REVEL WITHOUT A CAUSE?

This year’s boatshow will need the perspective of time and reflection in order to be judged as a success or not.  There is so much pressure, so much anticipation; both optimism and hope, riding on the pundits’ view of the 2009 show.  The rumours of how many attendees there were or how many boats sold will be very important in establishing whether or not the economic tide has turned for the yachting sector.  This is how confidence is fuelled or extinguished and confidence, as we are all told these days, is a large part of what makes customers spend money.

One lesson has however been learned these last few weeks:  How to enjoy yachting and help a good cause at the same time.  The Yacht Chandlers and Penumbra Marine party to benefit the Save Our Seas Foundation was a massive success. There was a great band, fantastic food and drink and even a fashion show although the male models seemed rather unnecessary to me.

Up to 2,500 people were said to have attended the event and partied and danced and supported a great cause.  The point was that this support for SOS was the main reason for the party and the guests which were mostly crew, responded by turning up in huge numbers.  Not only that many guests bought some of the amazing photographs that were auctioned on the night.

In talking to crew members at the event it became clear that nearly all were glad to put on their electric trousers and luckiest boxer shorts so to speak, for a good reason above and beyond the natural call of a massive roister replete with free food and drink.  There have always been a few charitable events combined with a few drinks but what has surely become the seminal boat show party is founded on giving something back and helping protect the sea from the impact of yachts.

Such was the success of the SOS benefit that I would be surprised if anyone manages to try and compete with that level of attendance without having a stated benefit.  It would likely look indulgent and unnecessary next to the SOS event. 

So what is planned for next year?  Well we have yet to see but I am anticipating that other charities will get involved and campaigns with a real valid message will be heard as sponsors seek to be associated with doing good as well as free beer. We will soon see if this altruistic bug spreads through the Caribbean at St Marten and Antigua and latterly next year in the Med before the next SOS function on October 30th 2010 here in Ft Lauderdale.

I am delighted to sea that crew appreciation parties have taken a better direction.  Now crew can be appreciated for their support and in turn this means that in the future no-one should have to revel without a cause.