Sponsorship
What we are looking for in Sponsorship requests, what we expect, and our response timelines etc.
We receive an increasing number of requests for Sponsorship each week. These range from full presentation packs to a short message such as 'Do you do sponsorship and can I have a blue tiller extension'. It is not just a quick way to get a freebie!
Consequently, we have written this guide to help you apply to us, explain what we are looking for, and how and when we will get back to you.
As a specialised marine manufacturer, the Team here at CFbyLandL, are seeking a high-quality application, identifying how sponsorship could result in a mutual partnership, rather than just a request for free carbon fibre product(s) or accessories.
We produce high quality, carefully designed carbon fibre products and accessories for dinghies, catamarans and keelboats, such as our colourful carbon fibre tiller extensions, tillers, Pop_Off_UJ® universal joints, and spinnaker poles.
Consequently sponsorship requests must offer direct marketing value in return.
When evaluating a Sailor, a Team (e.g. Helm and Crew), Campaign or Event asking for our support, as a guide, we look for the following elements in a Sponsorship Proposal:
1. Clear Target Class and Alignment
Exact Fit
What class or classes of dinghy, catamaran or keelboat do you own / regularly sail / race in and which of our Product(s) matter most to you in that class.
Specific Gear Needs
What exactly are you looking e.g. a specific product (for example a 125cm or 150cm colourful carbon tiller extension to match your hull) or something else?
Brand Awareness and Understanding
You should be able to demonstrate that you already understand at least some of our Products and their innovative design, practical advantages and differences. Please explain specifically why are you applying to us (and are not just asking every equipment manufacturer and well known retailer)!
2. High-Value Digital Deliverables
A logo on your sail or hull is rarely enough to drive return on investment (ROI). We are looking for you to act as content creators who regularly provide:
High-Resolution Media Assets
Good quality close-up photos or videos of our Colourful Carbon Fibre Products and Accessories in action. We expect to be able to reuse these assets across our CFbyLandL® Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts.
Active Social Tags
Agreement to tag our brand in regular, well written race-day posts, regatta previews, reviews and where possible unboxing and installation photos and videos.
Product Feedback
A commitment to provide us with real-world, high-stress testing notes on our products.
3. Proof of Influence and Visibility
Regatta Calendar
A confirmed schedule of local club events and National, European or World Championships you will be attending where our CFbyLandL® Product(s) and Brand will get maximum boat park visibility.
Boat Park Word-of-Mouth
We look for approachable, enthusiastic and articulate sailors who talk to peers in the dinghy park, directly driving traffic to our online shop.
Audience Metrics
A realistic breakdown of your personal social media reach on Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / YouTube, with an idea of frequency.
4. Professional Proposal Etiquette
Personalised Approach
When you communicate with us to ask for possible Sponsorship, ideally we would like you to address us directly by name and preferably not "To Whom It May Concern". Also try to ensure you make reference to our brand's unique selling points.
Tiered Requests
Please explain what it is, and what level of Sponsorship you are looking for. Is it for us to supply you with a product, an ambassador discount, or something else? Please also tell us what we will get in return.
How and When We Will Respond:
Please note that we are a small team, so responses may not be immediate and can take up to 2, or when really busy even up to three weeks.
Please also note that for various reasons, we cannot sponsor every sailor and every event that approaches us for Sponsorship. We may already have sufficient Sponsorship arrangements in place with sailors and events in that year, or, at the time, we may feel there is insufficient return on our investment, or there is no real need for our Sponsorship.
We do appreciate any approach to us for Sponsorship and your time and effort in doing so. If we say no this year, maybe review your application and try again next year, when we may have more 'room' to sponsor you or your event.
The CF by L and L Team