Social Networking

Our world has dramatically changed to Generation Now. You can send an email at 3am and get a reply, use smart phones to access wireless networks everywhere you go and view intimate details on those around you on social networking sites. Yacht Racing is not immune to these changes, and some Organising Authorities have embraced the new technology to immerse “virtual spectators” into races without ever leaving the shore.

For the inaugural Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race in 2007 the race organisers Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron had competitors send sms messages which were then transfered to the race website. Updates including the conditions, speed and how many whales had breached around them where made available to the public creating a sense of being there for those unable to take part.

In 2008 the race utilised a then little known social networking service now known as Twitter.

Fast forward three years and Twitter and Facebook are household names with many events jumping on board the free services and utilising them to increase race and regatta profiles to the general public.

The Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht has a Twitter feed which is automatically generated to the race website. Updates come from both the Race Committee and from yachts in the fleet.

Then there is the Facebook page where followers can discuss the race, post photos and other information and directly target that audience.

But for the small amount of the general public who are still to transform to the 21st Century can still take advantage of the technology used for the Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race.

“We will also be sending out exclusive updates via SMS to anyone who registers their number on the race website,” said race committee member Tom Johns.

Race Website: http://www.brisbanetokeppel.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/brisbane2keppel/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brisbanetokeppel.com/

SMS Registration: http://www.brisbanetokeppel.com/sms

The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is part of Queensland Tourisms Season of Sailing calendar and is proudly sponsored by O’Reiley’s Real Estate, Angove Wines, Morgan’s Seafood, Capricorn Tourism, Rockhampton Regional Council and of course Club Marine.

The race is hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron with the support of Keppel Bay Marina, Keppel Bay Sailing Club, Yeppon Coast Guard and Bundaberg VMR.