I post this because I love that this has happened. That we created a community and a bit of a legacy is kind of insane. Through all the troubles, naysayers, and an ugly lawsuit, we persevered and now with our new site, it has indeed come full circle!
A full circle moment here.. my friend Scot Tempesta, – “full-time human, part-time douche” (his words) and known for outspoken, unfiltered content that disrupted traditional media with Sailing Anarchy which he created in 1999. This was not for everyone, a voice the freely discussed all aspects of a sport, from the good, the bad and the ugly, he opened the back door to a sport of historical hierarchy and traditionalism.
Many companies refused to engage and wanted no association with Scot and his site. I saw an opportunity here, being first to advertise and establish high visibility to capture market attention, this helped me land national supply deals with Boat US, Boaters World and West Marine.
Over time, businesses in the sailing industry came to embrace Scot and SA and nearly every major company jumped on the band wagon. Scot sold SA, and like a typical PE acquisition, they undergo rapid, aggressive transformation and they are never the same.
27 years later Scot’s at it again! Rule 69 /Rule69.com , how could I not be his first advertiser again?
For my non sailing friends : Rule 69 in the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing covers misconduct by competitors, boat owners, or support persons. It prohibits actions that breach good manners, sportsmanship, ethical behavior, or bring the sport into disrepute, such as abuse, cheating, or violent behavior. Penalties range from warnings to disqualification or exclusion from events. – Boyd Tomkies, Northstar Boats.
