There is no take without the give.
The sailors in the 16s and 13s fleets bring sponsors along for the ride, providing constant feedback on results, producing media content/exposure and creating an all-inclusive environment.
Sponsor buy-in is just as critical, not only for the cash injections needed to keep these fine-tuned craft humming along, but also for team harmony. Sponsors are hard to come by and we are fortunate to have a flotilla of fantastic backers helping put boats on the water each week.
IMEI, a communications technology company headquartered at Frenchs Forest, is one of several sponsors throwing support behind boats in both the 13s and 16s. Led by company CEO and founder Tim Fussell, IMEI is a prime example of a sponsor who is dialled in for the whole deal.
And it’s a relationship that is obviously working, with IMEI taking out the recent Australian 16ft Championships at Hervey Bay.
Crew member Rob Napper said: “Tim and IMEI have been very generous throughout our association, while putting little to no pressure on us to get results “Tim trusts our judgement on crew recruitment and sail packages and is extremely supportive with all of our racing. “The financial backing they provide – along with our gear supplier Vaikobi – is what takes our campaign from just average to being extremely competitive.”
Tim described his decision to get behind the crew in 2019 as a “no brainer” after Trent Barnabas sent him a proposal outlining his sailing CV and plans for the boat. They’ve enjoyed plenty of success since that time, culminating in the historic win at the nationals where 16-year-old Joel Beashel became the youngest skipper to take the crown. “Our relationship and sponsorship of the IMEI team really comes down to the engagement and performance of Trent, Rob and Joel,” Tim said.
“It is about seeing the guys have fun doing what they love, and the wins just make it that much more rewarding for IMEI as a company. “We also love the online coverage by Sail Media. Like SailGP, the sport is far more engaging with television coverage due to the high speeds the boats are travelling at.”
13s sailor Charlie Snell often looked over at IMEI in the rigging park with a mix of jealously and admiration. He loved the look of the boat so got on the front foot, putting together a detailed sponsorship proposal and sending it through to the company.
“I was planning on contacting most of the 16ft skiff major sponsors but IMEI was very attractive as they have the best looking 16 on the water,” Charlie explained. “They also turned out to be one of the first responses I received.
“(Skipper) Ollie Ross and I were rigging up when I got a call from (marketing executive manager) Emma (Sage) from IMEI saying how the company was excited to be sponsoring a 13 this season. “Most importantly she made sure our boat was going to look the same as the big 16 with identical signage. “We were keen to finally enter a season with a major sponsor under our belt and supporting us with brand new gear, which has helped us climb the ranks.”
IMEI finished sixth at the nationals and will set their sights on a podium finish in 12 months’ time.
In all, there are six sponsors backing boats in both the 13s and 16s fleets – IMEI, Bartley Constructions, Botany Scaffold, Modern Concept Constructions, Red Pumps and Fluid Building.
We would not be where we are without them all.
Words Adam Lucius
Photos Sail Media
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