Informal Thoughts from Mandurah
17 January 2012
Regatta.
The Fireball Worlds in Mandurah
were a wonderful event with winds ranging from 12 - 25 knots in a
variety of
sea conditions. All races were
sailed to the scheduled programme and the conditions provided
enough shifts to
make the racing tactically
challenging.
The Australian Fireball Class
Association did a wonderful job in setting up the regatta and put
on a great show.
The hospitality of the Club and
its members was very much appreciated. The prize-giving dinner was
attended
by over 400
people!
Council Meeting.
The Council Meeting was
productive and by having the Executive Reports presented at the
Open Forum, the Council created more time to discuss the issues
that are most pertinent to the Class at it celebrates its
50th
birthday. The Council Meeting
was held after racing which made for a more relaxed environment
and
facilitated those who stayed on
afterwards for dinner at the Club.
The Council quickly confirmed
the appointment of Cormac Bradley as the new FI Communications
Officer.
Cormac is the Immediate Past
Chairman of the Irish Association.
Future Regattas.
The Council endorsed a proposal to adopt a five-point
strategy to assess future Worlds (and Europeans!)
venues;
1.
Places where people really want to
go to.
2.
Rewards for NCAs who have supported
other international events.
3.
Opportunities for fleet
building.
4.
Geographic rotation.
5.
Financial impact.
The belief is that by adhering
to these criteria, we will be better able to evaluate potential
venues.
The 2013 Worlds have been
allocated to Slovenia and Andrew Davies (Secretary) was able to
report that negotiations with Mauritius for 2014 are well advanced.
To date, three applications have been received to host the 2015
regatta.
The 2012 Europeans, scheduled
for Bracciano, Italy, (21 - 27th July) are generating a
lot of interest.
Financial.
Penny Gibbs has done sterling
work (deliberate pun!) in bring the financial reporting to date.
The financial statements for 2010 have been completed and the
statements for 2011 are expected shortly. Additionally, Penny has
prepared an operating budget for 2012.
A more formalized report will
be posted separately.
