First 40.7

Chicago Beneteau First 40.7 Fleet

Minutes of Skipper’s Meeting

Nov. 5th, 2004

Present at the meeting:

Absent:

Meeting Presided by:            Ron Buzil

1)         Results of 2004 season were reviewed and skippers and crews congratulated.

2)         First topic of business was setting up our schedule for 2005. Ron has already distributed the schedule and it will be posted on our web site and handed out at the next meeting so it will not be included in this report.  The following decisions were made that affected the schedule:

a)         Since many of the 40.7s participate in the Governor's Cup Regatta it was resolved that we would ask Area III for our own start (although this regatta does not count toward any 40.7 series).

b)         It was decided to remove the Chicago to Waukegan and Waukegan to Chicago races  from the LMSRF BOLM series by a vote of 7 to 3 with 1 abstention. 

Both Waukegan races and the three Tri-state races will count in the Area III BOY port-to-port series.

c)         The Verve Cup will remain the 40.7 North American Championship.

3)         Bob Kolar (Broderi) has requested an exemption to purchase additional sails due to purchasing a used boat with used sails judged unfit for racing by his sailmaker. As this is the first time this situation has arisen, a lively discussion followed. It was agreed that each situation is different and requires individual consideration. In the case of Broderi, it was agreed that a one time allowance for five additional sails would be permitted.

4)         An agenda topic of additional sails (including staysails) was tabled until the next meeting due to Jay Muller’s absence.

5)         Bob Vickery presented a proposal to extend the point where the backstay attaches to the mast top to reduce the main sail roach fouling on the stay.  After consideration of one design considerations, PHRF handicaps, and insurance concerns, the proposal was not passed by a vote of 4 in favor and 7 opposed.

6)         Bob Vickery next presented a proposal to allow removable cleats. Again, one design concerns were expressed. The final amendment voted on and approved in a vote of 9 in favor, 1 opposed, and 2 abstentions was to allow mooring cleats which may be replaced with removable cleats of an appropriate size. Each boat must have a total of six mooring cleats of appropriate size on board. Removable cleats may be stored below deck while racing.

7)         A series of proposals were made regarding "pros".

a)         Cate Muller (Das Boot) proposed that for the West Marine Regatta we allow one group 2 or 3 competitor on each boat. After a day of racing the "pros" would run a clinic for all the 40.7 crews to help everyone learn from what they saw on the boats they were on and the boats they were sailing against. This proposal was approved with a vote of 9 in favor and 2 against. This will be the exception from the rule not allowing group 2 or 3 competitors in races with our own start or section within the Area III boundaries.

b)         Steve Mash (Hot Lips) proposed allowing one pro (group 2 or 3) in a non-driving role during any class race. This proposal was defeated with 1 vote in favor and nine opposed.

c)         Roger Joseph (Excalibur) proposed that each boat be allowed 1 pro for one Area III regata in the first half of the season, and those boats ranking in the lower third of the fleet halfway through the season would be allowed another Area III regatta with a pro in the second half. This proposal was defeated with 1 vote in favor and 9 opposed.

8)         The treasurer reported a $500 balance prior to the evening’s  party with plans to raise funds.

9)         A discussion was held on building the fleet.

10)       It was determined that the fleet would staff a booth at Strictly Sail in Feburary and Ben Kramer will coordinate this.

11)       Bob Vickery offered to work on the North American Championship.

12)       Elections were held for new officers for the next two years. All current officers were reelected, Ron Buzil as Fleet Captain, Jay Muller as Rules Chairman, and Ben Kramer as Secretary/Treasurer.

13)       The meeting was adjourned and the fleet party commenced.

            Our appreciation is extended to the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club for their hospitality.