Watching the made-for-TV spectacle

When the 2013 America’s Cup shifted from monhulls to multihulls, the goal was to create an entertainment product that would attract spectators and sponsors. Sailing enthusiasts were expected to follow as the event pursued travel and leisure markets, and that effort continues today.

How’s it going? Most of the feedback Scuttlebutt receives is similar to this note from Bob LeRoyer:

The America’s Cup has never been a casual sporting event. Viewers do not come from non-sailing backgrounds. The sport is being dumbed down to attract the attention of fans that do not, and never will, give two hoots about the sport.

I was brought up sailing competitively and governed two 12 Meter events off Newport as a Coastie. I know the sport, and used to love the sport. In my position as a project manager, I managed the weather observations in 2013 for AC34, and even with the Kiwi comeback in San Francisco, was disinterested in the technology. However, I could see what was up the committee’s sleeves.

I met with them and talked shop. It was depressing. Watching the made-for-TV spectacle was agonizing, especially when the money people insisted on providing only 24-hour replays for free. All I can say is, I’m glad my father and grandfather didn’t have to witness this. Good luck in the future. I’m out.