2002 Acura SORC Adds J/80 and IMS 30 CLASSES
MIAMI BEACH, FL, November 29, 2001- The 2002 Acura SORC has made plans to include, for the first time, starts for the J/80 and IMS 30 classes at the 61st running of the legendary winter ocean racing classic. The Acura SORC will be raced off Miami Beach, March 6-10, 2002, and once again features racing on ocean courses with all shore-side activities headquartered at the Miami Beach Marina.
“We are on track with entries and hoping for a record breaking turnout in all fleets as well as a strong showing in our newest additions, the J/80 and IMS 30 classes,” said Buck Gillette, Acura SORC chairman.
With entries also expected from Farr 40, 1D35, J/105, Mumm 30, and Melges 24 classes, the event will provide a one-design class start to five or more boats of the same class. There will also be racing for handicap classes including IMS and PHRF.
CNN Keeps North American Sailing Fans In the Dark
“Inside Sailing,” the recently announced 17-month series of European-produced television sailing programs that began Sunday, 25 November, is not being shown in the United States, said CNN International spokespersons on 27 November.
The advertising and sponsorship deal between CNN International, a sister company to CNN USA, and UBS Financial Services Group included airing of the program in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
“Inside Sailing does not air to North America simply because it was not in the business/advertising deal,” said Laurel Chamberlain, senior publicist and program scheduler for CNN International, on 28 November. “CNN International may begin airing Inside Sailing to North America at a later date, but cant confirm.”
CNN International vs. CNN USA
CNN International North America is a new channel with limited subscribers, explained Chamberlain. While CNN USA may choose to pick up CNN International programs, it hasn’t done so in this case. CNN USA was unwilling to comment on its choice not to air the program.
“Not all CNN International shows air to CNN Domestic [also known as CNN USA],” said CNN Europes Chris Dwyer on Tuesday, 27 November. “We have all sorts of shows over here that CNN Domestic doesnt show, and we only carry two shows from CNN Domestic.”
When questioned as to whether the decision meant the US market did not see sailing as a potential advertising revenue earner, Dwyer said, “I just think it was decided this show was not for their market at this time.”
“Inside Sailing is the ideal vehicle for UBS to reach key decision-makers across all CNN platforms,” commented Jonathan Davies, VP advertising sales for CNN Europe.
When and where
The CNN series — the first of its kind — is 17 programs, augmented by two repeats each month and a series of vignettes to increase viewing traffic both on-air an online, said CNN. (See Boating Industry Online’s article, CNN launches Inside Sailing television program)
The series runs on the last Sunday of each month, with repeats on the following Wednesday and Saturday. Additional “vignettes” will be added to regular CNN programs to boost viewer interest.
Chamberlain invites those interested in sharing their opinions with CNN on the decision not to air “Inside Sailing” in North America to contact her via e-mail at Laurel.Chamberlain@turner.com.
Dawn Riley Joins K-Yachting Cup Challenge 2006
K-Yachting International issued a press release stating that Dawn Riley, 37, will be announced as the manager of their 2006 America’s Cup program at the 2002 Paris boat show in January. Riley, the only woman that has ever managed a Cup Challenge–America True, in the 2000 series–has been tasked with “creating a generation of very highly talented crewmembers” for the next go-round.
www.k-yachting.com
Bermuda Breeze Too Strong for I-14s
I-14 racers are cooling their heels in Bermuda, waiting for the outskirts of tropical storm Olga to go away. After two races, Americans Zach Berkowitz and Baylis Trevor are at the top of the leaderboard. www.rbyc.com
Snipe Worlds
Americans are Number 1 in the Snipe Worlds as well. Bill Hardesty and Jon Rogers have 11 points after three races, and are 3 points ahead of last year’s champions, Alexandre and Eduardo Paradeda. http://www.snipeuruguay.com/
