Minutes – Council of Sailing Associations
Annapolis, Maryland
DRAFT 10/27-29/2011
Call to Order: by Sarah Ashton at 10:02 am Thursday October 27, 2011
Roll Call: In attendance Sarah Ashton (Chair, Area L, PIYA & ASYRA), Bob Porter (Sec. & LYRA), Glenn Schmidt(Area B & GSBYRA), Bob Counihan (P-ECSA, P-HRYRA & YRALIS), Harry Foote (Area C & BBYRA), Franz Schneider (NJYRA), Joni Palmer (DCYRA), Mike Dawson (Area A & FSA), Carl Reigart (DIYRA), Ed Theisen (Area E, DRYRA, & LHYRA), Brian Hawboldt (Area F & TSA), Dave Rosekrans (P-Area G & YRASFB), Jerry Mongomery (Area J ), Mark Hansen (SCYRA), Dave Lumian (YRUSC & Comm Sail), Janet Crabb (Area K), Diane Wenzel(Comm Sail).
Quorum (52/26+): Yes (30)
CSA Minutes: Phoenix, Arizona 10/21-23/2010 Motion to Approve with corrections: Mike Dawson, 2nd Janet Crabb, Motion passed without objection.
Reports;
CSA Website update:
Brian Hawboldt requested comments from the CSA membership for ways to improve the CSA web pages on the US Sailing website. Bob Porter suggested that the US Sailing webmaster be asked to improve the ease of access to the CSA webpage. Mark Hansen suggested that the Area Directors e-mail addresses be made prominent to US Sailing members who are members of a yacht club, not a member of an RSA, and have no other access point to CSA and US Sailing.
Position Paper: Ethanol
Sarah Ashton reported that the Executive Committee had prepared a model letter and resolution regarding the new EPA standards for ethanol (which will be the only fuel available for boats in the near future). Mark Hansen moved, and Janet Crabb seconded, to direct the chair to add supporting documentation, update the letter as needed, and circulate it to all RSAs. The letter is to be sent as a matter of urgency.
(Chairperson Sarah Ashton recessed for a short period to allow members to obtain a box lunch)
Bylaws Changes:
Bob Porter reported that the CSA Bylaws have been updated with the changes approved at the Spring 2010 CSA meeting. A copy of the revised bylaws have been circulated and are now available on the CSA Webpage.
Yacht Club Symposium:
Susan Epstein reported that the Spring US Sailing Yacht Club Symposium held in Chicago was well attended and well received by those in attendance. There is discussion regarding another symposium but no date has been set as of yet. Susan also reported a One Design Seminar was scheduled for November 12 & 13, 2011 in Bay Head YC, Bay Head, NJ.
Chairperson’s Report:
Sarah Ashton suggested that we re-energize, unify, and engage the Council of Sailing Associations to be more effective and better serve our constituency. She identified that there is a clear need to improve the frequency and quality of communications with the Regional Sailing Associations and Yacht Clubs. The route best available to best accomplish this is the electronic media.
Government Relations Committee: Jim Muldoon
The 15% ethanol remains an issue and it is essential to block its application to the marine industry.
Light Squared may institute a radio signal close to the current marine and civilian GPS frequencies. This will likely disrupt GPS dependability.
It is being recommended that life jacket use for persons under 18 years on boats less than 18 feet be mandatory.
There was a general discussion regarding the General Services Committee. Ed Theisen provided some historical background, explaining that before the US Sailing Association re-organization, this committee monitored services available to RSAs and Yacht clubs. It was also noted that the current US Sailing and CSA structure may limit the need for the committee, as these activities are provided by the CSA, itself. It was suggested that the secretary prepare a bylaws change to remove the General Services Committee from our structure.
Mark Hansen asked the CSA to review the proposed US Sailing bylaws changes to afford the CSA an opportunity to take a position on the issues. The proposed US Sailing bylaw changes will be an item under new business.
Brian Hawboldt asked that we add an item to new business permitting us to discuss the concept of e-mail messaging and conference call meetings.
Sarah Ashton explained that CSA members needed to attend the various US Sailing meetings held over the next two days. Each member will provide a short presentation of the meeting highlights and a short paragraph of narrative for inclusion in the minutes. The following members were assigned to the US Sailing Committees.
Performance Handicap Racing Fleet Bob Porter
Offshore Racing Rule Bob Porter
Safety at Sea Dave Lumien & Joni Palmer
National Offshore Council Jerry Mongomery
Race Management Janet Crabb
Judges Committee Mike Dawson
Women’s Councils Karen ?
Council for Sailors w/Disability Dave Lumien
Community Sailing Council Dave Lumien
Commercial Sailing Dave Lumien
One Design Class Council Franz Schneider
Youth Council Harry Foote
Racing Rules of Sailing Brian Hawboldt
Multihull Council Mike Dawson?
Training Joni Palmer
Site Selection Ed Theisen
Race Officer Janet Crabb
Budget Harry Foote
Sports Medicine Bob Porter
Chairperson Sarah Ashton identified that at its last meeting the CSA held a heated debate about a spring meeting. The result was a clear message that the CSA wished such a meeting. Ed Theisen identified that the wishes of the CSA were communicated to the House of Delegates, supported by that body, and communicated to the US Sailing Board of Directors. The meeting did not occur.
Mark Hansen moved, and Bob Porter seconded, to re-affirm the desire of the CSA to have a Spring Meeting. The motion passed by a vote of 12 in favor to 11 opposed. This motion is to be communicated to the House of Delegates.
Adjournment: Sarah Ashton adjourned the CSA meeting at 2:00 pm on 10/27/2011 until 2:00 pm on Saturday 10/29/2011.
Second Meeting:
Call to Order: by Sarah Aston at 2:00 pm. Saturday 10/29/2011
Roll Call: In attendance Sarah Ashton (Chair, Area L, PIYA & ASYRA), Bob Porter (Sec. & LYRA), Glenn Schmidt(Area B & GSBYRA), Bob Counihan (P-ECSA, P-HRYRA & YRALIS), Harry Foote (Area C & BBYRA), Franz Schneider (NJYRA), Mike Dawson (Area A & FSA), Carl Reigart (DIYRA), Ed Theisen (Area E, DRYRA, & LHYRA), Brian Hawboldt (Area F & TSA), Dave Rosekrans (P-Area G & YRASFB), Jerry Mongomery (Area J ), Mark Hansen (SCYRA), Chris Luppens (GYA/Area D), Helen Horton (ELIYA), Steve Haris (I-LYA), Bill Kirk (NBYA), Janet Crabb (Area K), Dave Lumian (YRUSC & Comm Sail), Joseph Meling (NOC).
Committee & Councils Reports:
Performance Handicap Racing Fleet Bob Porter
PHRF discussed the success of identifying base boats in bringing various PHRF regions to better handicapping alignment. The chair suggested increasing the number of base boats. US Sailing presented a component of the MY US Sailing computer program that would permit on-line application for PHRF registration and certificates.
Offshore Racing Rule Bob Porter
The numbers of Yachts racing under the Offshore Racing rule declined slightly for 2010. This was seen as a factor of economic issues as sailmakers also reported a decline in sales. The body has decided to scrap the concept of an ORR “lite” rule as PHRF addresses the needs of most other racers and there are some technical obstacles to a more abbreviated/less expensive rule.
Safety at Sea Janet Crabb
The Safety at Sea Committee discussed the recent sailing events where sailors died. Much of the committee’s time was spend addressing elements of stability that affected the capsize of a sport boat (Wingnuts) in the 2011 Chicago to Mackinac Island Yacht Race.
National Offshore Council Jerry Mongomery
The committee discussed and supported a spring meeting.
Race Management Janet Crabb
The Race Management Committee is attempting to move toward website training but logistics, process and certification issues remain.
Judges Committee Mike Dawson
The Judges Committee is working on new test and retest materials and the new “Club Level” Judges program has been approved (a one day seminar & test). US Sailing will produce the new rulebook on waterproof paper for cost with the non-waterproof available at no cost.
Council for Sailors w/Disability Dave Lumien
The Council for Sailors with Disability reviewed races and events of 2010 and are planning action to both promoting racing and community sailing for disabled.
One Design Class Council Franz Schneider
The One Design Council note slight growth in it numbers and is considering life jacket recommendations for one design events. Justin Scott was elected to chair the council. There was much discussion regarding the things that restrict college sailing program graduates from continuing in the sport.
Racing Rules of Sailing Brian Hawboldt
Submissions for changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing – 250 proposed changes. Major areas of focus include rule 18 revision to clarify the definition of approaching, while at, and when leaving a mark.
Multihull Council Mark Hanson
The council is coordinating with America’s Cup to promote multi-hull racing.
Site Selection Ed Theisen
The US Sailing Board approved San Francisco as the US Sailing Annual meeting for Nov. 1st 2012. For the 2013 event, they are considering the Central United states: Florida, Nashville, and New Orleans.
Race Officer Janet Crabb
The race officer committee is updating their handbook and revising the certification process to become web-based. They are also reviewing companion products for the Basic and Advanced Race officer courses as well as the officer recertification materials.
Budget Harry Foote
The budget committee focused their efforts toward growing membership by 2 ½ % (membership is the only profitable element of US Sailing). They also are promoting a larger focus on electronic/automatic membership renewal. Some discussion was held regarding making clinics and other training programs revenue positive and encourage membership in US Sailing..
US Sailing Foundation: Dave Rosekrans
The US Sailing Foundation is working to support the many arms of US Sailing and mostly the youth and Olympic completion elements. They are also moving to support community and One Design sailing symposia.
Sports Medicine Bob Porter
The Sports Medicine Committee discussed the upcoming Olympic Sailing in England. It appears England is well prepared for the event. The committee discussed safety and rescue issues including how to remove injured persons from the water and revision of the hypothermia prevention and care card.
CSA Community Service Committee Sarah Ashton
Eight members attended the meeting and discussed their purpose. There was concern regarding the effectiveness of CSA directors and yacht club representatives and some discussion on how to make them more functional. The Area Directors and RSA representatives need to call yacht clubs that are not US Sailing members to encourage their membership.
US Sailing Website Committee Brian Hawboldt
The US Sailing Website is being revised over the next year.
Old Business:
New Business:
Proposed US Sailing Bylaws Changes: Jerry Montgomery
Discussion was held regarding the US Sailing bylaws. They will be adding a second (non-voting) board member on the US Sailing Board.
Proposed changes to the CSA Bylaws:
There was discussion regarding the CSA bylaws changes (regarding the creation of a webmaster position on the CSA Executive Committee and deletion of the Services Review Committee from the CSA Bylaws) proposed at the previous (Thursday) CSA meeting.
It was the consensus of the CSA membership in attendance that the CSA bylaw changes be postponed while Mike Dawson and the Secretary prepare revisions for considerations. Those considerations to address electronic voting and bylaws changes and remove reference to a spring meeting as that may not occur in the future.
Nominating Committee Report:
Chairman Sarah Ashton
Vice Chairman Robert Thomas
Secretary Robert Porter
Area A Director
Area C Director Franz Schneider
Area E Director Edwin C. Theisen
Area G Director Thomas Roberts
Area K Director Janet Crabb
Moved to accept the slate of officers by Ed Theisen and 2nd Mike Dawson.
The slate of officers was accepted by acclamation.
Adjourn: Moved by Harry Foote 2nd Ed Theisen 3:15 pm
Respectfully submitted – Bob Porter
Minutes – Council of Sailing Associations
Executive Committee
Annapolis, Maryland
DRAFT 10/27-29/2011
Meeting Called to Order at 11:02 am by Chairperson Sarah Ashton Thursday October 27, 2011
Roll Call: Sarah Ashton (Chair & Area L), Harry Foote (V Chair & Area C), Bob Porter (sec), Ed Theisen (Past Chair & Area E), Glenn Schmidt (Area B), Mike Dawson (Area D), Brian Hawboldt (Area F), Jerry Montgomery (Area J ), Janet Crabb (Area K), Steve Wriggley (Champ Comm).
Quorum(16/8+): Yes (13)
Minutes: Pheonix, Arizona 10/21/2010 Moved to approve with corrections Ed Theisen, 2nd Brian Hawboldt.
The Chairperson identified the mission of this Annual General Meeting is to Energize, Unify, Utilize and Engage the Council of Sailing Association to better serve the Regional Sailing Associations, Yacht Clubs and Sailors.
As per the CSA Bylaws, the chairperson identified a Nominating Committee for 2011 slate of officers. The Nominating Committee members are: Ed Theisen, Dave Rosekrans, Bob Counihan, and Brian Hawboldt.
Adjourn: Moved by Mike Dawson, 2nd Ed Theisen.
Respectfully submitted by Robert Porter