Minutes of 2004 ITCA

January 17, 2004 

CYC meeting Room, Leshi Park , Seattle , Washington , USA

 

 

ITCA President, Dale Dunning at 1:06pm , called the meeting to order. Dave Killen was present as ITCA Secretary. Walt Purcell was present as ITCA Treasurer. Wendy Loat was not able to be present as ITCA Vice-President due to scheduling conflicts.

 

Those in attendance were:

           

 

The minutes of the previous year’s AGM were approved.

 

Reports:

 

The following reports were read:

 

Vice President - Vice President’s Report to ITCA

 

It has been 11 months since I offered to serve as Vice President. It seemed to me that re-establishing communication with ITCA members was vital, and that as ITCA membership had fallen severely over the previous year, your new BOG would need to do a lot of damage control in order to win back lost members.

 

The first few months were spent concentrating on the upcoming International Regatta which was held in Seattle . How Dale managed a business, served as ITCA President, webmaster and Regatta Chair of the Internationals for six months is beyond my comprehension, but I believe all of us owe Dale a huge thank you for agreeing to take all of this on. I can assure you that I was astonished that Dale had any enthusiasm whatsoever for ITCA after running the Internationals. I know that after co-chairing this event in 2001 I needed a break from T-Bird organizing, and I suspect this is also what happened when Victoria Fleet members took over the BOG after their Internationals in 1999. Thank you Dale – I know you had hoped accomplish more in your first year, but you have another two years ahead to get through your agenda.

 

We did manage to publish two newsletters, thanks to the hard work and relentless nagging for articles from David Killen. I am sure Dave’s job would have been a whole lot easier if we had submitted our articles on time, but I am equally sure that ITCA members are pleased to receive the newsletters and reports from other T-Bird sailors around the world. We also succeeded in establishing an e-mail list and I hope that I will be able to send out a brief newsletter monthly to keep everyone up to date on what is happening around the T-Bird world. I welcome submissions and write-ups from all fleets. Just send them to me at wendy.loat@utoronto.ca.

 

One of the responsibilities of the VP is sanctioning events. A new regional championship was approved this year to encourage more participation in the east coast of both Canada and the US . The Atlantic District Championships were held for the first time this year in Marblehead Massachusetts in tandem with the Marblehead NOOD regatta. It was a fun event, and two boats from Toronto joined the Boston fleet of 8 boats for three days of sailing and camaraderie. It is hoped that some of the boats in Shediac Bay and PEI may think about making the trip in the future. This turned out to be the largest turnout at an ITCA sanctioned regional event in 2003. Thanks are owed to Fleet 10, who donated the trophy awarded to the champion.

 

The Northeast District Championships were again hosted by Fleet 10 at Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club. Alas, the weather was not overly co-operative and after one day of racing, with three boats tied for first, the wind gods left town and the champion was determined by the rulebook. Too bad. Would have been more fun to settle in it a drinking contest at the bar, but the crew of One Too Many would have won that way hands down. Only 8 boats participated in the Labour Day weekend event.

 

The third sanctioned districts were held also on Labour Day weekend by the Nanaimo Fleet in Maple Bay . A great time was had by all, but only 5 boats competed for the North West Regional Championships. We have already received a request from Fleet 13 to host the NW regionals in 2004 in Everett , Washington , which I expect we will approve at our next meeting. I know that Fleet 10 hopes to host the NE Districts at ABYC again, but on the August 1 long weekend for a change. Of course, officially I haven’t had a request.

 

The big news, however, is that Fleet 5, Boston , has agreed to submit a bid to host the 2005 International Regatta. Anyone who has been at a Worlds or Internationals in the last 15 or 20 years will know Peter Gilson and his wife Carol, who have been huge supporters of the fleet for many years. Peter was rightfully awarded honorary membership in ITCA this year, and has agreed to co-chair the regatta with Sean Kane, who has a brand new mast on Chikanery after dropping his old one overboard in Marblehead . I am confident they will run an outstanding event, and look forward to returning to the Boston area in the summer of 2005 (as opposed to now, sitting in New York where we are locked in wicked cold temperatures. My return flight to Toronto is delayed because the plane is frozen to the runway, I think).

 

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the last 11 months. I am sure Dale has outlined the BOG’s goals for the next year, and I hope that I will again have the honour to serve as your Vice President.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Wendy Loat

Looney Tunes, #394.

 

 

Treasurer – We have cash on hand of $6060.00.

            We sold 5 sets of plans last year.

            The paid up membership for 2003 was 181 including 10 Honorary Life Members.

           

Secretary – There was little to report. A new fleet may be forming at Port Townsend, WA.

 

Measurer – ITCA Measurer's 2004 Report

The year of an International regatta always seems to bring up issues that you thought were obvious, but obviously were not so incline.  As a result, 2003 was a fairly busy year in terms of responding to requests for interpretations and for copies of measurement forms.   All of the correspondence has been by email, including a grandmotherly type who had a new wood bird, Makela Joy, built for her to live aboard!  She learned to use the email to keep up with her kids, as well as getting advice directly about measurement issues.  Ahhh, the new age but my mind still takes time to think things through!

 

One new sail number, 1263, was issued to the aforementioned Makela Joy.  Anne Merrill, who is well aged, plans to live aboard her newly launched Thunderbird.  We hope that the joy in the name comes to fruition.

 

[Secretary’s Note: An additional sail number, 1262, was issued to Guy Toome’s boat on Chesapeake Bay earlier in the year.]

 

The New Year should also see the production of a new hard copy of the Black Book.  Any suggestions for improvements will be welcomed.  Past rule changes that were passed will be incorporated.

 

I appreciated all of the positive comments I’ve received from the various fleets over the years. If members want a specific topic to be addressed please write in; and, we’ll try to write up an overview with contributions from more than one fleet if at all possible.  This will be the year that I hope we address any variances in measurement or what is allowed for local racing with the Australian fleets.

 

Vidas Stukas

Measurer

email:    vstukas@seastarchemicals.com

 

 

Webmaster – Things seem to be going well. The amount of activity varies with the time of year. The site averages about 6100 visits per month with about 75% of the visits coming from repeat visitors.  The sites largest activity was in July during the Internationals.  A closer monitoring of the Forum may be necessary, especially in regard to the discussion around the mast issue.

 

Fleet Reports were received from Fleet #1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 13, and 24. They will appear in the Spring newsletter.

 

Old Business

 

The weight of the mast

The motion was made and seconded to take off the table the motion regarding the reduction of the weight of aluminum masts.

 

The motion was read by the secretary as follows:

 

Motion to Reduce the Weight of the Mast

From 94 lbs. To 80 lbs.

 

This change is proposed in order to reduce or eliminate the necessity of addling lead ballast to aluminum masts, which are now on the great majority of racing Thunderbirds.

 

1. Paragraph 7.2.1. now reads:

Mast weight shall not be less than 94 lbs. (42.7 kg).

 

It is proposed that this paragraph be changed to read:

Mast weight shall not be less than 80 lbs.  (36.29kg).

 

2. Paragraph 7.2.3.c. now reads:

Determine difference between scale reading and required 94 lb. (42.7 kg). If less than 94 lb., add lead weights (1 lb. Fish weights work well) to make up the difference.

           

It is proposed that this paragraph be changed to read:

Determine difference between scale reading and required 80 lb. (36.29 kg). If mast weight is less than 80 lb. (36.29 kg), add lead weights to make up the difference.

 

3. Paragraph 7.2.3.c. now reads:

If mast is in excess of 94 lb., but C. pf G. is too low, remove weight from butt area and/or add to top part of mast.

 

It is proposed that this paragraph be changed to read:

If mast is in excess of 80lb. (36.29kg), but center of gravity is too low, remove weight from butt area and /or add to top part of mast.

 

In the discussion that followed were these issues:

1)      A concern about whether, for safety reasons, the center of gravity’s position ought to be changed if the mast’s weight is reduced.

2)      There needs to be a benchmark established to determine whether 80lbs. is a realistic goal for boats currently using aluminum masts. Such masts ought to be unpainted aluminum, without key tangs (T-Ball fittings). The concern is that 80 lbs. might be an unrealistic goal for most aluminum mast fitted boats.This ought be done at ITCA expense.

3)      Eric Egge’s, Mike Murphy’s, Marvin Lew’s masts were offered as available.

 

The motion to remove the original motion from the table was voted upon and pasted unanimously. The motion will be voted upon at the 2005 Annual General Meeting.

 

The Job Descriptions for the Board of Governors

 

A motion to accept the job descriptions was made and seconded.

 

During the discussion it was noted that the matter of who was to send out plans and literature was left out. It was corrected by amendment so that this was made a duty of the ITCA treasurer.

 

Following is the final draft as amended and unanimously approved.

 

 

 JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR BOARD OF GOVERNORS (BOG) POSITIONS

 

January 17, 2004

 

President

• Formulate general policy with input form other officers

• Oversee the smooth functioning of the International

• Set agenda for meetings

• Conduct BOG meetings

• Answer non-routine correspondence

• Appoint nominating committees to find BOG candidates

• Write, at a minimum, a “From The Helm” for each newsletter

 

Vice-President

·         Liaison with fleets and ITCA members

• Liaison for sanctioning of special events, including International, National, and District/Regional championships

• Periodic production, in cooperation with the ITCA treasurer, of Members’ Directory  including at least a roster of members and yachts

• Special Projects

• Act as President during his or her absence

• Contribute at least one article for each newsletter

• Attend all BOG and AGM meetings, either in person or by phone

 

Secretary

• Answer routine correspondence

• Forward all measurement inquires to the chairman of the measurement committee with a copy to the president

• Forward non-routine correspondence to the president, or consult with the president

• Keep a record of types of inquiries received and answered

• Maintain P.O. Box

• Prepare minutes of BOG and AGM and circulate to BOG members within one month of meeting

• Cause 2-3 newsletters to be prepared each year

• Oversee the maintenance and use of the web site

• Attend all BOG and AGM meetings, either in person or by phone

 

Treasurer

• Prepare budgets and Financial Statements for AGM

• Maintain bank account

• Pay Bills

• Issue boat numbers

• Keep track of revenue and expenses and report status at BOG meetings and AGM’s

• Monitor dues status of fleets and members and coordinate appropriate correspondence with the secretary to encourage renewal of membership

• Maintain computerized database

• Prepare rosters from database for inclusion in the Members’ Directory

• Attend all BOG and AGM meetings, either in person or by phone

2005 Internationals

 

Dale Dunning read the proposal from Fleet #5 to sponsor the 2005 Internationals in Boston , MA , USA . It had been forwarded by Vice-President Wendy Loat with her endorsement.

 

The proposal is as follows:

 

PROPOSAL TO HOST THE 2005 THUNDERBIRD INTERNATIONALS

 

SPONSORSHIP

 

Mass Bay Fleet #5 proposes to sponsor the 2005 Thunderbird Internationals in Boston , Ma. , USA in July of 2005.

 

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

 

The regatta will be co-sponsored by the Savin Hill Y.C. and the South Boston Y.C. Both clubs are located in Dorchester Bay , within Boston Harbor . Additionally, the Boston Harbor and Squantum Yacht Clubs have offered their assistance in providing trailer storage, boat launching and racing equipment.

The Boston Harbor Y.C. is adjacent to the South Boston Y.C., while the Squantum Y.C. is located on Quincy Bay , approximately 2.5 nm from the other clubs.

All four clubs boast active Thunderbird sailors. Additionally, a number of our Fleet #5 members are members of the board at these clubs, to include: Peter Gilson (#878) immediate past Commodore and life member of the South Boston Y.C., Ken MacLeod (#777) Vice-Commodore of the Squantum Y.C., Sean Kane (#154) secretary of Savin Hill Y.C., Don Kavanagh (#1234) trustee of Savin Hill Y.C., and Steve Kavanagh (#996) race committee chairperson of Savin Hill Y.C.

Each of these clubs run numerous races, both one design and PHRF, each year. The South Boston Y.C. hosted the International 210 Class National Championship regatta in 2001. Twenty four boats from Massachusetts , Wisconsin , and New York competed in week long series which mirrors the proposed Thunderbird 2005 regatta.

The Squantum Y.C. hosts the Lipton Cup Regatta each year for both one design and PHRF boats, and runs a major segment of the annual Quincy Bay Race Week regatta.

 

DATES/SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

The 2005 Thunderbird Internationals will be held on July 24-29, 2005 . The preliminary schedule of events is:

 

July 21-23     Weighing, Measuring and launching boats

 

Visiting boats will be launched at the South Boston Y.C. Trailers will be stored at the Savin Hill and Boston Harbor Y.C.'s. Visiting boats are welcome to arrive early. Boats will be assigned moorings at the Savin Hill Y.C. Launch service will be provided between the club and moorings.

 

July 22-24     Sail Measuring

 

July 24          Skippers Meeting & Practice Race

 

July 25-29     Racing

 

July 29         Awards Banquet

 

 

VENUE

 

The races will be held in Quincy Bay which is approximately 2.5 nm from the host yacht clubs. This is the area where both the Lipton Cup and Quincy Bay Race Week regattas are held each year. It is centrally located within the confines of " Boston Harbor " and is well separated from commercial shipping lanes and marina powerboat traffic.

 

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

 

Chart (US) # 13279 Boston Harbor shows Quincy Bay , Boston Harbor and its approaches.

 

Boston Harbor Tidal Current Charts shows the speed and direction of currents at locations throughout the harbor coinciding with time of tides. Boston experiences an average tidal range of 9.5 ft. which is an important consideration during regattas. Anticipated currents in Quincy Bay during the 2005 regatta are in the range of 0.3-0.6 kts.

 

Both documents are available through marine stores such as West, etc.

 

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

 

Fleet #5 has established the following organizing committee:

 

Chair                                                                  Peter Gilson and Sean Kane

Registration and Housing                                  Paul Rosell and Carol Gilson

Treasurer                                                           Don Kavanagh

Social Events                                                     Dianne Kane and Steve Kavanagh

Measurement                                                     Peter Gilson and Dennis Bell

Programs                                                            Steve Kavanagh and Geoff Youngman

Awards                                                               Don Kavanagh, Jonathan Lee and Chris Canavan

Fund Raising                                                     Jonathan Lee, Geoff Youngman and Carol       Gilson

Box Lunches                                                      Reed Cournoyer

Loaner Boats                                                     Jonathan Lee

Moorage                                                             Don Kavanagh

Yacht Club Liason                                             Peter Gilson and Sean Kane

Webmaster                                                        Geoff Youngman

Photography                                                       Anna Antic

U.S. Coast Guard Liaison                                  Peter Gilson and Sean Kane

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

Peter Gilson

137 Harvard St .,

Newtonville, Ma.  02460  USA

617-244-1540

e-mail: petegilson@aol.com

 

Sean Kane

7 Bloomington St .,

Dorchester , Ma.  02122     USA

617-335-3580

e-mail: tbrd154@comcast.net

 

Donald Kavanagh

21 Shellton Rd. ,

Quincy, Ma.  02169  USA

617-479-2727

e-mail: drkavanagh@attbi.com

 

Steve Kavanagh

7 Putnam St .,

Charlestown , Ma.  02129  USA

617-242-2064

e-mail: djstevek@aol.com