Board of Directors Minutes
March 12, 2004
Spring Meeting in Mobile, AL

1. President Janet Baxter called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m., Central Standard Time.

2. A video on grass roots sailing, featuring the young sailors at the Mayfield, N.J. Yacht Club, was introduced by Vice President Joni Palmer. US SAILING Director Norton Brooker welcomed the mid-year meeting of US SAILING to Mobile.

3. Directors present were: Janet Baxter, Betsy Beddow, Faye Bennet, Stan Betts, Jerelyn Biehl, Dean Brenner, Mitch Brindley, Norton Brooker, Larry Bulman, Jim Capron, Clark Chapin, Ruth Creighton, Dan Doyle, Peter Durant, Don Durant, Bruce Eissner, Susan Epstein, Art Fox, Fred Hagedorn, Dick Hanneman, Tom Hubbell, Charles Ivey, Leslie Keller, Patty Lawrence, Dan Mangus, Joe Melino, Clay Mock, Ken Morrison, Jim Muldoon, Bill Munster, Joni Palmer, Bill Ross, John Rudy, Betty Sue Sherman. Absent were: John Amos, James Appel, Terry Bischoff, Craig Brown, Paul Callahan, Tom Carruthers, Means Davis, Louise Gleason, Joey Harris, Mark Herrmann, Hart Kelley, Gene McCarthy, Greg Norwine, Martha Parker, Mark Reynolds, Bill Stump, and Adam Werblow.

4. A moment of silence was observed for those sailors who have died since our last meeting.

5. First time attendees were invited by President Baxter to introduce themselves and were welcomed to the meeting.

6. In her opening remarks, President Baxter emphasized the Ambassador’s Program as a way to involve our active members at sailing events where they can promote US SAILING and represent its interests. She noted that US SAILING has nominated past President Dave Irish as Vice President of ISAF. Charlie Cook and one additional member will be named to the ISAF Council.

7. Members were reminded to register for Saturday’s special US SAILING meeting to discuss proposed ByLaw changes.

8. US SAILING Olympic Committee Chair Fred Hagedorn announced the team members for the 2004 Olympic Teams and that the selection process for the Star Class will be next week. The USSF, the New York Sailing Foundation, the New York Yacht Club and others will host a special Olympic team fundraiser in New York on May 18 to support the Olympic Team and the Paralympic Team.

9. Executive Director Nick Craw reported that the 4th issue of US SAILING is in distribution and that the publication was one factor in improving member retention rates. He also noted that more than $350,000 had been raised for our Olympic athletes. US SAILING has taken responsibility for Safety at Sea Seminars. He noted that preliminary numbers indicate a small surplus for the past year. Three new staff members were introduced and their predecessors recognized. Mary Weaver has replaced Nel Roberts in Membership; Liz Walker has replaced Lindy Christofersen as Championship Coordinator and Darrel Lievense has replaced Ken Signorello of Harbor Watch as Web Master.

10. Treasurer Leslie Keller reported that all new software installation would be completed by month’s end. She pointed out that one in ninety US SAILING members were actively involved as race officers, judges and council or committee members. She also noted that while budgets have increased at an 8% rate over the past decade, membership has grown at a 3 per cent rate.

11. Bylaws Chair Ted Everingham described Bylaws and Regulation changed to be voted on at the Special Meeting on Saturday. A motion to initiate the changes was made, seconded and carried.

12. Offshore Chair Bruce Eissner discussed the question as to whether US SAILING should be involved in issuing certificates under the new IRC rule. He will be meeting with various groups over the next two days. The Executive Committee decision will be made on Sunday.

13. Vice President Tom Hubbell introduced Structure Task Force members, Chip Johns, Dave Rosekrans, Don Durant, and Bill Martin. The Task Force is gathering information and ideas as to how the organizational structure can be streamlined. The discussions will be brought to committee and council sessions this weekend.

14. Steve Prime of Gowrie, Bardens and Brett, insurance agents, discussed the new insurance programs for One Design fleets. Forty one design classes are now enrolled in the program, which offers a 10% discount to US SAILING members. A new boat-financing program is being introduced with the Agency and Customer One Bank that offers boat financing to US SAILING members with no additional fees.

15. Jack Gierhart and Doug Metchick presented the new Authorized Collection of US SAILING clothing and accessories.

16. President Baxter presented Joni Palmer with a special award for the work in developing and heading the US SAILING Symposium Program from its inception

17. Past President Dave Rosekrans discussed the need to adopt formal guidelines describing athlete’s rights to compete. Materials will be distributed and the matter will be on the agenda at the October US SAILING meeting.

18. Katie Richardson, Olympic Program Manager, was presented with the 2003 C.R.E.W. award for demonstrating the values promoted in the C.R.E.W. agreement. The award was presented by past C.R.E.W. winners Darlene Hobock and Clark Chapin.

19. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 a.m. C.S.T. Next Meeting, March 14, 8:00 a.m.


Respectfully Submitted,
Dick Hanneman, Secretary