We always get excellent coverage in our local newspapers here in the Keys, even though this is a wasteland as far as small-boat sailing. For every event that we host, Rick sends advance stories and photos to all the local and area papers. And immediately after the event he sends a regatta followup story and photos. If regatta organizers would do this in their home towns and in the towns of the regatta venues, it would do wonders to raise awareness about sailing in general and catamarans in particular.
However, raising awareness and interest and educating the public and even giving cash prizes for events still does not solve the basic problem: How to make sailboat racing an interesting spectator sport. Personally, I would rather watch motocross any day.