Grafham Water Sailing Club

The Asymmetric fleet is very active.  The asymmetric fleet races as start 5 of the Sunday club racing. The morning race starts at 11.12 the second race at 13.42. From April to the end of September a third race is held back to back with the second race. Racing is on an average lap time handicap basis with an upwind gate. From April to the end of September the morning race is sailed “around the cans” usually a triangular or trapezoid type course. The afternoon races are both sailed as windward-leeward. From October until the end of March both the morning and afternoon races are sailed as windward-leeward. The largest class in the fleet is the Laser 2000.

Note of GWSC Asymmetric Fleet AGM February 21 2010

Present

Ian Paterson, David Marchant, Alyane Seymour, Fran Howell, John Reynolds, Paul Burns, Phil Laycock, Carol Paterson.

 1 Apologies

Alan Cook, William James, Tom Smith. Charlie Stowe, Sam Neal, Andy Baldwin

 2 Minutes 8^th Feb 2009 & Matters arising.

Minutes noted and matters arising on Agenda.

 3 Captains report to be appended to note of meeting – matters arising on the agenda.

 4 Presentation

Fran Howell was presented with a sailing trophy as a token of recognition and thanks from Fleet Captains past and present for her efforts over many years as the Fleet Organiser of the fleet race duty volunteers rota. This role has now been taken over by the Club’s Secretary for all fleets.

 5 Elections of Officers

 Fleet Captain Ian Paterson Proposed Alayne Seymour, Seconded John Reynolds.

Fleet Treasurer Nominations have been sought as Charlie Stowe will be leaving the club at the end of this year, but none has been received.  Potential candidates will be approached and volunteers sought until this post is filled.

 6 Fleet Finances

Opening balance, £318.92, closing balance £559.92 (see Treasure’s balance sheet, appended). The club has now paid the fleet dues for 2 years resulting in the increased income. Consequently we can look to offer to contribute a subsidy towards Fleet training events for L2000’s and RS400’s later in the year (see below).

It was agreed that the fleet could also pay for repairs to the club RS400 trial boat’s genniker which is ripped and the mainsail bolt rope (provided estimates for the latter were reasonable.)

7 Any Other Business

 Future of the Asymmetric Slalom event

The continued poor attendance at the Slalom and the need to comply with the Club’s Open Meeting policy and calendar, and drain on Rescue resources, has meant that we have had to discontinue this event. Following discussion it was agreed that the fleet have its own Fleet regatta weekend, with racing over 2 days. A date was to be agreed with the office and organised and publicised by Fleet Captain. (Agreed currently for weekend of 4/5 September).

 Training

Dates have been set for L4000’s (21 March organiser Fran Howell) RS400 (25/26 June organiser Andy Baldock), and  L2000’s (April organiser James McGregor).

DoE format

There was a short discussion of the DOE format at the request of Sailing Committee. Generally it was felt that there still needed to be some attention to the courses set to ensure good racing through proper length beats and runs.

 Experimental SI’s trial

There was a brief summary of the current experimental SI’s and description of the options for continued improvements to improve tactical options on the race course. It was agreed that a date should be set for a Fleet meeting to discuss the options for feedback to the next Sailing Committee on 11 April. Date proposed 4th April to be organised by Fleet Captain.

 There being no further business the meeting closed at 12.50

 Appended Papers:

 Treasurer’s report

 Captains Report for 2009-10

 Fleet numbers 219 at start of year a slight increase, Racing turnout analysis by P Saxton showed overall numbers were steady compared to last year, c370.

 Slalom organised weekend event for 14/15 Nov, with dinner dance for Saturday evening. Date set by club water availability around Opens (now contrary to Club Open policy of 50 plus boats) and SC expressed concerns re Rescue driver demands during principle open season period.

 Lack of numbers (4 bookings) by week before meant cancelling of supper and band – no deposit lost as a result. Poor forecast and Saturday blown off but only 15 sailed on Sunday including 4 visitors in perfect condition (sun & F4) with a GWSC winner for once.

 Sailing Committee Summary 09-10

• SC implemented decisions in 2008 to recognise L2000 as a fleet and as one GWSC recognised classes, together with RS400. James McGregor and Andy Baldock appointed as class reps and invited to SC. Thanks from Fleet. 
• Club courses – fast C & Asymmetrics. Continued problems reported from fleet & others with club leeward marks laying not following RO’s advice notices despite regular reminders and publicity. Led to developing and agreeing with SC Chair the experimental course starboard offset leeward mark and finish line, approved by ROs’ meeting Dec 09. Experiment to continue for next quarter so far mainly positive feedback. 
• Fleet race vols. Our fleet raising the difficulties of this regularly for past 2 years. Although we continued to get race crews out this year, for first time other fleets failed to get volunteers on several occasions. Club decided to put volunteer organisation in Sec’s responsibilities for 20-11 season. All members to be informed with this year’s subscriptions.

 GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact Ian Paterson on 01400 273903

For ALL ASYMMETRIC POSTS CLICK HERE