The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to commence with the opening ceremony just over three months away. Sailing will commence on the 25^th of July, with medal races taking place from 31 July to 4 August.

We know that during and post the Olympics interest and participation in sport surges and sailing is no exception. Is your club ready to take advantage of the increase in exposure of sailing and an increase in interest in club membership, learn to sail and participation options?

Australia has a rich history of success in Olympic sailing and this year is no different with a number of strong Gold Medal chances alongside some young and emerging talent. Our Laser, Men’s 470 and Nacra 17 classes were all in the medals the last time they competed at a World Championships, and you can write off the other classes at your own risk. All our competitors have strong podium results on the international stage and it is the Olympics - anything can happen and probably will.

Below are a few suggestions to help you be best prepared to capitalise on the opportunity the Olympics provide.

1. Is your club going to display the Olympic sailing coverage?
   1. Turn this into an event. Invite members and non-members to get involved.
   2. Provide a commentator who can also provide information to guests on what is going on and how they could get involved.
   3. Run a Q&A/ Info session info for the community.
   4. Run a competition like a Melbourne Cup draw with some ‘in-house prizes’ such as discounted ‘Come try’ or ‘Learn to’ opportunities.
       
2. How to stream the sailing during the Olympics
   1. The 7+  app will have over 40 channels streaming live action from the Games, so to view sailing simply log in to the app on your smartphone, tablet or smart TV, go to the Olympics section and browse the streams to find sailing. You will then be able to watch the action live and uninterrupted. On your computer right now the best place to go is 7plus.com.au/Olympics. A couple of weeks before the Games we will launch the sport-specific pages, which be 7plus.com.au/Sailing.
   2. Those watching from their phone app can also stream the action on to a big screen using a Chromecast or other similar casting device.
   3. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play to download the 7+ app

3. Become an Olympics Live site
   1. The Australian Olympic Committee are asking sporting clubs around the country to register to host their own Olympics Live event
   2. Clubs who register to host their own Olympics Live event will also be able to purchase everything you need to be your own host from the AOC website here.
   3. Australian Sailing will list the Affiliated Clubs registered as Olympics Live sites on the Australian Sailing Team website, and encourage sailing fans to visit your club during the Games
   4. You can register on the AOC website here: https://www.olympics.com.au/olympics-live/

4. Does your club have information ready and available?
   1. Info flyers on how to get involved in sailing.
   2. Info flyers on club membership and participation options.
   3. Place these in an easy identifiable location.
   4. Have staff and volunteers brief interested attendees on where this information is and assist to promote.

5. Promotional deals.
   1. Run a promotional deal on club membership.
   2. Run a promotional deal on learn to sail courses or participation options.
   3. SailPass can be promoted as an easy access option for potential participants.

6. Discover Sailing Days.
   1. Schedule a Discover Sailing Day, during or shortly after the Olympics.
   2. Schedule a Learn to Sail course, during or shortly after the Olympics.

7. Marketing
   1. How are you going to tell people about the above?
   2. Send information to social members and get them involved.
   3. Organise an article in the local newspaper.
   4. Get your members involved and ask them to help spread the word.
   5. Put a promotional A frame out the front of the club.
   6. Promote on your website and socials.

This may not be a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it is a once in every four-year opportunity. Let’s get behind the sailing community and our Olympic sailors. Be proud of our sport and show the public how easy it is to get involved.

If you would like to talk through any of your ideas, please feel free to contact your Australian Sailing Club Services Officer.

For information on the Australian Sailing Team - https://www.australiansailingteam.com.au/home/

Australian Olympic Committee - https://www.olympics.com.au/

Australian Olympic Team merchandise:

Links for Australian Sailing resources:

• Australian Sailing - Marketing support for clubs
• SailPass
• Discover Sailing Promotional material
• Discover Sailing Days
• SheSails
• Media Guide