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International Flying Dutchman Class Organisation
BRITISH
SECTION |
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In some ways I believe that we should be quietly optimistic about our future as a section. We have new active members, have remained numerically stable, and have a new association with a group of six other symmetric classes. My only concern is the number of good boats that are seemingly welded to their launching trolleys! I would really like to know what their owners plan to do in the coming year – sail or sell. The Dinghy Show saw a new look stand and great support from a number of key members. In terms of interest expressed in the class it was a significant success, translating that interest into membership/activity proved, as always, to be more difficult. We did make a mistake in arranging the try-a-boat day when we did, and this is an area we need to address to make better use of our new contacts. Participation at events both at home and abroad has been creditable. A 4th place in the European Championships in Lake Como by Toby and James ranks highly in the success stakes. Tony Lyall & Colin Burns achieved an excellent 5th place in the first FD Euro Cup series. Peter and Richard’s 10th at the Conrad Gulcher is well worth a mention and a 10th and 14th by Toby and Julian respectively at the Symmetric Grand Prix (out of 104) put the FD in good light. The National Championships in Saundersfoot were
successful and it was great to have some overseas participation, and with
prospect of more visitors joining in the event next year, if we get the
venue and timing right. Talking of websites, ours has been kept up to date, has loads of links and is a credit to our Class, all thanks to Richard. The Newsletters, skillfully produced by Julian, have been an essential means of communication, as always good copy is needed and you can all help – please! The FD Class has a new logo that will, for the time being, be used alongside the old one when appropriate. Individual countries will be encouraged to use the logo but also be free to use their own logo for domestic purposes. What about the next 12 months? I have some fairly simple aims: a) Put an attractive fixture list together, combining with other symmetric classes when possible. b) Build on the success of the 2002 Dinghy Show and get more “guests” into an FD. c) Convert 2 stagnant boats into 2 active boats. Finally I would like to thanks everyone involved in the activities of our Class, nothing would happen without time and effort, plenty of both has been put in by a small band of people – well done, and let’s look forward to 2004. Stephen Parry
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