Aloha Class AGM

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ALOHA CLASS COMMITTEE

HELD AT THE BULGARIAN NATIONAL SPORTS ACADAMY, NESSEBAR, BULGARIA

TUESDAY 3^RD AUGUST 2004

PRESENT:            

Marc Cardon                    (Chairman)

Ezio Ferrin                        (Committee)

Kamen Fillyov                  (Bulgarian Sailing Fed. President)            

IN ATTENDANCE:                                

Paolo Ghione                    (ITA National Coach)

Helen Cartwright              (GBR National Coach)

Yan Bouverne                   (FRA National Coach)

Yair  Zuari                          (ISR National Coach)

Netta Levin                        (Israel Coach)

Valerio Linares                 (Italian Coach)

Aaron Botzer                      (International Jury)

ISAF Measurer                  (ISAF)

Oli Woodcock                    (GBR Coach)

Phil Scales                        (GBR Parent)

Paul Higham                     (GBR Parent)

APOLOGIES:

Guy Chilvers                      (Bic Sport)

1.       Minutes from the Last Meeting and matters arising

The Chairman reported that there were no minutes as the last AGM did not take place.

Marc Cardon stated that times had been difficult for the class over the last three years.  He said that there was no under 15 Aloha class at the 2003 World Championships in Mexico, only an under 15 section in the MJOD class. He mentioned that he had tried to organise a continental event in Poland in 2003 but this did not happen.  BIC were not producing the Aloha due to a lack of sales.

At a meeting in January held in London, it had been decided to promote the Aloha World Championships in 2004, however there were not many people sailing Aloha in Bulgaria.   It was agreed that we would need to decide what to do with the class and whether or not we would need to choose a new board.                                       

             Action: None

2.         Chairmans Report

    See above

 3.        Financial Statement

 MC informed everyone that the financial reports could be found on the IWA website.

4 & 5. Proposals and Class Rule changes

Ezio Ferrin (ITA) gave an overview of Proposal 1 (see attached) as well as the request from the IWA for a suitable Junior Board.

EF explained the process behind the equipment trials and what the testing had encompassed. He discussed the coaches meeting and explained what views had been expressed at the meeting.

He went on to thank the coaches for attending and ensuring that the views of as many countries as possible had been represented.

Ezio provided clarification regarding the trials process and the equipment used and facts relating to the subjects who participated.  He explained that whilst three manufacturers had expressed an interest in supplying equipment to be trialled, only two of these actually organised for boards to be delivered to the testing site.

EF went over the requirements of the board and emphasized that it was important to not just look at the racing aspect of the board but to also consider the following:

§   School use

§   Kids Racing (under12)

§   Racing (under 15)

§   Performance

§   Parental use

§   Light Wind Performance

* For more information on the above see the Aloha Class trials report document.

EF said that he had all of the results from the testing and explained how they had been arrived at.

He also gave an overview of the results received.

Ezio reported that at the coaches meeting it had been agreed that the new, less than 15 board could become the BIC 293D. He reminded those present that it was important to see the decision as an international one and not to just read the French trails report and take the conclusions from that.

He mentioned that keeping the old Aloha rig for the next two years had been one of the suggestions.  This rig was a known quantity in light winds and was a safe option.

He confirmed that the BIC board would fulfil the criteria for under 15 racing and informed everyone that BIC had confirmed production of the old rig for 2 years.  He said that the whole package could be purchased for €1100.00 and that the resale value would be good.

MC reminded the group that TIGA used to promote the Aloha board and this had helped the resale value.

EF said that the board was very sensitive to wind shifts and was very easy to tack, therefore it could make the class more tactical to race.  He also said that the HIFLY board was too orientated towards the beginner market.

A solution, mentioned by Ezio, would be for BIC to supply the board with 2 fins and maintain control of the price.  An agreement could be reached to produce the old sail with a fibreglass mast with any non carbon boom.  BIC would produce the full rig as a complete package.

The ISAF Measurer questioned whether the board had been tested against the Aloha board.  Ezio responded that this had been done but that it was not relevant at this stage.  The ISAF Measurer stated that if the board was slower it could potentially be more tactical to race.

Yair (Israeli Coach) asked whether BIC had been able to guarantee continuing with production for a significant length of time.  EF said that this would need to be clarified but he could not foresee any problems with this.

MC informed everyone that BIC had been producing this board for four years and that after the testing was completed, there would be an opportunity to, if relevant, suggest potential changes.  He also said that BIC could easily produce the board in minimum numbers.

Ezio added that the BIC board had proved to be durable during the testing stage, which was an essential requirement.  Helen Cartwright asked where the trials report would be published and Ezio confirmed that it would be available via the website.

6.       Voting

         MC confirmed that 10 votes had been registered, and the meeting had a quorum :

          National Association delegates

          ITA

          FRA

          ISR

          BUL

          GBR

          ESP

          Committee votes:

                       Marc Cardon

          Ceri Williams (by email)

          Dave Sibley (by email)

          Ezio Ferrin

    Proposal 1   10 votes Yes = approved

Proposal 1a   10 votes Yes = approved

NB: The decision of the AGM is dependent upon a satisfactory contract being reached with BIC on production for a minimum of four years and supporting European and World Competition

Proposal 1b   10 Votes Yes = approved

Proposal 1c    10 Votes Yes = approved

Proposal 1d    Not applicable

Proposal 2.1    10 votes Yes = approved

Proposal 2.2   Not applicable

Proposal 2.3    Not Applicable

a,b,c,d

Proposal 3 10 votes Yes = approved

Proposal 3a   MC questioned how we could vote on this because we do not know and EF stated

that a vote could take place as a decision had already been made

8 votes Yes = approved

2 votes abstained

Proposal 4, 4a   Not applicable

NB: Aaron Botzer took over the vote for Bulgaria as the Bulgarian delegate was called away from the meeting.  The Chairman agreed with the change of representation.

Proposal 5 2 votes no

1 vote abstain

7 votes yes = approved

Proposal 6 8 votes yes = approved

2 votes abstain

Proposal 7a   10 votes yes = approved

Proposal 7b   10 votes yes = approved

Proposal 7c   10 votes yes = approved

Proposal 7d A fairly lengthy discussion took place regarding the voting situation as MC had stated that it was not correct that 100% of the committee should stand down and due to the fact that  50% of the committee had stood down voluntarily, there was no further requirement for others to stand down and he himself had no intention of resigning.

Paolo Ghione (ITA) felt that MC was not working for the best interest of the class as a whole and this could only have a negative effect.  Valerio Linares (ITA) expressed similar views to Paolo.

HC felt that as the Chairman had not called an AGM in 2003 that he had failed to act in accordance with the Aloha Class Constitution.

MC explained to the group that he has always tried to work in the best interests of the Aloha Class and that he had not participated in email discussions given that this is not his preferred method of communication.

Aaron Botzer pointed out that the situation could change in the near future as the committee would need to elect a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

EF explained that a vote must be carried out for the three additional members of the committee: Helen Cartwright, Marco Rossi and Deborah Powell.

10 votes Yes = approved all three

Proposal 8a   2 votes abstained

7 votes no = not approved

Proposal 8b   2 votes abstain

7 votes no = not approved

Proposal 8c   9 votes yes = approved

1 vote abstain

Proposal 9    2 votes abstain

8 votes yes = approved

MC suggested that the new Chairman should be decided by the committee as soon as possible via  email.

Phil Scales (GBR) recommended that in Proposal 6 the word 'manufacturer' should be added to the statement 'equipment provided free of charge'.

All agreed = approved

It was suggested that we 'invite' the manufacture representative to the AGM.

All agreed = approved.

Helen Cartwright

3/08/04

PROPOSALS  FOR THE 2004 AGM of the ALOHA CLASS

NOTE - ITEMS 1 to 6  correspond to agenda items 4/5

Proposal Number	Proposal	Proposed by *	Vote
1	That the class AGM approve the submission to the ISAF Council, November 2004 - "Adoption of new equipment and a new name for the Aloha Class."	CW	YES  10 - approved
	If  the above proposal is not approved :	CW
1 (a)	New one design equipment is adopted :	CW	YES  10 - approved
1 (b)	The Aloha (or new) Class complies with the ISAF Standard Class Rule format and the ERS :	CW	YES 10 - approved
1 (c)	The Class shall be known as the "Under 15 Windsurfing Class" :	CW	YES  10 - approved
1 (d)	We lost many competitors since the change of our class rules in 2002 in Scotland, I suggest to restore the age categories, as before and to abolish of our texts the mention of "class for under 15 years".	MC	not applicable
2.1	That the Class adopt as a new piece of equipment that which is recommended by the Evaluation Team (ET) appointed for the forthcoming Junior Trials in Bulgaria.	CW	YES  10 -  approved
2.2	If no definitive recommendation is made by the ET , the AGM approve the BIC 293D as the new piece of equipment for the "U15 Windsurfing Class."	CW	not applicable
2.3	IWA organizes trials to replace Aloha than Bic its builder has stopped to manufacture. We do not know either development of these trials, nor their seriousness, nor their impartiality or their partiality, or those of the testers, nor weather situation, nor those of the lake.  We shall have the result of these trials just before our AGM. Is not it to rush in the unknown that to decide a major change in these conditions? Shall we seriously be able to engage the future of the class and the young people who trust us, in these conditions?   Why could not we look at the French tests and the decisions of the Authority which created the class, who is due, still today, to represent more than half of the world fleet and who has still bought, alone, these past 3 years, 60% of the produced Aloha?   We cannot, at the moment, propose to the AGM, class rules to be voted because they will follow from the AGM choices and decisions. Either dice are loaded or some already know the trials results.   Therefore, I suggest	MC
2.3 (a)	continuing one year with (material) current rules and than during this time the committee works to analyze the results of IWA trials as well as those of the countries having organizing some.	MC	Not applicable
2.3 (b)	And, that committee proposes in a reasonable delay one or several evolution choices. We could organize an extra GM, even by phone or mail and why not, to organize from next year one even some demonstrations events.	MC	Not applicable
2.3 (c)	We could organize an extra GM, even by phone or mail and	MC	Not applicable
2.4 (d)	why not, to organize from next year one even some demonstrations events.	MC	Not applicable
3	That the Class approve the revised Class Rules, as presented, in the new ISAF Standard Class Rule (SCR) format.	CW	YES  10 - approved
3 (a)	The Class approve amendments to the SCR, new format, in accordance with the other decisions of the AGM .	CW	YES   8 - approved          (2 abstain)
4	The Class shall be renamed : the "Under 15 Windsurfing Class"	CW	Not applicable - approved 1c
4 (a)	The Class retains the name of the "ALOHA Class".	CW	Not applicable
5	If a new piece of equipment is selected, it should be approved for a period of 4 years; and in 2007 a new trial should take place to re evaluate the existing equipment and test new equipment.	CW	YES  7 - approved             ( 2 no , 1 abstain )
6	Class equipment shall be made available FOC at the 2005 World Championships.	CW	YES  8 - approved           ( 2 abstain )
7	Clarification of Constitution 7.6
7 (a)	Our class rules have to be in agreement with the ISAF one. If it is not contradictory, I propose that we add, this, to our rules, about proxy (7.6):   Only class committee members or the authorities having designed their delegate can benefit from this system of representation. It seems neither reasonable, nor logical that a person having been appointed as delegate by an authority can herself gives a proxy. It is only the authority that can do that and in right form: in writing and 14 days before.	MC	YES  10 - approved
7 (b)	Only class committee members or appointed delegates can receive proxy. It does not seem logical that an  "outsider"  can vote and interfere in the life of the class. It does not exist in any system. Everywhere, it is necessary to be a voter to receive a proxy.	MC	YES  10 -  approved
7 (c)	change of Point 7.6 Aloha Class Constitution as following: Each delegate or Committee member has one vote, but may represent no more than two other member associations or Committee members from whom he or she had received a proxy vote mandate. These proxy mandates shall be in writing and declared not less than 14 days before the relevant meeting. Alternatively, member associations or Committee members may put in their vote by password protected e-mail. Postal votes must be emailed to the Aloha Class Committee at least 24 hours before the date and time of the General Assembly as posted on the official class web site.	MR	YES  10 - approved
7 (d)	As no elections were held in 2003, it is proposed that all Committee members stand down and if willing offer themselves for election.	CW	See minutes
	The following members offer themselves for re –election :
	Marc Cardon (FRA)		Yes
	Ceri Williams (GBR)		Yes
	Deborah Powell (ESP)		Yes
	Marco Rossi (ITA)		Yes
	Helen Cartwright (GBR )		Yes
	Ezio Ferin (ITA)		Yes
	Didier Flamme (FRA)		Yes
8	2005 World Championships :
8 (a)	We know now that championships for very young people on the other end of the world, in countries more or less accessible and\or more or less safe, deprive us of numerous participants. Therefore, I propose that will be the AGM who decides of the venue of our championships, according to the class evolution and to the number of Aloha practicing in chosen world regions.	MC	NO  7 - not approved      ( 2 abstain  )
8 (b)	By organizing our championship at the same time and venue than those of the MJOD class, which, to my knowledge, maintained in these statuses a mini minime category, as well as a minime category, we are directly in competition with it. Would not it be desirable to take our independence again?	MC	NO  7 - not approved       ( 2 abstain )
8 (c)	It is proposed that the 2005 Class World Championships be held  in SOPOT, Poland, during late July or August in the existing framework of longboard junior, youths and masters ie alongside Mistral Junior One Design, IMCO youth and Raceboard Masters.          (Only one application for the Championships 2005 has been received ie Sopot.)	CW	YES  9 - approved           ( 1 abstain )
9	That the class makes a submission to ISAF in November 2005 to become an "International Class".	CW	YES  8 -approved           ( 2 abstain )

*MC = Marc Cardon

CW = Ceri Williams

MR = Marco Rossi

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