Summary of NCESA Annual Directors Meeting 2002

 

The following is a summary of issues, determinations and information of interest to the Membership derived from the annual Directors meeting that took place in Chicago on
November 9, 2002. At least once a year the Board meets each November. The Board consists of representatives from each region (12 Directors and 4 Officers). The attendees pay for their own transportation and lodging.

 

FINANCES

·      The current bank accounts are healthy and just slightly less than last year.  A little income was lost due to missed membership mailing last Spring.

 

REGATTA

·      Heard that Chautauqua is ready to host the 2003 National regatta and has made significant improvements to the club (swimming pool, improved clubhouse, new crane).

·      Awarded 2004 Nationals to Crystal Lake, MI and 2005 to Little Egg Harbor, NJ.

·      Received and logged a bid from Winnebago for the 2006 Regatta.

·      Agreed to keep the 10 minute notification, agreed to allow premature boats re-round the mid-line boat after the start, discussed minor changes in usage of VHF channels, discussed the break point count when a mid-line boat is needed, 60 seemed consensus.

·      Discussed scheduling of races (now 3-2-1), agreed that the “Intent is to maximize the sailing when the conditions are good and also maximize the time for social activities. Agreed to designate a fleet representative to consult with PRO.

·      Discussed standardized trophy, plan to explore picture trophies similar to Torch.

 

PUBLICATIONS

·      Agreed to experiment in 2003 by not distributing the Yearbook/Rulebook but make it available as a checkoff on the membership form and have available upon request from Class Office and put the full text except mailing list on the class website. Intent is to reduce costs.

·      Agreed to maintain a high quality Reporter and eliminate the Reaches. Intent is to keep color pages in Reporter if possible and also have more material on website.

·      Discussed collection system for regatta reports, photos. Ongoing issue referred to publications committee. Discussed need for more contributors.

·      Discussed 50th Anniversary Reporter, Need to publish a request for material this season.

 

MEMBERSHIP

·      142 Regular, 267 Associate is down from previous years due to no spring membership mailing.

·      Additional mailings this winter update database.

·      Discussed need to collect more membership demographic and fleet detailed information.

·      Will explore making a limited number of items for sale on the website, class pennant.

 

 

RULES

·      Foil Rudder change was approved in September by membership. Finalized final wording of scantling change. Discussed the effectiveness of the 10-boat experiment distributed across the country.

·      22 sets of rudders have been implemented this fall, price structure the same as last winter.

·      Discussed Asymmetrical/Bowsprint developments at Delevan and various other boats.

·      Discussed the need for a complete survey of the views of the membership.

·      Discussed how future changes in E-Scow and how those might impact the pro-con of doing a Asymmetrical/Bowsprint in the near term or in conjunction with other changes.

·      Agreed to entertain proposals to the Rules Committee for experiments related to Asymmetrical/Bowsprint that include comprehensive proposals that consider the impact on the fleets.

 

GENERAL CLASS GROWTH

·      Discussed a proposal send a survey to membership and fleets to gather comprehensive information about the composition of the fleets, and gather demographics on active sailors. Agreed to pursue this vigorously this winter/spring.

·      Discussed the need for outreach in supporting new regional regattas (South & West).

·      Discussed the possibility of partnering with other classes of boats to generate greater awareness and foster growth of young sailors in our fleets and regions.

·      Agreed to highlight the accomplishments of young sailors in our fleet.