PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

February 24, 2001

 

1.     FLEET DEVELOPMENT LEVY
Our experiment to raise funds for regional development, which was devised and approved by the members at the 1999 AGM, succeeded in generating $1,300 in potential revenue based on regatta participation.

 

Regional representatives were invited to present plans for development at a meeting in February 2000. No requests were made at that time. Southport Sailing Club later availed themselves of funding to rent a crane for the Canadians. Vince Lehmann, VP Windsor will report on that regatta and the results of the funding and support that the club and the region received.

 

2.     PRESIDENT’S PLATES
It was announced at the North Shore Spring Seminar that some new prizes would be awarded in the 2000 racing season. At that time, a “millennium plate” had been designed and commissioned for that purpose. Regrettably, the potter was unable to fulfill the commission.

Instead of plates, the 10^th and third-from-last place finishing crews in all counter regattas will receive a book of their choice from Adrian’s Bestsellers List – a mesmerizing selection of sailing and true adventure books.

 

Recipients (skipper and crew) will receive an order form from which to order their books. They are:

 

HOMECOMERS

10^th                  Blue Heron/Jin Frati

3FL        Afternoon Delight/John Vanderperk

 

GOLD CUP

10^th                  Marmoset/Andrew Barlow

3FL        Madly Off in All Directions/Ian Blumer

 

CANADIANS

10^th                  Marmoset/Andrew Barlow

3FL        Strigendo/Dave Colborne

 

GOLDEN HORSESHOE

10^th                  Shoestring/Gord Nikaido

3FL        Bongo Fury/Warren Eddy

 

CAPITAL CITY

10^th                  N/A

3FL        Dirty Duck/Don Melick

 

PROVINCIALS

10^th                  Rip ‘n Hammer/Paul Zeimer

3FL        Luff ‘em and Leave ‘em/Michelle Impel

 

TRILLIUM

10^th                  Gangrene/Adrian Trus

3FL        Enigma/Burt Tait

 

WORLD’S

10^th                  Silver Phantom/Jim Barkman

3FL        Spirit/Lionel Mandell

 

3.     MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
The issue of membership and qualifying came up repeatedly during the season. It was necessary to draft and post notices on the racing pages to clarify for both members and non-members that membership in CSCA is mandatory for participation in counter regattas with the single exception as approved last year.

Competitors in sanctioned regattas must be members in good standing of a

national Shark Class association.

 

It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure their membership is in

good standing.

 

Memberships can not be taken out or renewed at regattas.  This must be done

in advance through the National Association office or web site.

 

Competitors must be ready to provide proof of their eligibility at any sanctioned regatta.  Valid proof of eligibility is 1) a current year's membership card, and 2) a valid measurement certificate, and 3) a ClassAssoc. sticker affixed to the boat.\

 

Year 2001 regatta organizers will not register any boat which does not comply with the eligibility requirements. Renewal notices have been sent, consequently, renewing members will have no excuses if their fees are not paid in sufficient time to receive their cards and stickers by the start of the racing season.

 

Any member of the Executive Committee participating in an event is deemed to be a competitor for the duration of the event and therefore, not available to resolve membership issues.

 

4.     INCORPORATION
The item of incorporation was not resolved during the year 2000. It continues to be a matter before the Committee. All regions must provide financial statements and bank statements for the year ending December 31, 2000 in order for this initiative to proceed.

 

Internet e-commerce is now available to small organizations such as our for reasonable cost. It is now entirely feasible, and desirable to move in this direction. For this to work, we will require incorporation.

 

5.    VACANCIES ON THE EXECUTIVE

I am pleased that Jane MacArthur of Windsor’s Southport Sailing Club and Marmoset will be taking over as Editor of Sharkscan. Jane has been a regular contributor to the web site, particularly with her Racing and Cruising column. With Andrew Barlow and Marmoset, Jane attended most of the counter regattas last year and is consequently, one of the best informed racing sailors in the fleet.

 

I know she will do an excellent job, despite the warning that fleet contribution to Sharkscan content is less than sparse. I urge all members of the class to encourage Jane and to make an effort to contribute in order to keep her enthusiasm alive.

 

I sincerely hope that all members are aware of the outstanding contributions that Bill Henderson has made to our class in his seven plus years on the Executive. Without Bill, we likely would never have had a website. As Secretary and Treasurer he has maintained our records and accounts with religious zeal. I am grateful for all he has done for the class and wish him a well-deserved rest.

 

We have been fortunate to have Jinnie Gordon, of NOLC and Red Dwarf volunteer, for the position of Secretary. Jinnie is also VP South Shore and she has already proven herself to be both keen competitor and active contributor. Jinnie deserves our support and encouragement, and thanks.

 

The position of Treasurer remains open. This is a position of great responsibility but is not particularly time consuming. Should the position remain vacant, it would have dire consequences for our class. Under no circumstances will I, nor should you as members, force Bill to continue to fulfill this position against his wishes. If anyone is interested in taking this on, you will receive all the support and instruction you will need.

 

6.    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

I would like to thank the members of the Executive Committee for their efforts on our behalf this past year.

 

Regional VPs ensured that our counter regattas were successful and provided a uniform degree of quality racing.

 

Eric Calvert, our VP Racing worked with the Regions to develop standardized forms and guidelines, he has maintained the racing web pages and continues to work for us to ensure that Shark Racing thrives in Ontario and Quebec.

 

Jeff Mitchell, our Chief Measurer, continues to preside over things measurable and specific and to make himself available to members for their measurement issues.

 

Don Melick, VP has been our link to CYA and has been most diligent in all his responsibilities.

 

Greg Cockburn, President ISCA, who has been a tireless and dedicated guide in both international and Canadian Shark sailing.

 

I would like to thank all the volunteers, members of the Executive and those who contributed simply from their love of Sharks and Shark Sailing.