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Category: Meetings
INTERNATIONAL FINN ASSOCIATION
2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Was held at Procelero Sportegyesület, Csopak.
On Saturday 13 May at 10.009
[All papers at finnclass.org]
MINUTES
1. National Class Associations
18 National Finn Class associations were represented. POL, POR, AUS, NED, AUT, GBR, HUN were represented in person and BEL, CAN, DEN, FRA, FIN, GER, NZL, SVK, SWE, ESP AND SUI were represented by proxy. Five members of the Executive Committee were also present.
In the absence of the President, who sent apologies, Tim Tavinor took the chair.
2. Minutes from the last meeting
The minutes from the 2022 IFA AGM (previously circulated on IFA website, to secretaries) were approved.
3. Accounts
The 2022 accounts and 2023 budget were approved.
4. Executive Committee Reports
4.1 President
Firstly, please accept my apologies as I am currently unable to travel due some small health issues.
2022 was a very successful year for the Finn class. We continue to see strong interest in the class and booming Masters fleets all around the world.
During the year we ran successful a fantastic Gold Cup in Malcesine and a combined Open/Masters European Championships in Spain. The latter event became a necessity due to the lack of support for the planned Kiel event, despite the assurances given by NFAs at the 2022 AGM. The Miami 2023 Finn Gold Cup was a great showcase of the strength of the Finn class, with a respectable turnout and great media we have helped re-build momentum in North America and proven that the Finn class has bounced back from our enforced COVID break.
Looking ahead we have exciting events and proposal for all major regattas up to and including 2026. The executive has been working hard to make this possible and we will continue to work collaboratively with the NFAs try and please as many Finn sailors as we can, whilst preserving the integrity of our class and a high standard of racing.
During the year we significantly improved the social media activity and marketing of the class. This has had a dramatic impact and our social media is hard to ignore on the major social channels.
There is much work that needs to be done in re-energising younger sailors to take up the Finn. In that respect, everything is on the table, and we will need the support of the entire Finn community to address this issue. Whether it is U23, U30 or U35 sailors – we need them. Despite lots of different initiatives the membership profile of our NFAs is ageing and in order to sustain our class we need shift the average age down. We will be engaging more with NFAS and sailors on this topic in the weeks ahead.
It is pleasing to note the progress in getting a new builder online in North America, and that our current builders and part manufactures are all busy. Technically we continue to be stable with a vibrant market for used boats and equipment. We are also fortunate to have a very active service provider community offering charter boats, transport, coaching and other services – all of this activity is highly valued and improves the access and the feasibility of the regatta participation.
I look forward to racing with you in person possibly in the Autumn at the Euro Masters, if not most certainly in Italy in 2024.
All the best for the season ahead.
4.2 Class Secretary
The Finn Class remains in very good health, though with a few areas of concern. IFA membership remains buoyant with very little impact following the Olympic decision. It’s still too early to have a full understanding of the long-term financial impact, but so far, we are certainly operating within means without too many changes.
The 2022 season was overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict, while the increased cost of travelling has had a knock-on impact on some events.
After a fantastic 2022 Gold Cup at Malcesine on Lake Garda, there was disappointment that the Europeans in Kiel were cancelled, which resulted in a combined Open and Masters European Championship in September in L’Hospitalet. While this was slightly unsatisfactory, it was a great event for those that travelled.
The 2023 season started well with a fantastic Finn Gold Cup in Miami, ably hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club.
This year we planned all five events, and all seem to be well attended with the exception of the Silver Cup, which is a bit slow so far. Numbers at the World Masters are still a long way from pre-pandemic levels, but events have been off the beaten track, so 2024 in Puntala should provide a better indication.
Having said that, during the week of the Europeans, there will be more than 260 Finn sailors racing around Europe. The unfortunate clash of the Dutch Masters and the German Nationals with the Open Europeans is something that should be avoided in the future with better scheduling and more advance dates, and that is something we will try to address at the AGM with a strategy of major events up to 2026 on the Agenda. The Executive is very conscious of the need to put together a long-term event plan.
On that note the Executive has been functioning well with frequent meetings and good discussions. Also, since last year we have tried to improve the communication channels to members and hopefully that has been useful. Though Finnfare frequency has been reduced to twice a year, the savings have been ploughed back into the media output through the year. There is always something going on.
The class media work took a great leap forward in 2022 when we took on Francesca to look after our social media channels. I think many will agree that the increase in content, quality and frequency has been a great step for the class – it gets noticed in many corners and produces huge visibility for the class.
The new World Tour for Finns and World Ranking List seem to be very successful so far and provides a great focus for the media output. A lot of work has also gone into the USA Finn project and it’s great to have another builder there after so many years without.
There is a lot of positivity about the class right now, and hopefully in the coming year we will have a range of great events that a significant number of members will be encouraged to attend. There has been more interest in hosting Finn events in the coming years than we have had for some time, and many will be voted on at the AGM, so this bodes well for the future.
Thank you for your support over the past year and keep the ideas coming. The Executive is always open to hear from members over what can be done better or differently.
4.3 Vice-President Sailing
Ranking List
A Finn World Ranking, which has been talked about on and off for some time now, went live by the end of 2022. The idea is to not only to simply rank the sailors but also to hopefully entice more people to take part in international regattas and to gather valuable information about people’s racing habits. The overall number of sailors that took part in at least one ranking event was a very commendable 1115 sailors, whilst 82 sailors took part in 5 or more ranking events during the season.
The most internationally active and dedicated sailor was Bas de Waal NED-29. Bas participated in no less than 12 ranking events during the year!
Event plan
Within the Executive we have tried to create a much longer-term plan for major events to make it easier for the NFAs to schedule their national events so as to avoid clashes.
There has been much discussion over the pros and cons of combining events such as the Open and Masters Europeans. The Executive took the view that it made sense for the Finn Class to have a flexible approach. For example in 2024, when all the major events are in Europe, it makes sense to combine the Open and Masters Europeans (in Cannes) whilst in 2026, if the Gold Cup and/or World Masters would be awarded to Brisbane in Australia, it would equally make sense to be able to have separate events for the Open and the Masters Europeans to beef up the European calendar.
We have many offers and opportunities for events, but first we need to see the programmes for the Finn Gold Cup.
2024 Finn Gold Cup – There will be a vote at the AGM whether FGC Anzio, Italy will be just before FWM in Punta Ala (with a one day gap) or with a week long gap in between the two.
Both FGC and FWM are in May whilst we then have the combined Open and Masters Europeans in Cannes in October.
2025 – We have bid for the Finn Gold Cup in Aarhus in August and Cascais in October.
If Aarhus win, then we plan a combined EC/FEM late in year, probably in the south
If Cascais win, then we plan a summer combined Europeans.
2026 – We have bids for the Silver Cup, Finn Gold Cup and Finn Masters in Brisbane. The IFA AGM can only vote on Gold Cup, while the Masters will have to vote of FWM a few weeks later. General feedback so far is positive.
Assuming this is voted then we should plan for both a summer Europeans at a major nice venue, and an Autumn European Masters.
Silver Cup – This is a concern. It was felt that an event on Como in the summer would provide the best indication whether the event is viable. Though there has been a lot of interest, entries remain low. There will be a discussion at the AGM around the future of this event. One idea has been to mandate/entice all the largest and most active NFAs to ´find and equip´ at least one U23 sailor to send to the Silver Cup and by doing so help create and foster a fleet of young(er) sailors.
4.5 Finance Secretariat
2022 was the first non-Olympic sailing season and the first fully uninterrupted season following the pandemic.
The result of these factors was slightly increased membership but considerably reduced equipment revenue. Combined revenue for sail labels, mast labels and plaques decreased 16,000 euros.
With a full sailing season including 4 major events, expenses were higher than 2021 when the pandemic caused events and conferences to be cancelled. Overall expenses increased by 20,000 euros, but were lower than pre-Pandemic levels of expenditure.
Regatta and conference expenses were up by almost 10000, while our increased Social media and web exposure cost 6000.
Overall loss for the year was 7000 euros, including a foreign exchange loss of 2400.
The outlook for 2023 is bright. Membership is up on 2022. A successful Gold Cup was held in Miami re-motivating the American fleet and all major events are attracting good entries. And our equipment suppliers have stronger orders than last year.
The impact on the Balance Sheet was a reduction in cash held of 6000 euros. Accounts Receivable and Payable both had an offsetting reduction of 4000euros.
Year end Cash reserves were 161500euro.
Horizons Consulting (Chartered Accountants) have reviewed the association Accounts. The audit report is available online.
4.6 Chairman of the Technical Committee
The Chairman of the TC commented on
• The positive development in the USA of a new builder.
• The ongoing process to update the Finn Class Rules to current ERS terms.
• The changes now in place from the 2022 AG regarding flags on sails.
• A question was raised from GBR on carbon booms and whether a test boom had been made. This is being investigated.
5. Major Championships
Following the withdrawal of the Anzio for the 2024 Finn Gold Cup due to issues with the port management, Aarhus offered to host in 2024 instead of 2025. A proposal was also being explored with Naples but not received prior to the AGM. As there was not a quorum in the room, it was decided to take an indicative vote for 2024 and followed by contacting the proxy voters, and then to vote on the 2025 FGC.
For the 2024 Finn Gold Cup, the majority in the room voted in favour of Aarhus. The 2024 Finn Gold Cup will be in Aarhus following further clarification with the Proxy Voters. [Update: This has since been confirmed.]
For the 2025 Finn Gold Cup, Cascais received a unanimous vote in the room. The Proxy Votes were 50:50 between Cascais and Aarhus. GER, BEL abstained. Therefore the 2025 Finn Gold Cup will be in Cascais.
The proposal for the 2026 Finn Gold Cup in Brisbane was approved with two abstentions, GER, SVK, and one rejection, ESP.
The proposal for the 2026 Silver Gold Cup in Brisbane was deferred following a long discussion on the future of the Silver Cup and the need for a better plan than at present.
6. Submissions
None presented.
7. Elections of Members to IFA Committees
The members of all IFA Committees were re-elected unopposed.
8. AOB (non voting)
GBR asked a question about the Finance Secretariat and whether IFA could justify the €12,000 salary when the constitution stated here should be an Honorary Treasurer. There was a general discussion on this, and it was stated this the Finance Secretariat was an Executive Committee appointment. The Chairman pointed out that the IFA had a comfortable financial position so there was not a financial problem with this but that the committee should be careful with spending if it was not needed. NED pointed out that last year there was a volunteer, a retired accountant, who had offered to do the job on an Honorary basis, but this was turned down by the 2022 AGM. The feeling from the floor to Council was for the Executive to address this urgently and find an Honorary Treasurer.
NED made a comment about the clash of events in the coming week with the Dutch Masters and the German nationals and the number of boats it had removed from the IFA championships. Better coordination between National associations and IFA was needed so this didn’t happen again. The Executive reported that this was in hand, communication had improved though the dates for both the Masters and the Europeans were published before the Dutch and German events had been released.
- Details
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Category: Meetings
INTERNATIONAL FINN ASSOCIATION
2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Will be held at Procelero Sport Club, Csopak.
Date and Time expected Sat 13 May at 10.00
Reports
President • Secretary • VP Sailing • VP Development • VP Masters • TC Chairman • Finance • Accounts • Budget
AGENDA
NOTE: Online voting of key decisions for those member nations not at the AGM will be available.
1. National Class Associations
To publish the list of National Class Associations (NCA) and the Treasurer’s statement of the NCA Representatives’ voting powers based on the IFA dues received.
2. Minutes from the last meeting
To approve the minutes from the 2022 IFA AGM (previously circulated on IFA website, to secretaries)
3. Accounts
3.1 To approve the 2022 accounts
3.2 To approve the 2023 budget
4. Executive Committee Reports (will be available in advance online)
4.1 President
4.2 Class Secretary
4.3 Vice-President Development
4.5 Finance Secretariat
4.6 Chairman of the Technical Committee
4.7 Chairman of the Media and Marketing Committee
5. Major Championships
2024 Finn Gold Cup
Decision on dates
Option 1. From 6-11 May. This allows a week off before the World Masters in Punta Ala (from 17-24 May).
Option 2. From approx 11-15. This allows both events to be completed in a two-week window and one day travelling between events.
2025 Finn Gold Cup
1 Aarhus - Presentation
2 Cascais - Presentation
2026 Finn Gold Cup
Brisbane - Video - Presentation - Application
2026 Silver Cup
Brisbane - Presentation as for FGC
6. Submissions
None yet
7. Elections of Members to IFA Committees
7.1 To elect the members of the Executive Committee:
7.2 To elect the members of the Technical Committee
7.3 To elect the members of the Marketing Committee
8. AOB (non voting)
None yet
- Details
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Category: Meetings
INTERNATIONAL FINN ASSOCIATION
2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM was held at Fragila Vela Malcesine on Monday 16 May at 10.00
Download as a PDF
MINUTES
1. National Class Associations
21 National Class Association (NCA) and five voting members of the Executive Committee were represented at the meeting: Andy Denison (Chair), Robert Deaves, Paul McKenzie, Marc Allain des Beauvais, Andre Blasse. Attending in person were: AUS, AUT, BRA, DEN, ESP, FIN, FRA, GBR, GER, HUN, ITA, NED, POL, POR, RSA, SUI and SVK. Proxy votes were received from AUS, BEL, CAN, NZL, SVK and USA.
2. Minutes from the last meeting
The minutes from the 2021 IFA AGM were approved.
3. Accounts
The 2021 accounts and 2022 budget were presented and approved.
A discussion took placed around the financial situation, whether the subscription needed to be reviewed. It was stated that the financial position of the class was very strong after two years of budgeting and low expenses, and that a modest reduction of income of around 20 per cent was expected in the coming years. However, no change should be made until there is a much clearer position. It was hoped that by making events open, rather than based on quota, that member associations would maintain their current level of membership rather than report less members. If that happened, then both subscriptions and open events would need to be reviewed.
4. Executive Committee Reports
In the absence of the President, Balazs Hajdu, Andy Denison chaired the meeting and represented the President’s report with his apologies for not attending due to health reasons.
Other reports were available in advance online and not presented at the meeting.
The Chairman of the Technical Committee gave a brief report to emphasize the proper process for rule changes and presented to the room a prototype of a composite centreboard to illustrate that process and how it needs proper testing and evaluation before a rule change is even contemplated.
5. Bids for Major Championships
The meeting gave approval to host the 2023 Open Europeans – Procelero SE, Lake Balaton, Hungary.
There was wide discussion around whether the class ca still support four major championships each year and this will be reviewed by the Executive Committee. Hence, the Executive Committee will finalise this review before a confirmation is given to Procelero SE.
It was stated that the current policy was not to make any major changes within two years and then review.
6. Submissions
6.1 Submissions from the IFA Executive a) Flags on sails, Rule C.10.3
Current Wording:
When required by the Notice of Race, a skipper’s national flag, corresponding to the national letters, of nominal size 740 x 443 mm, shall be applied to each side of the sail, positioned such that the aft edge of each flag is between 50 and 100 mm from the leech and the upper edge is between 50 and 100 mm below the second lower batten pocket. The flags shall be made from additional material. Permanent ink pens or similar shall not be used to make the national flags.
Option (i) passed with 67.6% of the vote (23 out of 34 votes cast)
Decision: Delete C.10.3 and accompanying diagram.
It was suggested that this rule could be re-invoked in future events by inclusion in the Notice of Race.
Reasoning: This Rule was intended for use at FGC, EC, World Cup and WS Events. It does not apply at Masters events or any other event. Currently it would only be used at FGC and EC. If a sailor decides to attend one of these events they have to also buy and place flags at extra expense. The recent survey was 63% in favour of deleting the Rule.
b) Pumping, Rule A6.2 and C.1.1(2)
Current Wording
A.6.2 The Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions may state a higher recommended windspeed of 12 kts for rule C.1.1(2).
C.1.1(2) The Finn Class recommends that race committees apply Rule C.1.1 (1) in winds of 10 knots and above, measured at deck level on a race committee boat at the windward mark. See also A.6.2.
Options (i) was approved by 23 votes from 30 cast
Decision: No change
c) Policy for format of group racing
Current position: No current position.
Options: (i) was approved by 25 votes out of 27 cast
Decision: Random groups to mirror what happens in Masters. Full fleet series with no final/deciding race.
Reasoning: When fleet sizes are too large for a single fleet, the Masters have opted for a group system worked out on daily randomised group selection. However this does not provide a final/deciding race so the leading contenders could find themselves not racing against each other on the final day. The survey indicated 47% in favour of random groups and 32% in favour of gold/silver fleets after 3 days.
d) Open Entry
Current position: No specific wording to allow for open entry
Add to A15:
A15.4 In conjunction with the Organising Authority, the IFA Executive Committee may permit open entry at any IFA Major Championship. In such case, A15.1 and A15.2 do not apply.
Approved by 33 votes out of 33 votes cast.
Reasoning: The intention is to maximise entries for major championships and there is no official mechanism for this. The 2022 events have been made open entry under Constitution A 3.4.3 as an exceptional circumstance, but ‘exceptional’ cannot be every year.
e) Event Manual – 2023 edition
Approval of additional changes to Event Manual (see draft attached), which includes reducing costs for organisers, removal of Olympic clauses, and clarification on some points.
Approved unanimously, no objections.
6.2 Submissions from the British Finn Association (see attachment)
a) Add the following to IFA Constitution 3.5.1.
No person should be eligible for nomination as a candidate for the office of President if he/she has held that office for the immediate preceding continuous period of eight years, nor for the office of a Vice-President if he/she has held that office for the immediate preceding continuous period of eight years.
Reasoning: Most sports governing bodies now include such a condition in their governance, including World Sailing, Sport England and the IOC. The IFA should incorporate current best practice in order to maintain World Sailing International Class recognition and meet governance requirements for future potential funding or sponsorship applications.
Approved by 30 votes from 32 cast.
b) Add the following to Part B of the IFA Constitution.
4 Sustainability Officer
The Executive Committee shall appoint a Sustainability Officer to enact and oversee the IFA sustainability strategy, in order to communicate and coordinate with the Executive Committee, NCAs and event organisers to address sustainability issues and ensure best practice at all IFA recognised events.
Reasoning: The IFA sustainability policy requires further development and implementation across all IFA activities and hence requires an allocated advocate and campaigner to ensure it is a priority at IFA and NFA events.
Approved by 27 votes from 28 cast.
6.3 The paper from the French Finn Association was discussed.
Submission 1: Reducing the mast weight by 500g was unanimously rejected without a formal vote. Submission 2: It was pointed out that combining Masters events should firstly pass the Masters AMM.
6.4 Submission from Polish Finn Association
To maintain Executive position of Vice President Special Projects – Nomination received for Andrzej Romanowski (POL)
Approved unanimously
6.5 Submission from Finn Club Holland
To remove the role of Finance and Membership Secretariat and only have an Hon Treasurer
Reasoning: Whilst we understand the Executive Committee has made what they believed were the best decisions at the time, we do not think that paying a salary of €12,000 for the tasks of a Finance Secretary is sustainable for IFA now it is no longer an Olympic class, or wanted by the wider membership. Therefore, we propose that we no longer need the paid Finance Secretary role and just have a Hon Treasurer.
Rejected by 15 to 14 votes from the 29 cast
7. Elections of Members to IFA Committees
7.1 To elect the members of the Executive Committee:
President – In the first round votes received were: Denis Mowbury (NZL) - 1, Rob McMillan (AUS) - 14, Luca Devoti (ITA) - 7, John Heyes (GBR) - 13.
In the second round Rob McMillan (AUS) - 22, John Heyes (GBR) - 9
Rob McMillan was declared the new President
The VP Sailing – Kristian Sjøberg (FIN)
The VP Development – Marc Allain des Beauvais (FRA)
The Treasurer – Nomination withdrawn
Chairman of the Technical Committee - Tim Tavinor (GBR)
Vice President Special Projects - Andrzej Romanowski (POL)
7.2 No change to the Technical Committee
7.3 No change to the Marketing Committee
8. AOB
A report was presented from the organisers of the 2023 Finn Gold Cup in Miami regarding opportunities for charter and shipping and further details will be published on the event website in the near future.
RD 30/5/22
- Details
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Category: Meetings
INTERNATIONAL FINN ASSOCIATION
2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Will be held at Fragila Vela Malcesine on Monday 16 May at 10.00
[Further details about online activity will be published at a later date)
See AGM Policies on the Elections at the bottom of this page
Nominations: Denis Mowbury (NZL) • Rob McMillan (AUS) • Luca Devoti (ITA) • John Heyes (GBR) • Kristian Sjøberg (FIN)
Chris Frijdal (NED) • Tim Tavinor (GBR) • Andrzej Romanowski (POL)
Supporting Papers: British Submissions • French Submission • Draft 2023 Event Manual • Bid EC 2023 HUN
Reports: President • Class Secretary • Vice-President Development • Vice-President Masters • Finance Secretariat • Chairman of the Technical Committee
Chairman of the Media and Marketing Committee • Audit • Balance Sheet • Profit/Loss • Budget • Comparative P/L • Comparative Balance Sheet
AGENDA (download as PDF)
1. National Class Associations
To publish the list of National Class Associations (NCA) and the Treasurer’s statement of the NCA Representatives’ voting powers based on the IFA dues received.
2. Minutes from the last meeting
To approve the minutes from the 2021 IFA AGM (previously circulated on IFA website, to secretaries)
3. Accounts
3.1 To approve the 2021 accounts
3.2 To approve the 2022 budget
4. Executive Committee Reports (will be available in advance online)
4.1 President
4.2 Class Secretary
4.3 Vice-President Development
4.4 Vice-President Masters
4.5 Finance Secretariat
4.6 Chairman of the Technical Committee
4.7 Chairman of the Media and Marketing Committee
5. Bids for Major Championships
2023 Open Europeans – Procelero SE, Lake Balaton, Hungary (May - Dates tbc)
Discuss: Early May for separation from FWM (26 May to 2 June) or later in May so travellers can sail two events.
6. Submissions
6.1 Submissions from the IFA Executive
a) Flags on sails, Rule C.10.3
Current Wording:
When required by the Notice of Race, a skipper’s national flag, corresponding to the national letters, of nominal size 740 x 443 mm, shall be applied to each side of the sail, positioned such that the aft edge of each flag is between 50 and 100 mm from the leech and the upper edge is between 50 and 100 mm below the second lower batten pocket.The flags shall be made from additional material. Permanent ink pens or similar shall not be used to make the national flags.
Options: (i) Delete C.10.3 and accompanying diagram; (ii) No change and continue to invoke rule at Gold Cup and Europeans; (iii) Leave in Class Rules and adopt policy to not invoke.
Reasoning: This Rule was intended for use at FGC, EC, World Cup and WS Events. It does not apply at Masters events or any other event. Currently it would only be used at FGC and EC. If a sailor decides to attend one of these events they have to also buy and place flags at extra expense. The recent survey was 63% in favour of deleting the Rule.
b) Pumping, Rule A6.2 and C.1.1(2)
Current Wording
A.6.2 The Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions may state a higher recommended windspeed of 12 kts for rule C.1.1(2).
C.1.1(2) The Finn Class recommends that race committees apply Rule C.1.1 (1) in winds of 10 knots and above, measured at deck level on a race committee boat at the windward mark. See also A.6.2.
Options: (i) No change; (ii) Increase limit in C.1.1(2) to 12 knots and delete A 6.2; (iii) Delete both Rules
Reasoning: The survey revealed a very cross section of opinion, though 58% wanted no change. Purpose here is to clarify what is wanted so these discussions are resolved. Note, the 12 knot limit was intended for Masters and 80% of current FGC and EC fleets are Masters.
c) Policy for format of group racing
Current position: No current position.
Options: (i) Random groups to mirror what happens in Masters. Full fleet series with no final/deciding race; (ii) Gold/Silver/Bronze split after 2/3 days; (iii) Groups (random or by rankings, changing each day) for 4 days plus gold fleet on final day so there is a deciding race(s).
Reasoning: When fleet sizes are too large for a single fleet, the Masters have opted for a group system worked out on daily randomised group selection. However this does not provide a final/deciding race so the leading contenders could find themselves not racing against each other on the final day. The survey indicated 47% in favour of random groups and 32% in favour of gold/silver fleets after 3 days.
d) Open Entry
Current position: No specific wording to allow for open entry
Add to A15:
A15.4 In conjunction with the Organising Authority, the IFA Executive Committee may permit open entry at any IFA Major Championship. In such case, A15.1 and A15.2 do not apply.
Reasoning: The intention is to maximise entries for major championships and there is no official mechanism for this. The 2022 events have been made open entry under Constitution A 3.4.3 as an exceptional circumstance, but ‘exceptional’ cannot be every year.
e) Event Manual – 2023 edition
Approval of additional changes to Event Manual (see draft attached), which includes reducing costs for organisers, removal of Olympic clauses, and clarification on some points.
Note: Probably more needs looking at in light of the classes removal from the Olympics, but one of the tasks of the new VP Sailing will be to make recommendations to ensure the Event Manual is it for purpose.
6.2 Submissions from the British Finn Association (see attachment)
a) Add the following to IFA Constitution 3.5.1.
No person should be eligible for nomination as a candidate for the office of President if he/she has held that office for the immediate preceding continuous period of eight years, nor for the office of a Vice-President if he/she has held that office for the immediate preceding continuous period of eight years.
Reasoning: Most sports governing bodies now include such a condition in their governance, including World Sailing, Sport England and the IOC. The IFA should incorporate current best practice in order to maintain World Sailing International Class recognition and meet governance requirements for future potential funding or sponsorship applications.
b) Add the following to Part B of the IFA Constitution.
4 Sustainability Officer
The Executive Committee shall appoint a Sustainability Officer to enact and oversee the IFA sustainability strategy, in order to communicate and coordinate with the Executive Committee, NCAs and event organisers to address sustainability issues and ensure best practice at all IFA recognised events.
Reasoning: The IFA sustainability policy requires further development and implementation across all IFA activities and hence requires an allocated advocate and campaigner to ensure it is a priority at IFA and NFA events.
6.3 Submissions from the French Finn Association
Please see paper attached.
6.4 Submission from Polish Finn Association
To maintain Executive position of Vice President Special Projects – Nomination received for Andrzej Romanowski (POL)
6.5 Submission from Finn Club Holland
To remove the role of Finance and Membership Secretariat and only have an Hon Treasurer
Reasoning: Whilst we understand the Executive Committee has made what they believed were the best decisions at the time, we do not think that paying a salary of €12,000 for the tasks of a Finance Secretary is sustainable for IFA now it is no longer an Olympic class, or wanted by the wider membership. Therefore, we propose that we no longer need the paid Finance Secretary role and just have a Hon Treasurer.
7. Elections of Members to IFA Committees
7.1 To elect the members of the Executive Committee: (see links to nomination papers and statements at top of this page)
The President (vacant) – Nominations: Denis Mowbury (NZL), Rob McMillan (AUS), Luca Devoti (ITA), John Heyes (GBR)
The VP Sailing (vacant) – Nominations: Denis Mowbury (NZL), Kristian Sjøberg (FIN)
The VP Development – Marc Allain des Beauvais (FRA)
The Treasurer (vacant): Nominations: Chris Frijdal (NED)
Chairman of the Technical Committee - Nominations: Tim Tavinor (GBR), Paul McKenzie (AUS)
(subject to 6.4) VP Special Projects - Andrzej Romanowski (POL)
7.2 To elect the members of the Technical Committee
7.3 To elect the members of the Marketing Committee
8. AOB (non voting)
RD, 29 March 2022
AGM POLICIES
2022 IFA Election Voting procedure
Where there are more than two nominees, if one nominee gathers more than 50% of the vote they will be declared the winner.
If none of the nominees gathers more than 50% of the vote, then the candidate with the least number of votes will be eliminated and the vote held again. This process will continue until there are only two candidates.
Proxy Votes
A proxy voting form will be available for those members unable to attend the AGM in person. This must be completed by the officially recognised representative of the National Association and must be with the Class Secretary before the start of the AGM (10.00 CET Monday 16 May). However it would be appreciated if they can be submitted at least one week in advance so that the results can be more easily calculated on the day.
In the event of run off votes as above, members will be asked for reserve votes on the proxy form.
If online voting is allowed during the AGM (subject to the ongoing change to the Constitution), then members may instead vote online. However it is recommended that proxy votes be supplied in advance in case the technology does not function correctly.
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Category: Meetings
INTERNATIONAL FINN ASSOCIATION
2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Was held at Club We Do Sailing, Porto, Portugal on Friday 7 May at 10.00
MINUTES
1. National Class Associations
15 National Class Association (NCA) Representatives were present, representing a quorum and 3 voting members of the Executive Committee
2. Minutes from the last meeting
The minutes from the 2020 IFA AGM were approved.
3. Accounts
The 2020 accounts and 2021 budget were approved.
4. Executive Committee Reports (published online beforehand and not given at the meeting)
President’s Report
Unlike other classes of boat, in 2020 we were able to host at least one major international event, the 2020 Finn Europeans in Poland which turned out to be a big success and gave Finn sailors a chance to measure their level of preparation on the way to Tokyo.
As it looks now, the Olympics will go ahead in Tokyo, although international and domestic spectators will be refused entry to Olympic venues. Nevertheless, Finn sailors will have a chance to race again for Olympic glory. This will be the 18th time the Finn is raced at the Olympics.
While the virus and lockdowns have been making life difficult around the world, from last December on it was good to see that some of our Finn sailor friends had a good time sailing the regattas leading up to the Americas Cup Match in New Zealand. It proved again that Finn sailors, being tactically educated and physically strong, always have a place in any class of boat the oldest trophy in sport is contested in. Congratulations to Josh Junior and Andy Maloney for defending the Cup, and to Ben Ainslie, Giles Scott, Chris Brittle, Ben Cornish, Dean Barker, Enrico Voltolini, Caleb Paine and others for being a part of Americas Cup history.
Over the last 2 years IFA and various Finn supporters from around the world have been working hard to showcase to the IOC the importance of a dinghy event for larger male sailors on the Olympic sailing program. At the December 2020 IOC Executive Board (EB) meeting the decided to further review the mixed offshore keelboat event in order to properly assess the key considerations around the cost, safety and security of the athletes. World Sailing is currently in talks with the IOC and the final proposal will be decided no later than May 2021.
As it looks now, the IOC have realised the significant cost, safety, and weight discrimination issues with the keelboat event and will probably disapprove such a change to Olympic sailing events. As a result World Sailing will have to fill the shoes of the 10th Olympic sailing event, and IFA is currently doing its best to showcase the Finn as the best option being a well established, long standing and global sailing class with some of the finest and most athletic sailors worldwide. In a few weeks time we will know more of the outcome and hope that the Finn will continue its long-standing Olympic history.
Balazs Hajdu
Vice President Development
Notwithstanding the pandemic situation, there are two ways to consider the present Finn development:
1) One is linked with the Olympic Coming Up of the class: we contributed all year long to the appeasement policy with ICO & World Sailing. Offshore Mixed is now rejected by the IOC and opens a new field of possibilities and we hope that we will be listened to...
2) The other consists in preparing the class to what it could be in case we are no more Olympic: the co-existence of the 2021 European Championship foreseen before cancellation at Hyères joint with the 2021 Semaine Olympique Française is a good example to what could be achieved.
The next weeks will be crucial to determine the future of the class
Indeed I don't have a lot to say...
Marc Allain des Beauvais
Vice President Masters
We have just taken the decision to cancel the event in Medemblik for 2021 due to COVID.
The restrictions and timings for hosting the event make it impracticable and not viable for a masters Championship.
At present we are in discussions with another venue to host the Championship in the second week of October 2021.
Subject to a 100-boat pre-entry, prior to our AMM in May will determine whether we go ahead with the change to the new venue.
Naturally, we need to amend our rules at the AMM. Hopefully, the sailors will see the need to have this amended rule change in place to accommodate the unpredictable world that we now live in.
Our 2021 AMM will be held on line on Wednesday 2nd May.
Andy Denison
Secretary’s Report
2020 was for sure been a difficult year, but we should consider ourselves lucky to get in two out of four of our major events. The postponed Olympic Games also extended the Olympic status of the class, though a final decision of that is imminent.
The optimism and plans that we started the year with remain on hold while we wait for both this decision and the beginning of return to normal after the pandemic. It is quite surprising how much work there was to do despite the lack of events. To be sure cancelling, postponing and rearranging events is far more work than actually running the events.
We remain on the look out for venues for future championships. Other than the 2022 Europeans in Kiel, we have nothing else fixed, though we have some encouraging interest for future years. A new event manual has been published, with a great many improvements.
But the class remains in good health both financially and on the water with a remarkable number of local events taking place in 2020. It is fair to say we are poised for development, once the freedom to travel and enjoy overseas events again is re-established.
Robert Deaves
2020 Technical Report
2020 was a quite year for the Technical Committee. Although sailors made several requests to the class Measurers and Technical members regarding rule interpretations, it was not considered necessary to make any major adjustments to our class rules, particularly in the lead up to the 2021 Olympics.
Paul Mckenzie
Chairman of the IFA Technical Committee
Treasury report for the year ended 31 Dec 2020
Despite the reduced racing calendar in 2020 the IFA financial position remained solid due to cost cutting measures implemented at the start of the year.
Expenses were 55000 euros lower than the previous year with reduced regatta and conference expenditure and reduced payroll.
Understandably revenue was less than in 2019 due to lower membership, equipment royalties and regatta entry fees. The total revenue reduction was 50000 euros compared with the previous year.
The net result for the year was a profit of almost 10000 euros and the increase in bank reserves was 14000 euros.
Following the retirement of Tim Carver from the position of Treasurer, IFA appointed Horizons Consulting (Chartered Accountants) to audit the association Accounts. The audit report is available online.
Finance Secretaria
Paul Mckenzie
5. Elections of Members to IFA Committees
The current members of the Executive Committee were all re-elected unopposed.
There were no changes to the Technical Committee
6. Bids for Major Championships
No bids have been received.
7. Submissions
The following change to Class Rules was approved.
Proposal 1 - Prohibiting use of Roller and Ball Bearings
INSERT NEW RULE
C.7.3 (b) The use of roller and ball bearings is prohibited in the mast ring, mast foot, deck ring and mast step fittings.
Current rules C.7.3 (b) (c) (d) and (e) to be renumbered at (c) (d) (e) and (f).
Reason: To avoid unnecessary development of systems or fittings to the current fleet of boats.
Proposal 2 to amend the rule on hiking pads was withdrawn and will be reviewed.
8. AOB
There was a lengthy discussion on the current situation regarding the Olympic decision for 2024. Luca Devoti and Gerardo Seeliger spoke to the delegates about the ongoing process and the need to talk to their MNA delegates to promote the Finn.
