Some deals were plotted over Christmas party drinks, others came about through friendships or via an email blitz. However they arrived, sponsors are the lifeblood of 16ft skiff sailing. Without it, many in the Manly fleet would be unable to compete at the level they do. A new season has seen the emergence of a slew of new backers, all eager to pump some of their hard-earned into the fast-growing class.
Lynchpin Consulting skipper Alex Hart pitched his sponsorship proposal over a few beers at a work Christmas party, chatting with company boss Simon Lynch and following it up with a more formal application via email a few days later. For Lynch, whose business supplied the windows and doors for the skiff club redevelopment several years ago, the sponsorship further strengthens his ties with the 16s.
“It’s a bit of a full circle moment for Simon. He had that involvement with the club with the rebuild and now he’s got an association on the water,” Lynchpin Consulting skipper Alex Hart said. “Having that sponsorship is a real help and bonus. It’s so hard to do what we do without it.
“We bought the boat at the end of last year and pulled it all apart, and I went to Europe while my dad put in a really big effort to help get it on the water for this season. We’re pretty stoked how it’s come out. We’re a new crew and still have to put a lot of work in, but the goal is to crack the top 20 at the nationals.”
13ft graduates Canaccord Genuity went “virtual door-knocking” in their quest for a sponsor, with bowman Charlie Snell sending out more than 100 proposals to a variety of companies. Most either ignored the email or sent a standard form letter back thanking Charlie for his pitch and wishing him all the best without offering financial support.
But the scattergun approach eventually paid off when WA-based investment bankers Canaccord Genuity expressed interest. “I saw their sponsorship on (super-maxi) Comanche and thought I’d send them an email,” Charlie explained. “I wasn’t really hopeful to be honest but they said they were keen and were willing to do a sponsorship for us. Their chairman is a sailor and they knew about the 16s and the club’s history, so it was a good tie-in. This sponsorship really helps alleviate some of the costs associated with sailing.”
Wichard is a brand new boat with a familiar face – Georgia Clancy – as skipper. It was her friendship with the company’s National Sales & Technical Manager, Christo Worchurst, that helped seal the sponsorship deal. The pair raced with and against each other for many years, building a mutual respect which has continued to flourish. Wichard has always had a close connection with sailors – from high-performance racing hardware and furling systems through to masts, rigging and safety equipment – and the 16s class was a natural fit.
“Running a competitive skiff campaign takes considerably more than turning up on race day,” Georgia pointed out. “There are entry fees, maintenance, replacement equipment, travel, training and the constant preparation required to keep a high-performance boat racing at its best. Wichard’s sponsorship will help the team meet some of those demands and allow us to concentrate more of the energy on training, racing and developing the boat throughout the season.”
Local businesses have long been strong supporters of the 16s and Jemma Hopkins has found a gem in Aluxor Awning Systems, a Northern Beaches-based company that makes premium high-quality retractable sunshades and roofing systems.
“I have known the owners since I was young and they recognise the importance of supporting people in sport, having a son who is currently skiing in the World Cup,” she said. “They have been so valuable in getting our new 16 campaign up and running and are very enthusiastic about helping our team.
“Aluxor is a natural fit for sailing and their products are built around the Sydney outdoor lifestyle. We are super excited to have them behind us this season.”
Thank you to all our terrific sponsors. Your support is truly appreciated.
Last Saturday’s first long course pointscore race of the season was abandoned due to light winds. The opening two heats of the club championship will be staged this Saturday.
Words Adam Lucius
Photos: Manly 16ftt Skiff Club
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