YOUR CLASS NEEDS YOU!

We have a serious problem to address. It concerns the whole Class and we need your help to solve it!

The image of our Class is highly respected amongst race sailors. This is because we have a great design which attracts good sailors, a website that is the envy of many classes, a year book that is most professional, and strong technical expertise that is so important to every successful class.

For this we must thank Reichel Pugh, our builders, Fi Brown our inspired web and magazine editor (who also has many other management skills as we witnessed in Key West). Joy Dunigan who created and manages the imaginative technical design aspect of our website and magazine and David Chivers who takes care of our Class Rules, Regatta Regulations, overseas Continental and World Championships and liases with ISAF.

The work that Fi, Joy and David undertake is paid for from the International Class fund under the directive of the Executive Committee, which consists of a Chairperson Two Vice Chairpersons, and a Secretary/Treasurer. Our problem is finding owners who will undertake the responsibility of volunteering to be a member of the Executive Committee.

The Chairpersons role is to ensure the objectives of the Class are fulfilled, by working with fellow members of the Executive Committee and part time employees.

The two Vice Chairpersons roles are currently split. The USA representative manages that continent whilst the European representative oversees the co-ordination of the European racing calendars.

The Exec Committee meet two or three times a year, usually in the UK as well as at the AGM. The principle requirement from each member is his, or her, appreciation of inter-nation understanding and consideration of sailing matters.

It is understood that owners are generally fully committed to families, work, and whenever possible sailing. However, if we want to continue enjoying sailing in a well-organised, fun Class, we must contribute either time or money. If we cannot find persons to manage our Class then we have little option but to pay for someone to manage it for us. This is how some other classes operate.

The alternative is that many keen racers around the world sell their boats because the Class is not managing the quality of racing and organisation they want. This means lots of second-hand boats are on the market, which forces a drop in boat value. The result is a vicious downward spiral of the Associations health and boat values.

A fit, healthy, vibrant Class Association is an absolute necessity if we want our boats to retain their value and to enjoy a high quality of racing.

The owner’s annual membership fee to our International Class Association has stood at £25 for the past four years. I propose that unless we can find suitable volunteers we increase this fee to £55. Looked at another way, £55 a year is a cheap investment if your boat is worth £18 - £20,000 in four years time rather than £10,000.

Personally I would rather see us continue to manage our own affairs but for that we need volunteers, please. THE OPTION IS OURS – do you want to add £35 per person to the current International Class Fee, or do you want to volunteer? We need nominations for a Chairperson, one European Vice Chairperson and a Secretary.

Keith Musto - Acting Int. Class Secretary & Treasure.

For further information on the role of the Exective Committee please E-mail Keith Musto. If you would like to be nominated for membership of the Executive Committee please contact your National Class Secretary (nominations must be approved by and submitted by the National Class).