenge that stem from a dinghy background.

Also, it would be of no harm to reiterate how the recent successes of these sailors has contributed to their current professional status within the sport. Reporting of this ilk would reinforce to the public that dinghy sailors are critical to such endeavours as the forthcoming America's Cup and indeed the continued sporting success of Great Britain. I believe that the benefits of such coverage would be that the regatta receives the high profile that such a unique event deserves, the success and progression of world class dinghy sailors would continue to be highlighted and finally, for those of us who dinghy race at an amateur level, we will have yet more ammunition to dispel the 'rich man's sport' image within our land lubbing friends and colleagues! Let's hope that during this regatta journalists, particularly those in the national media, sieze the opportunity to represent our sport in a manner that increases its appeal at the grass root level, whilst feeding the curiosity of those of us already aligned to the sport.

From Neil Humphrey, Canada
Is the Jubilee regatta presenting the wrong image of yachting? Yes it certainly is! These wealthly types are the ones who should be promoting a part of the sport as a professional sport. Get the pro sailors in their own domains so the amateur side has a chance to grow and be a feeder to the pro ranks like other sports. As for one of the older sports around sailing has not progressed like other sports in market share. This is especially so in North America but the real blame lies in the poor performance of the ISAF to organize and market the sport!

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