GBCA Discussion Forum

I'm racing on French Connection and we may be able to take someone, I'll talk to John.

I want to make it clear that the purpose of this poll is just find out how everyone feels about it, nothing more. Very often a sponsor will ask for my mailing list and they have the right to ask, after all I'm asking for their money.

It's very easy to go out and ask for money, but the first thing a sponsor is going to ask is, "What do I get in return?"
"Exposure" most people say. That works when you receive a lot of media coverage, but for small events like the local racing they want more than just local exposure among a few sailors. If you want the big bucks you have to give them something it's valuable to them.
If you ever had a business you know that a customer database it's a very important commodity, that is how you retain customers and how you gain new ones. By offering our sponsors a copy of our customer database we are certain to have a bargaining chip when it comes to asking for sponsorship.

I know we all get more emails than we want, but racing in Galveston Bay is not exactly growing, if you have been around for a while you know what I mean. We need younger sailors and better venues, and you don't get that without money. Ask yourself why ?J Fest? was so big last year with only a couple months of preparation. The answer is 3 things:
Money, Money, Money. You put them all together and you get prizes worth hundreds of dollars. But all those prizes and money came from the sponsors.

The only one we had. Is not working.

Here is an update.

06:00 Java Knight dropped out yesterday. Apparently not enough wind. They are heading home and they have seen a lot of boats under motor heading south.

Don't forget, the last PHRF meeting before the race is May 9th.

For Registration go to http://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_registrant_list.php?regatta_id=3825&custom_report_id=2

How do you use a Random Prize "50% off Sunday Brunch" only good for one week. We are starting to kick-in the racing season there are not many sailors available on sunday to use that coupon.

DATES TO KEEP IN MIND: MAY 21 - 9am HSH Yachts Safety Seminar. We recommend that at least one member of each boat be present. MAY 26 - Skipper's meeting - HSH Yachts 7pm. Drinks and food will be served. Bring your crew. As you know shirts always go fast. Send us an email and let us know what you want, we can reserve them for you. Just don't forget to register first. For Registration go to http://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_registrant_list.php?regatta_id=3825&custom_report_id=2

We have 5 boats sign-up for the race. Check it out. This is a race for the BBQ cruisers. http://www.racetotheborder.com/scratchsheetRTTB.htm

Correction, from last post is the Mayor's brunch that promises to be a major event.

Latest update:

We have spend the weekend in South Padre completing all the arragement for the race. We met with LMYC board members as well as Sea Ranch harbor master to make sure we are ready to welcome all participants to the race.

The city and major of Port Isabel will host the brunch on Wednesday June 8th. and this will become the Major's Brunch in the future.

BIG CHANGE - The Sheraton hotel is no longer the Sheraton but has change hands and now is an Omni hotel called The Pearl. The events will remain the same but we welcome OMNI hotels to this race. Make suree to mention Race To The Border when you make reservations, and act fast as rooms sells quickly and the deadline for a special rate is May 1st.

The Elissa regatta helps fund projects for the ELISSA. Come out and sail, this was one of our great regattas, they need our help especially now with the discovery of hull plate damage that needs to be repair. Sign up! http://www.houstonyachtclub.com/documents/NOR_Elissa_2011.pdf

THIS IS OUR 5TH. ANNIVERSRAY...Music provided by the Clear Lake Ipod Ensemble

Just a reminder to come and join us for The Race To The Border party. Everyone is welcome, free drinks, food. We will have shirts for sale and all the information about the race. Help us celebrate the 5th. anniversary, bring your frinds even if they don't sail.
More info at www.racetotheborder.com

Pomodoro's Pasta & Pizzeria will be catering the party. Hope to see everyone there. Don't forget to bring your checkbook to buy some shirts.

We have secured a great restaurant to cater the party. we will have excellent food.