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Logo
Following several
years of discussion a new class logo was agreed at the AGCM in Dervio. It
is based on a design by Manfred Zeissel, an Austrian FD sailor. IFDCO is
grateful to Manfred for his original suggestion. Use of the Class logo is
defined in the Class Bylaws.
Carbon Masts.
The Class Rules
were modified in March 2002 to allow the use of carbon in Booms and
Spinnaker poles but not in masts. In June 2003 a survey was distributed
through National Secretaries to ascertain the membership views on this
subject. The original intention was to discuss the results following the
AGCM in Dervio, in time to submit any agreed proposal to ISAF before the
31August dealine. It became clear that some National Secretaries were
unable to distribute the survey and the end date for returns was reset to
23 October 2003. The survey was published on the IFDCO website and
returns were accepted either by e-mail or post. The result was that 64%
were in favour of Carbon Masts and 35% against. Returns were received from
12 countries. The introduction of a transition rule was almost even with a
small majority against such a rule. The AGCM agreed to discuss these
results at a General Committee meeting to be set up during the World
Championships in Melbourne. It was fully recognised during the AGCM in
July that no change could be introduced before March 2005. At the meeting
in Melbourne it was agreed to introduce Carbon Masts from March 2005
following ratification of a suitable rule at the November 2004 ISAF
meeting.
ISAF Contract.
After several years
of suggestions from ISAF that they wish to change our class contract with
them no correspondence has been received during the last year. The GS
continues to monitor the situation and the VP Championships continues to
speak to other classes on the situation.
IFDCO Class Rules.
During the last
year Peter Hinrichsen undertook a revision of the Class Rules and changes
to the ERS(Equipment Rules of Sailing) format. This is not to the ISAF
preferred standard rules format, but nevertheless was a major undertaking
and commitment of time by the VP Technical. Peter Hinrichsen is thanked
for his time and effort in this revision of the Rules. These rules were
agreed in principle during the November ISAF Conference with some minor
wording agreed with the technical team at ISAF immediately after the
conference. They became effective on 1 March 2004. The changes were for
ERS, clarification and grammatical changes and do not exclude any
equipment which was previously within the old rules.
IFDCO
Foundation Rules and Bylaws
The Hon Secretary
and President have conducted a short revision of the Class Foundation
Rules and Bylaws, which will be submitted to the AGCM in Warnemunde.
These rules have been in existence since 1988 when the class held Olympic
status.
ISAF Membership and
International Status.
In order to retain
our International Status the Class must conform to ISAF Regulation 26.
Regulation 26.2.1.(d) and (e) require that we have 20 boats in 6 countries
that are ‘actively racing’. The 6 countries must be from at least 3
continents. The Class can satisfy this rule but we only meet the minimum
of 3 continents. It is in the interest of the Class to find ways to
strengthen the Class in North America, and Africa and Oceania.
FD Events.
European Championships
Dervio, Italy July 2003.
An entry of 72
competitors from 11 Nations and 3 continents had some good sailing in
pleasant conditions on the Como Lake. The Italian federation imposed
measurers caused some issues and fortunately these were kept clear of the
majority of the competitors and most on water activities.
World Championships
Melbourne, Australia December 2003.
An entry of 55
Competitors from 11 Nations and 3 continents had a mixture of wind range,
and well run competition. As expected a strong Australian turnout was
supported by strong New Zealand, and Dutch contingencies.
Dawes Cup
The Dawes Cup which
replaced the Villenia Cup in 1993, is still strongly contested. The Points
list computations have for several years been are completed by Tanja
Heijink.
Euro Cup
The 2003 Eurocup
event which consisted of 5 European Regattas proved to be a popular
format. The competitor status after each event was collated by the
international webmaster and published on the IFDCO website.
Communication.
Communication
between the Officers of the class is now largly conducted by e-mail.
While this has many advantages we must ensure that appropriate antivirus,
‘spam’ management and backup policies are in place.
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