Bat Parrot Blog

Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Steps Up!

I really like what I have seen from the 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race!

Are we about to see this event take its rightful place as one of the great events in Australia, and possibly the best yacht race in the world? I hope so!

Its a tried and tested formula for making a great event - it begins with getting the very best talent, add a celebrity angle, and engage the major TV networks.

The 2009 Sydney Hobart event took a significant step forward in this regard by assembling a field of maxi yachts unrivalled and not before seen anywhere in the world. What a difference it makes!

A record eight maxi yachts took to the start on Boxing Day, with high profile entrants from Australia, New Zealand, UK and US, with world-renowned skippers and crew. Simply, it was the best 'big' fleet ever assembled, with favourites Wild Oats XI, Alfa Romeo and ICAP Leopard. This created much more intrigue and interest in the event, and many more interesting media angles than in previous years.

Australians would likely watch a ferret race, if and only if, these were the very best ferrets in all the world! Oh, and it was broadcast on free-to-air, on Boxing Day.

Then, there was 'the celebrity yacht', Investec LOYAL, which boasted Danny Green (boxing), Grant Hackett (swimming), Phil Kearns (rugby union), Phil Waugh (rugby union) and Larry Emdur (TV) on the decks. Celebrities have sailed before in the race, but not to this extent. Through this vehicle, the LOYAL Foundation aims to raise $1m for struggling charities. Another good story to tell.

TV broadcaster, Network Seven, increased its coverage and exposure. The start was broadcast nationally for 90 minutes, on TV and on the net (for the second year running), and there seemed to be additional 'race updates' for the 2-3 days following, and regular news updates and 'crosses'.

Seven leveraged its involvement further by sponsoring major race contenders to promote its new 'Seven Two' station (see logo on the Alfa Romeo headsail). Station star Larry emdur also carried a handycam and recorded some brilliant footage onboard LOYAL, and this was aired on Seven's 'Sunrise' program.

 

If you think about it, there's a good degree of similarity here with the Emirates Melbourne Cup strategy - arguably Australia's most successful event. VRC scouts travel the world and extend invites to likely horses / stables from all parts of the world. Coupled with a high profile 'fashion' angle, these are the two cornerstones for a successful event at Flemington.

So I hope that this is a firm and planned strategy for the Rolex Sydney Hobart event. With a top-class field next year, there will be even more interest and more exposure, and more lead-up coverage. From there it snowballs, just like The Melbourne Cup. More sponsors. An increased value in TV rights. More innovation. More coverage, and then who knows?

What's the next extension? Here's a few ideas, for what its worth...a quick brainstorm...

• A 'reality yacht', backed by a TV series giving up-and-coming sailors the opportunity for a place on a leading yacht. Cameras of course on board to document the race experience first-hand.
• Build up the 'nation v nation' angle, or Australia v the International Raiders. I can see a pre-race press liftout / formguide now! A good way to raise the profile of the sports stars.
• Work with betting agencies to offer a more exotic range of betting options to add interest and revenue return (eg: winner, place, each-way, first out of the harbour, boats to start, boats to finish, winner's time, handicap winner, last boat to finish etc)
• Partner with other leading international 'big boat' races to establish a formal 'World Series' of racing, with points awarded, cash bonuses etc. This will give 'year-round' exposure and also encourage more international entrants.
• Build up a more formal 'lead-in' regatta on Sydney Harbour pre-Christmas and increase its exposure, culminating in the Sydney Hobart race
• Create a more formal 'race owned' charity angle, such as a Christmas Charity fund, and call it the 'Boxing Day Sail'.
• Build up the Hobart arrival experience, and partner with travel operators to sell packages
• Add-on a New Year's Eve party event in Hobart, with music, food, wine etc on the docks

BAT PARROT GETS BUSY WITH THE B-52'S!

Bat Parrot clients and guests have been spoilt with two knockout corporate events in Brisbane and Melbourne at the recent 'A Day On The Green' series, featuring renowned party band The B-52's!

The ADOTG series is a fantastic corporate option. Set in stunning vineyards with magnificent scenery and backdrops, lovely food and wine, and generally a more convivial crowd than your average "rock show", the ADOTG has been a huge hit for Bat Parrot clients.

Bat Parrot clients and their guests enjoyed a private and exclusive marquee at Sirromet Winery (Mount Cotton, QLD) and Rochford Winery (Yarra Valley, VIC), situated in prime position delivering both a special and very personal experience for guests.

Each day started with a private wine tasting session with the head winemaker, before indulging in beautifully prepared food and wine. The music kicked off with legendary Aussie rockers, Mental As Anything (they were fantastic!), followed by Scottish icons The Proclaimers, with the main act, The B-52's taking to the stage for over 90 minutes of pure unadulterated party fun.

The weather in Brisbane was a scorcher, and the setting devine. Sirromet is the most beautiful place, with a truly natural amphitheatre providing the ultimate outdoor music venue. The Bat Parrot marquee was situated front and centre, on top of the hill, with a 'Funplex' theme featuring black and white throughout, electric blue chandeliers, glo blue cocktail glass centre pieces, plus an outdoor garden area with white picket fencing overlooking the stage, and crowd beneath.

The weather in Melbourne could not have been any different! As the clouds rolled in on what was still a rather mild day, the rain had set in for the B-52's and the crowd LOVED IT. Rochford quickly became the scene for an enormous party with much dancing...in the rain, and in ponchos! Bat Parrot guests had the luxury of the only private marquee on the winery, and so could enjoy the spectacle from within, or outside the marquee at their premium reserved seats in front of the stage. Most preferred the latter! And The B-52's were simply awesome!

 


 

 Bat Parrot deliver premium and memorable client experiences! The 'A Day On The Green' series continues throughout Summer / Autumn at beautiful vineyards right around Australia. Acts coming up include Ronan Keating, Diana Krall and the one and only Tom Jones!

Call Bat Parrot Marketing now on (03) 9520 2313 for bookings and information, or email: patrick@batparrot.com, or visit: www.batparrot.com

BAT PARROT DELIVER COMPETITIVE EDGE ON SYDNEY HARBOUR!

Bat Parrot Corporate Hospitality & Events Division delivered a knock-out event for senior Hyder executives and their top-level clients and partners.

 
  
Guests took to the waters of beautiful Sydney Harbour in two Volvo 60 Ocean Racing Yachts, steered by world champion skippers for a match racing series like no other.

Divided into three teams, two team raced each other (fiercely!) up the harbour at any one time, whilst the resting team enjoyed a beautiful lunch and beverages aboard the luxury 'mothership' catamaran, Morpheus.

 
The crews were put to the absolute test throughout, working hard on the 'coffee grinders', hoisting sails, managing the spinnaker and much more. I've never seen guests reach for such a well-earned drink when boarding the 'mothership' following their race! Guests were exhillirated.

After 3 races, a champion team had emerged. Some bruised and battered, but all completely elated and enthused for having the opportunity to actually race such magnificent high-powered yachts as these!

The event was an absolute winner. Guests had an experience of a lifetime, they immersed themselves into the racing, and forgot about work completely...all whilst engaging with the client brand, working in a team environment, and forging strong and lasting relationships. Plus, all guests have a sure-fire story to tell at Christmas time, and for long after I suspect!

Bat Parrot 'CH&E' division manage and deliver client hospitality programs nationally, specifically targted to achieve your specific business objectives, to budget and designed to deliver uniqueness and memorability.