In article ,
Jonathan wrote:

I've seen a lot of really bright people on this forum over the years,
with a lot of insight into different aspect of the sailing world, and I
am hoping a dialogue might develop as to why American corporations, in
general, so far, are not interested. Also, if anyone might have ideas,
or relationships with any large companies who might be interested.

I thank anyone who reads this through and responds, and apologize if it
crosses any boundaries. A lot of us dream about circumnavigation, this
guy is out and doing it, indeed, practically commuting that way.

Sailing, to the normal person (admit it, none of us is really normal),
is an elitist sport, of little interest to them. The only TV ad I can
recall that uses sail boats is for a bank or broker, as a symbol of
their excellence.

The corporations that sponsor races, particularly the bleeding edge ones
like the Vendee, either are in the biz or have an executive that is so
into sailing that he (usually) doesn't care about how few people see the
ads or logos.

Most of us cruising or working towards it are being pretty cheap to
build up the cruising kitty. If we could bankroll Bruce, we'd be out
there, doing it.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/