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August 10, 1991, Cramond Boat Club, Cramond, Edinburgh, Scotland

Present: Mr David Innes, Scotland, President, IAA

Mr Ken Ayrton, England
Mr Peter Fontes, England
Mr Barney Harris, United States
Ms Daphne Byron, United States
Mr Edmund Cole, Ireland
Mr Ian Rogers, Canada
Ms Rosemary Helmer, Canada

Regrets: Mr David Wallerstein, United States, Secretary, IAA

Mr Dennis Sherwood, Canada, Treasurer, IAA

1. Previous Minutes

David Innes chaired the meeting. He noted that he did not have a copy of the last IAA meeting minutes as he was expecting them to arrive with David Wallerstein, Secretary of the IAA who could not be in attendance. In the absence of any previous minutes it was agreed to continue with other matters. Peter Fontes advised the meeting that he had some personal notes from the last meeting which he offered to read if they were 'felt to be valuable. It was agreed that this information could be valuable and thus the notes were read and each topic was discussed under Business Arising. Rosemary Helmer and David Innes agreed to take notes during this meeting and Rosemary was asked to pass these on to David Wallerstein, Secretary since she was geographically closer to him.

Business Arising from July 1989 IAA Meeting, Kingston, Ontario

2. Treasury

David Innes indicated that he had asked Dennis Sherwood, Treasurer of the IAA to provide him with an up-date on the IAA monies on deposit in the TD Bank Account in Toronto but that he had not received this information prior to the meeting. David asked Ian Rogers if he could advise the amount and if not would he follow-up on the balance and advise all the IAA members of the funds on deposit as soon as he has this information. Ian agreed to find out.

3. Measurement

• Rule Changes

Ken Ayrton was asked to report on Measurement issues. He advised that the various rule changes from the head of the jib measurement to the mainsail to boom attachment had been discussed with the Centreboard Committee meeting of the Royal Yachting Association. It was agreed that the mainsail will be attached to the boom throughout its length. Ken advised that Dick Batt a representative of the Sailmakers Association who sits on the Centreboard Committee had advised the RYA on how to deal with this matter.

• IYRU Standard Measurement Initiative

Ken advised that the IYRU has been working toward the goal of bringing into existence a uniform set of sail measurement instructions. The first years these are to become operative is 1993. The RYA would like all classes to adopt these uniform sail measurement instructions. Ken advised that the Albacore class will have little trouble keeping abreast of the proposed changes as Peter Fontes, David Innes and himself are all measurers of the RYA. Ken has asked Ken Kershaw, Technical Director of the RYA to draft out a set of standard instructions and to forward them to him. When Ken receives this draft he will forward a copy to each of the Chief of Specifications of the national Albacore Associations. In response to questions he advised that these are targeted for implementation by March 1, 1993. The IYRU will be voting on the concept of standard measurement instructions at its November 1991 meetings. He advised that sailmakers will be consulted for input on this topic. He reiterated that the objective of this exercise was to develop a method of measurement which was standardized between all classes. He said he would write to the other national Chiefs of Specifications and ask them to survey their respective local Albacore sailmakers for input.

• Shroud Levers

Peter Fontes suggested we consider how Canada/US handle shroud lever controls. He pointed out that an increasing number of different styles of levers were becoming available e.g. quadrants, pully & tackle and hydraulics. He advised that this matter would need to be dealt with as a number of UK boats were already equipped with these different types of levers. He suggested there were two issues to discuss.

1) would /should levers be permitted at the 1993 Worlds in the US?

2) should a change be made in the class rules to permit the use of shroud levers to ensure consistency of class rules among all 3 countries.

Much discussion was had but no conclusion was achieved other than to have each of the Canadian and US representatives take the matter back to their respective associations for further discussion.

4. 1993 Worlds Venue

Daphne advised that the 1993 US Worlds would be hosted at Rehoboth Bay Sailing Club, Rehoboth, Delaware around the end of September 1993 once all the tourists had vacated the area. She said the site had already hosted previous US National Championships and that it had been proven to be a good venue. She indicated Rehoboth was approximately two hours east of Washington, D.C.

David lnnes asked -did the IAA want to continue limiting the number of Worlds participants to 60 boats given that we are attempting to encourage increased participation? Daphne and Barney felt that the number should not be increased because it would be difficult to achieve the current 60 boat level at the 1993 US Worlds unless the UK and Canada sent strong contingents as the US fleet was shrinking. Ian and Rosemary felt that the 60 boat limit probably worked well and that there seemed to me no pressing reason to change it. David pointed out that the IAA Bylaws recommended 60 boats for a World Championship and that the divisions of the boats between countries was not legislated but open to discussion among the IAA representatives. Ken Ayrton pointed out that most IYRU Worlds host 50-60 boat fleets. After much discussion it was agreed that the initial division would be 25 to the host country, 20 to Canada and 15 to the UK. Although Daphne and Barney both agreed that the US would not likely fill its full 25 boat allotment and would release some of these positions to Canada and the UK. It was agreed that the limit for the numbers of boats attending a World Championship would remain at 60.

It was generally agreed that the IAA representatives should work toward the development of a standard set of racing instructions to be used at all IAA World Championships. David Innes promised to send to Daphne a computer disc (ASCI version) of the racing instructions for her use in preparing for the 1993 US Worlds. Daphne also asked David Innes to send her a list of the names and addresses of all 1991 Worlds competitors so that she use these as a mailing list for the 1993 Worlds Notice of Race. David agreed to send Daphne and Rosemary this information.

5. Future Worlds Circuit Rotation

David Innes brought forward for consideration a proposal for changing the rotation of the World's venue to alternating back and forth between the UK and North America. The rationale behind the request was that the UK Albacore sailors had to make two consecutive trips across the ocean before the Worlds returned to the UK. He had received feedback from Albacore owners that this was limiting the number of UK boats participating in World events because of the expense involved in two consecutive international trips. It was felt that the new rotation would encourage more UK boats to attend overseas Worlds because they have 4 years to save for such a trip.

Peter Fontes, while in agreement with the idea behind the proposed change in rotation, suggested that before the IAA consider starting such a rotation in 1995 that the NAA should canvas its UK clubs to determine if there is a club who would wish to host the Worlds again so soon after the 1991 Worlds. He pointed out that finding clubs with the resources to host such events was not as easy as people might think and that it should be remembered that it was a big undertaking. It was agreed that the NAA would go back to its members and discuss the matter. Ian and Rosemary expressed an appreciation for the reasons behind the proposed rotation and advised that they too would need to consult with the CAA on this matter. They indicated that Canada would be pleased to host the Worlds in 1995 or 1997 subject to further discussion and upon feedback from the NAA as to their members' position regarding 1995.

6. IAA Handbook

Rosemary Helmer proposed that she put together a proposal to produce an IAA Handbook in time for 1993 to be republished thereafter every 2 years in time for the World Championships. The Handbook could be styled similar to the 1990 Canadian Handbook of which 1000 copies were produced. She gave copies to David Innes and Ken Ayrton for their review and promised to send copies to others present at the meeting. The Handbook she proposed would be financed by each Association paying pro-rata for the number of books ordered by their Association. Rosemary proposed to co-ordinate the solicitation of advertising from the different countries with Ken Ayrton's help for England and Daphne's help from the United States. She pointed out that this approach would draw the members of the various countries closer together by making them aware of each others existence and boat ownership. As well the production of an IAA Handbook. would reduce the duplication of cost of each member Association producing their own Handbook. It was agreed that an IAA Handbook was a worthwhile idea and that Rosemary is to produce a budget for the IAA member's consideration and approval.

7. IAA Levy of Fees to Member Associations

In the absence of an up-to-date Treasurer's report Ian Rogers was asked to get in touch with Dennis Sherwood to determine the exact amount on deposit.

David Innes noted that in past years it had been an IAA practice to levy a small per capita contribution from each of its member Associations in order to run the affairs of the IAA. He said that Dennis Sherwood had advised David that the NAA had not paid its contribution since 1985. David expressed the point of view that at this stage there would be a resistance to a back levy to make up these monies and that it might be better to agree upon a new levy and have all IAA member countries begin paying the new levy in 1992. No decision was reached on this matter. It was agreed that we should first find out the IAA's financial status and determine the need for monies thereafter. Ian Rogers agreed to follow-up with Dennis.

Ian Rogers was asked if he would be willing to take over the role of Treasurer after discussion with Dennis. Ian indicated he would after discussion with Dennis.

Discussion of the present status of membership by national associations yielded estimates of 350 members in UK, 150 members in Canada and 60 in the US. (The composition of these numbers needs to be clarified as to Full Members (boat owners), Associates and Honorary Members.)

8. Provisional Membership Ireland

Ken Ayrton checked the IAA Bylaws (1975 version) and advised that there was a clause for Provisional Membership for countries having less than 50 boats. Hence, it was unanimously agreed that Ireland should be asked to become a Provisional Member of the IAA. Ed Cole was asked if he would represent Ireland, he agreed and he was at this point asked to join the meeting.

Ed Cole was asked if Ireland would be prepared to host a 1995 Worlds in the event that the UK clubs felt they could not do so? Ed said he felt Royal Cork Yacht Club would be prepared to host a World's regatta and that he would discuss this further upon his return to Ireland. It was generally agreed that Ireland would make a good site for a World's event and that the IAA would see this as a valuable means of further expanding and strengthening the Albacore fleet in Ireland. However, reservations were expressed by Peter Pontes as to the cost of getting to Ireland from Britain and that these costs might serve as a deterrent to UK members travelling to Ireland. He worried that the turnout might not be as high as we might think. Ken Ayrton expressed the view that these costs should be investigated and that it might be possible to negotiate a group rate on the ferries and that this would reduce the individual's cost of travelling to Ireland. All agreed to investigate further.

9. Nominations for IAA Executive

After discussion the following slate of IAA officers were asked and agreed to serve for the period 1991-93.

Past President David Innes, Scotland

President Daphne Byron, United States

Treasurer Ian Rogers, Canada

Secretary David Wallerstein, United States

Chief of Specifications Ken Ayrton, England

Vice -Presidents/Councillors Peter Fontes, England

Barney Harris, United States

Rosemary Helmer, Canada

Ed Cole, Ireland

10. Scotland Thanked

Peter Fontes asked that the minutes show a unanimous vote of thanks to David and Anna Innes for running a very successful World Championship and that all the Scottish members be thanked for their service and hospitality.

11. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rosemary Helmer
Acting Secretary for DavId Wallerstein

Note: These minutes were compiled from notes made by David Innes and
Rosemary Helmer at the IAA Meeting.

Updated 27 May 2002.