US SAILING

Inshore Committee Past Meeting Minutes (10/19/2002)

US SAILING Inshore Committee
 19-Oct-02
Marina Beach Marriott Hotel, Marina del Rey, CA

Minutes
  1. Call to Order and Introductions – Tom Hubbell
    2.

    The US SAILING Inshore Committee met on Saturday 19-Oct-02 in the Marina Beach Marriott Hotel in Marina del Rey, CA. Chair Tom Hubbell presided and Secretary Clark Chapin was present also. Tom Hubbell called the meeting to order at 11:40 AM. The following members were present:

    X

    Chair Tom Hubbell

    X

    Clark Chapin

    		  

    Kim Hapgood

    X

    James Schoonmaker
     

    James Appel

    		  

    Brad Dellenbaugh

    X

    Patty Lawrence

    		  

    Mike Segerblom

    X

    Ted Beier

    X

    Hugh Elliot

    X

    Bill Munster

    		  

    Dick Tillman
     

    Jerelyn Biehl

    X

    Sue Epstein

    		  

    Bill Ross

    		  

    Larry White
     

    John Burnham

    		  

    Greg Fisher

    		  

    Deb Schaefer

    X

    Lee Parks,
    Inshore Director

    X: Present

    Observers included Bill Stump and Betsy Beddow.

  2. March 2002 Minutes – Clark Chapin
    3.

    The minutes of the March 2002 meeting were approved as posted on the Committee’s web page.

  3. Reports of Officers and Staff
    1. Chair – Tom Hubbell
      2.

      Tom Hubbell discussed various issues.

      1. Newsletter

      The newsletter is an important tool and eight pages is a minimal size. Content will be staff and volunteer generated. Hugh Elliot said that the development of the newsletter would probably be in increased length before increased frequency.

    2. Secretary/Web Liaison – Clark Chapin
      3.

      Clark Chapin discussed his ideas for improving the web site, including a questionnaire to gather sailor’s experiences with the new starting system contained in Rule 26. See Attachment 1. His goal is to have the site be a "Website of the Month" sometime in the next year. Hugh Elliott suggested, "What do you get out of racing?" as a topic. Ted Beier suggested that some of the topics that the Rules Committee is discussing would be good topics. Patty Lawrence suggested asking people to give us their ideas and successes in growing participation. Sue Epstein suggested, "How do we induce crews back from the PHRF boats?"

    3. Inshore Director – Lee Parks

    Lee reported on activities in Portsmouth. The prospect of moving to new, more professional quarters has had a positive effect on morale. The changes in the last year have had positive effects.

    In response to a question, Lee said that the differential entry fee is not likely to be eliminated.

  4. Issues
    1. ISAF Issues
      2.

      Ding Schoonmaker discussed the issues raised by ISAF, including registration of ISAF sailors, requirements for ISAF Judges age limits on world championships, and imposition of ISAF requirements on one-design classes. The Committee supported the following ODCC resolution to be presented to the Board of Directors on Sunday 20-Oct.:

      US SAILING is opposed to ISAF rules or regulations that disenfranchise class organizations and their members. ISAF Classes should retain their autonomy and class management, including their class rules and the rule amendment procedures.

      The Committee supported the following ODCC resolution to be presented to the Board of Directors on Sunday 20-Oct.:

      US SAILING opposes any move by ISAF to place any additional age limits on participation in World Championship events.

      Ding raised the general question as to whether Olympic classes should be selected from existing classes

    2. Rules Issues
      3.
      1. Protests by Race Committees

      The Committee decided that discussion on whether race committee personnel should protest incidents should be promoted among inshore sailors and one-design classes and the results gathered by the Committee.

    3. Safety and Seamanship Initiative
      4.

      Tom described his work on the Safety and Seamanship Initiative. The Safety-at-Sea Committee will probably be re-constituted with more inshore participation as well as members from the new Cruising Council and in collaboration with the Training Committee. The Committee will probably report to new VP Bill Munster.

      The development of content to appeal to inshore sailors is a pressing issue. Tom suggested that a presentation or video that is entertaining and even humorous would generate interest. Hugh Elliot suggested seminar materials for mid-winter meetings in areas where the weather precludes year-round racing. In the general area, Tom suggested that specific materials are needed for Offshore, Keelboat, and Inshore areas.

      The Committee endorsed the report of the Safety Task Force as presented at Thursday’s Board Meeting.

    4. ODCC Marketing and Promotion Conclusions

Patty Lawrence discussed the ODCC’s forum on this topic. The conclusions were:

  • Growth is really driven from the bottom up.
  • Growth tactics must be tailored to the individual class
  • Strict one-design rules are important.
  • Family involvement is also important.
  • Involve the builder, if you have one.
    1. Sailing Ethics/Sportsmanship Video

Tom has a simple video that turned out surprisingly well. Right now, the project is in need of a sponsor, because the previous candidate is on hold. Margie Brown suggested that Leslie Demuse, and Emmy-winning director and producer be approached to produce the video.

A re-printed sportsmanship poster is also going to be mailed to several of the member organizations.

  1. Other Issues
    1. Access to Marine Facilities

    Hugh Elliot noted that on September 3, the Federal Register published Final Regulations concerning handicap access to recreational facilities, including marine facilities. This will have an impact on almost all types of sailing facilities.

  2. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 PM. The next meeting of the Committee will be on Saturday March 15, 2003 in Cincinnati, OH.

Clark Chapin

Secretary