Minutes Of Meeting Between IMCA Chairman Riccardo Simoneschi & USMCA Members In Miami

At Bacardi Miami Sailing Week International Melges 24 Class Chairman Riccardo Simoneschi took the opportunity to having a significant number of US Melges 24 teams together to call an informal meeting of the class.  He was keen to update them on the current work of the International Class and get their input on the current state of play in the US and with the USMCA.  Here are the minutes of the meeting kindly taken by USMCA Executive Secretary Joy Dunigan.

Minutes Of The Meeting Of IMCA Chairman Riccardo Simoneschi With Members Of The USMCA At Bacardi Miami Sailing Week 2011

U.S. MELGES 24 CLASS ASSOCIATION

Date: 10 March 2011, Coconut Grove Sailing Club; Miami, FL

IN ATTENDANCE:

Kristen and Peter Lane, Bora Gulari, Alan Field, Steve Hunt, Cary & Beth Seigler, Andrew Walford, Roger Counihan, Gary Schwarting, Ed Furry, Becky DaMore, Federico Michetti, James Whatmore, George Haynie, Harry Melges, Andy Burdick, Joy Dunigan

MINUTES

Riccardo Simoneschi, International Melges 24 Class Chairman opened the meeting with a formal greeting to the U.S. Melges 24 Class owners in attendance. The purpose of the gathering was to present himself as the Chairman of the class and listen, answer questions, accept comments and suggestions about further promoting, developing and growing the class, particularly in North America.

He stressed that the IM24CA are trying to find out more, with regards to how the participation levels can be re-energized, as there has been an obvious decline, especially at major championships such as Worlds and North Americans. Looking at the numbers, he specifically opened the floor for thoughts and suggestions on how to improve participation levels at events.

Riccardo added that the Road To Corpus Christi Series has been a good idea. It is a good attempt to copy what is happening in Europe. It seems to work. As having acted as the International Chairman for the Star class, he expressed his understanding that in the U.S.A., it is hard sometimes to constantly travel back and forth from one side of the country to the other constantly. He felt it is probably best to view the U.S. more as a continent, versus a country.

He opened the floor for thoughts, ideas and suggestions:

Peter Lane agreed with Riccardo. He expressed that he was not certain that there had necessarily been a drop in activity, but more the unfortunate decision of poor placement of venue for that moment in time. He also thought that many have perhaps chosen not to travel as much, hence the success in the Southeast and Midwest where there is a high concentration of boats.

Bora Gulari mentioned that he felt that continuity in great sailing venues plays a big role in the overall success of the European events, and that perhaps the same should happen in the U.S. His view was that the stranger the places regattas are held, the least likely they will be well attended. Key Largo was a great venue, hence why it was so well attended.

Riccardo agreed. He described sailors as tourists of the low season, mainly because they always go to great places, but during times that are considered a venue’s ‘off season.’ It is because it is necessary to have the money to run the sport and the event, and it is getting more and more difficult. He asked further, how can we convince better venues to invite us and run the sport? This typically is a big issue.

The other point to make is, in Europe, the class tries to frequent familiar venues associating the class with the place. It does make it easier logistically.

Riccardo stressed that it is up to the U.S. Class to present the right places to have regattas.

Alan Field felt that what the class is missing more involvement from Melges USA. He felt as though, with their knowledge and experience in many classes of boats that they know what is right and wrong. We need to have them more involved in the decision making equation.

Riccardo accepted Alan’s point, however expressed that Melges USA has ever been ignored. Harry comes to the AGM meetings. Alan stressed that he doesn’t feel that when Melges makes suggestions that the class is fully listening, or accepts their recommendations.

Scheduling was also discussed. It was agreed that less clashing of events, would also play to all class’ advantages. Riccardo explained that this topic is always one that is very difficult, as many times you have National class’ that do not go along with International class.’ He expressed that there was some confusion in 2010 with the scheduling of events, but now we have a clear vision going forward. We are working hard to try avoid these in the future. It just doesn’t make any sense especially when it is the same family of boats sailing all the events.

Alan again commented that he felt the class needed to take more advantage of Melges’ years and years of historical knowledge, what venues work, which ones do not, etc.

Riccardo disagreed, and provided the example that the classes exist successfully in Europe. He further commented that perhaps the U.S. Class has not involved Melges in the past as Alan felt they should, but it is certainly not the case on the International side. IM24CA is always listening. Riccardo suggested that this is something should be brought to the U.S. Class Officers.

Riccardo expressed that Harry’s thoughts are always welcome. But, suggested that the U.S. Officers must come together and talk things over and present proposals.

Further to the comment, Riccardo suggested that everyone should be supporting their U.S. Class officers and reminded them that they are all volunteers, and they are trying to do their best. He emphasized that there are some very enthusiastic individuals in the U.S., and reassured that the IM24CA will try to help and guide.

Cary Seigler mentioned that the economic environment in the U.S. has not helped the situation either. People just have less money. He suggested targeting where the boats are. Bora added that in addition to identifying where the boats are, heavier focus needed to be put on where the best places are to sail. Cary agreed. Peter Lane added also, that the best place to sail within x number of miles distance needs to be carefully considered. Cary mentioned that Newport, on occasion tends to be one of those venues. 

Riccardo briefly explained that structure of the overall International Class, and how National Classes are viewed by ISAF. He noted that ISAF only recognizes the International side. National classes are perceived as branches of the International Class.

Cary felt that there was no guidance on how to hold events, and felt there was no consistency in planning events. Riccardo mentioned that it really comes down to sponsorship at events, then asked if all agreed that locating all the boats in the U.S. was achievable? That perhaps what is needed is the creation of a lower level circuits on both coasts, then one large overall? Peter Lane felt that this was exactly what is needed. He further suggested that having three, four or five regional circuits would be great for those that can do events close by, enabling the opportunity for them to get out and experience the fleet at a semi-national level. Then, have a larger overall circuit to complement.

Riccardo commented that having circuits on both coasts would allow people to have fun, but also have the opportunity to attend some larger events.

There was some discussion regarding PHRF racing, and the availability of pre-owned boats. 

Kristen Lane commented that she has seen growth in the Melges 24 at the local level. She specifically stated that SFYC has twelve boats. They just don’t travel, not because they are not capable of handling the stiff, national competition, they simply just don’t travel. Growth has occurred in the Melges 24 in other places rather than at the top level. Somehow we do need something that will motivate them. She encouraged the teams that do travel and compete at the top level, when they return home should be more interactive with the local fleet, in the effort of getting them to travel more.

Riccardo asked how everyone felt about Corpus Christi in general. For him, he felt it is just a place on the map. Andrew Walford, from the Gulf Coast region, was really pleased that the National Class chose Corpus Christi. He acknowledged that he was quite surprised that more regionally located boats were not attending.

Peter Lane stated that logistics, for example housing is a real challenge in Corpus Christi. Yes, there is big breeze. It all goes back to what Bora was saying, we need to place events in great places to sail and conduct successful events.

Riccardo encouraged for everyone to propose these great places to sail.

Bora re-iterated that consistently great venues need to be selected. Go where the great sailing is, so when events are proposed and planned, people will go because they know that they will get. We need to come together as a group and decide where to go 

Riccardo explained that part of his business is to organize events and specifically, mentioned that no one really understands the amount of money that it takes to put on an event. Everyone shows up, enjoys the food, the sailing and some complain, this is the typical attitude of the some sailors. But, the cost to run an event is much higher than anyone suspects. The problem is to raise the funds to conduct the event. The Melges 24 is probably the best scenario outside of the Olympic classes, and for a Worlds, one must consider about 100,000 Euros, at least to have a good event, if you consider everything. That is something that is not so easily found.

This is what can get us in trouble if we do not select the right venue. Organizing an event is a tough business.

Riccardo further mentioned that sailing is Euro centric and NA centric. The idea to go to San Francisco had much to do with the fact it is a great place to sail, but also there is the scheduling of the Worlds in 2013. This is the same problem in all classes. This is nothing new. Traveling is expensive and the World is only but so big, when it comes to scheduling events in the best places at the best times, so you can move from event, to event easily.

Cary Seigler voiced that the Melges 24 is not a dying class. Look at the participation in Key West, Bacardi and Charleston. It is the premiere sportboat with the best sailors. It’s the best of the best. There is no other boat like it. You work hard, hike hard and when you win, you are rewarded greatly. We need to be more in touch with owners. Riccardo agreed. He emphasized that sometimes we focus too much on the negative, however the Melges 24 is still the largest fleet in some countries. It’s a top fleet at many multi-fleet regattas.

To summarize, Riccardo stated we need to offer more guidance on how to conduct racing for the Melges 24 for worldwide consistency. This would be helpful. We may think to adjust for regional championship - east and west coast - three races in the east, three in the west and then a National Series at the end, such as something similar to the Road To Corpus Christi Series.

Kristen Lane asked if the dates for the North Americans in 2012 and 2013 were confirmed. Riccardo stated that they are.

Riccardo encouraged and welcomed everyone’s input. His e-mail is always open – riccardo@simass.it