What a year!

Live Sail Die turns 1 today!

What a year it’s been with many ups and quite a few unexpected downs. But all in all we can’t complain with just how successful a little spare of the moment project has become. Never in our wildest dreams could we fathom just how much one idea could change our lives.

In twelve short months Johnsee and I have gone from being Sailing School Instructors to Sailing School Instructors with an awesome sideline business known as “The Globecast”, which is home for Live Sail Die any many of our other projects which now fall under the ever growing Globecast Network.

With what started out as being a news and directory site where businesses and sailors could register their information in an online directory service has transformed into a unique, random and sometimes controversial sailing website with opinions, tips and videos, housed in a sleek and fresh design that only gets better and evolves over time.

We introduced a forum to encourage discussions and now with 134 members is becoming a little interesting with heated discussions and general banter ruling the threads.

Over time an online gallery was introduced with photos that I took whilst away on tour, however since we purchased our new kick arse camera we now display high quality photos which are available to purchase by those who get a kick out of seeing themselves on our site. Over time more albums will be added meaning more chances of seeing yourself on LSD.

We have displayed new items, followed major events and have been present at some of Australia’s premier regattas this year; however something that never ceases to amaze us is which articles entice comments.

But what made this whole project work? Um… Well… We have no idea really!!! We are still in shock that people actually visit the site and some even find it interesting enough to come back for more!!!

So what are the best bits?

Johnsee’s best bits:
1) Seeing people use LSD blogs in a whole variety of ways
2) Watching Traffic grow steadily
3) Being approached by numerous people who like the site so much they have tremendous ideas and way to make it grow even further
4) Using it to start our own business

OG’s best bits:
1) First time we were granted media accreditation (Skandia Geelong Week)
2) Fred Gans qualifying for the 2006 Skandia Squad because of an article I wrote
3) Our business (The Globecast)
4) The fact that people actually look at our site
5) Our new camera
6) Connecting with people all over the world through articles, comments and the love of the same sport
7) Sailing Anarchy linking to our Extreme 505 video (we finally made it into the big time. Hehehe)

So much has happened over the past 12 months that if I was to mention it all I would be here forever. So to cap off before the celebrations begin both Johnsee and I would like to thank everyone for making LSD what it is today. Your comments, feedback and emails have assisted us with making LSD a site you want to visit. But it won’t end here. With new stickers, a partnership with Musto and regatta season upon us the site is guaranteed to evolve further and become bigger and better than ever!

Official drinks for those in the RQYS area will actually take place on Saturday afternoon once Johnsee has finished his commitment as Santa Claus. (Photos will definitely surface!).

By the way… We both enjoy good ol rum and coke as our preferred celebration beverage.