What’s the advantage of registering for non-sailors?

Fireball international first introduced an entry fee for non sailors at a
world championships in 2008 in Thailand.  Historically I have hated asking
my family to queue and buy entry tickets for championship social events (if
any are available) and finding currency to pay for each social individually.
At the type of Championship FI organises directly from this office the
spectators are becoming a regular band who consider themselves part of the
wider Fireball community.  This growing affinity coupled with some sailors
were travelling with many supporters and some with none prompted FI to adopt
the policy in 2008.  It was a success.  Everyone was included; everyone felt
entitled to be there as they had paid and no one felt they were subsidizing
anyone.

So what will the non sailors get?  Everything the sailors do except the
sailing; which means you are getting 2 weeks racing at below cost when you
consider the boat entry includes 2 adults entry to each event.  I am
reluctant to spoil some surprises by detailing exactly what the fee covers
but I can say that the usual FI format of decent polo shirts; opening
Ceremony with food & drinks; mid week party with food & drinks;
International Week Prizes party with food & drinks; mid week party with food
& drinks and gala closing ceremony/party will be the minimum.  As with the
sailing the fee charged will not cover costs.  Add to everything the Bajan
hospitality and reputation to party and you begin to get the picture….

It may help you to know that in 2008 most sailors who brought a party of
adults passed the cost on to them in the same way crews split the entry for
the boat.

-Andrew Davies