J109 Class Association, Annual Meeting of Executive Board

J109 Class Association, Annual Meeting of Executive Board

1 October, 2012, 8pm EST

Present (via conference call): Bob Schwartz, Ted Herlihy, Cristina Filippelli, Rick Lyall, Pete Priede , Sam Mitchener, Al Goethe, Kevin Saedi, Adrian Begley, Thomas Brott, Dan Grossman, Bill Sweetser

Meeting called to order by Bob Schwartz at 8:03pm

1) Report on 2012 North Americans

• Sixteen boats competed, the largest one design class at NYYC Race Week. Logistics went very smoothly, especially boat inspections and sail registration. Conditions were excellent as was race management, and we had a great class party (thanks to Rob Salk of Picante for hosting).

2) 2013 North Americans and other major regattas

• Rick Lyall suggested that the25th anniversary of Block Island Race Week (BIRW) could be a good venue, as the event will likely draw a 20+ boat J09 fleet, and several classes will be holding championship regattas.

• Pete Priede: Fleet 11/Chicago would like to be considered as a venue for the 2013 NA's. There are at least 12 local J109s, including a couple of boats that may be able to be chartered. Fleet 11 hosted the NA's in 2009 (in conjunction with Chicago's YC Verve Cup), with 14-15 boats and four days of racing.

There was some general agreement among those present that the class "spread that wealth," so to speak, to avoid inadvertently becoming too East Coast centric. Bob Schwartz proposed that the 2013 North American Championships be held in Chicago (again in conjunction with the Verve Cup, mid-August), and that the East Coast Championships be held at BIRW. All those present were in favor, none opposed.

• At this point, a question about spinnakers was raised: due to predominant local conditions, Fleet 11 boats use a larger chute (120 meters), and most Chicago boats do not have class spinnakers in their inventories. At the 2009 NA'svisiting boats were either lent bigger kites or they purchased new ones. Pete Priede assured that Fleet 11 will again make an effort to lend kites to visiting boats. But, the issue was raised that class rules dictate that class sails must be used for championship events. However, very few Fleet 11 boats have class kites in their inventory, and requiring that they all purchase kites in advance of the NA's is likely not realistic.

• A suggestion was made that we amend the NOR or SI's. It was explained that we ran into an issue with this practice in Annapolis last fall (at the 2011 NA's). The organizing YC is responsible for the event's NOR, and not all organizing bodies look kindly on amending class rules for regattas, particularly championships. Additionally, Bill Sweetser emphasized the need to be sure that we amend any rules through the proper channels in the class, ensuring that the class and its members maintain control of any changes. Namely, we just need to make sure we're being inclusive, and not exclusive (as in, if Fleet 11 boats are required to purchase class spinnakers in order to compete in the NA's, is that good for the class? On the other hand, is making it a regular practice to disregard class rules good for the class?)

At this point it was suggested that the question go to the classby having the Fleet Captains poll their fleets, and report back to the Executive Board.

It was agreed that a subcommittee be formed (consisting of Dan Grossman, Adrian Begley, Bill Sweetser, and Pete Priede), to study the rules to ensure that the class follows correct processes in making any changes to class rules, amending NOR's etc. This subcommittee will report back the Executive Board with a recommendation.

• Rick Lyall then raised a similar issue, pertaining to distance racing: some boat owners prefer to race IRC so they can use their full inventories, as class rules prohibits the use of non class kites (e.g., code zeros) in one design racing. Could we consider changing rules to make it possible for class distance racing with code zeros?

The general response to this question was that it raises a bigger issue, involving a bigger potential rule change. However, thisquestion may be moot, as a recent change in class rules allows for headsail changes at will. Therefore, as long as a code zero measures in under 108m, and no additional equipment is used to fly it, it would be class legal.

3) Sail certification process

• Ted Herlihy: we often do not get registration forms returned to us by sailmakers, and tags are often not affixed to the sails. He proposed changing the process by which sail tags are distributed and sails are registered (see attached). He stressed that boatowners need to take more responsibility by promptly returning a copy of the form to the class (and keep a copies on the boat). Ted has discussed the proposed process with people at North Sails, who reportedly think that it would be a reasonable approach (though this stance might vary, depending on which loft you ask).

• It was suggested that, in order to streamline the process, sailmakers should make a PDF of each sail tag to provide to the boat owner, who will then have an electronic copy of the sail tag to forward to the treasurer.

• It was also asked whether the price of sail tags should be increased? Right now it isquite low (compared to other classes), and it may be worth increasing it as it is a fairly labor intensive process.

Rick Lyall made a motion to raise the price of class sail tags from $35 to $40. This was seconded. All present were in favor, non opposed.

4) Growing the class

• Bob Schwartz invited suggestions for how to grow the class and continue to encourage participation in class events.

• Two general suggestions were made: improving the usability of the website, for example by making it easier for members to upload photos; and making a greater effort to by more inclusive toward cruising boats, and supporting/organizing more cruising-oriented events.

• Adrian Begley offered to check in with our website host about adding a page geared towards fun, offbeat, "hall of fame" type of content.

• There was a general consensus that, if we want to promote communication, post photos/videos for sharing, promote upcoming events, etc., creating a class Facebook page might be a good move.

Rick Lyall and Tina Filippelli agreed to work on creating a J109 class Facebook page.

5) Treasurer’s report

• Ted Herlihy reviewed the 2012 report, as of 9/27/12. He explained that web hosting and Newsletter costs will likely wind up being more, but at the moment the class is doing fine financially.

With no other class business forthcoming, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:15pm.

Appendix: Proposed Sail Registration Process:

• Allow sailmakers to buy tags individually or in blocks at $35 per tag. They are required to pay before shipping the tags.

• Sailmaker will completely and legibly fill out the tag registration form including the delivery date and sail tag number that was applied. The sail maker will include a copy of the registration form with the delivered sail and keep a copy.

• The boat owner will have the responsibility to send a copy of the tag registration form to the J109 treasurer to enter in the data base. Owner should keep a copy of the tag registration form for each sail on board for inspection at J109 class events as required by class rules (5.1).