(quote)Maybe we have to get over our selves and find places to race that provide the best viewing from shore and not the best racing for us.(quote)

This is a great thought but may be difficult to achieve unless done as a once or twice a year, advertised, event, because we the participants (with all best intentions) will soon tire of the close quarter racing away from the "good" water and not get over ourselves. Exciting viewing as big boats in close quarters will see crowded roundings and close finishes.

I feel from the viewing aspect, as already stated, the F12 (or some similar small cat) is the best bet. You have to be a boater to have experienced the regatta from the water, away from shore and this is a very limited audience, and how many see that as an interest, probably more of an nuisance. Small boats within breakwaters or close to shore, on a repeated basis, that's exposure.

ncik
3 and 4 have been discussed in this forum ad nauseum. You're "prey" is hooked at that point, talking to you, the ball's in your court and it's up to you to finish the deal.

1 and 2 are more difficult. A small cat close to shoreline is the best tool. People who are already milling about the water are the easiest prey. Pulling people out of their living rooms to seek out cats, because they saw it on TV? Don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. Is someone going to plunk down the dollars to put a full page F12 ad in, for instance, Outside magazine? Not even Hobie is doing it. So this all boils down to a grass roots level...again. The potential audience/sailor are those at the water.

We can take any primitive access on any shore and go from there. How simple? Like rolling up to a skate park? Pop the boat off your car top and in 5 minutes junior's on the water. That's dispelling current perceptions of sailing...old men and blazers.