Our local dealer (K.O. Sailing) is involved in supporting the sport. They provide raffle goodies for our regattas, carry our fleet cards and leaflets in their store and pass on our contact details to folk interested in catamaran sailing. They also organize an annual event to promote catamaran sailing to the public (called the "Cat Carnival") - where they demo new boats (the plastic ones).

As for offering cash prizes to new sailors winning events - I don't think it likely that new sailors will be winning events (too many grizzeled veterans in most fleets), plus I'm not sure it would provide a big incentive to get people into racing. I think taking the time to speak to new people who show up at events, and helping them to tune and sail better, as well as integrating them into the social side of things works well.

Chris.