Minutes
Held at Puntala Camp&Resort, Italy Wednesday 12 June 2024 at10:00
Present Andy Denison (Masters President), Committee: Henk de Jager, Andreas Bollongino
And about 150 Finn Masters
1. Opening address
The Master’s President Andy Denison welcomed all the sailors to the 2024 Masters meeting. Request for a round of applause to Robert Deaves for his work and efforts.
2. Apologies
There were no apologies.
3. Approval of 2023 minutes from 2023 Kavala.
All agreed.
4. President’s Report
Since a number of us last met at Univela in Lake Garda I have spent a fair amount of time with Robert and Maria putting in place this year’s World Masters Championship. It’s wonderful to see so many of you and it tells me that we must be doing something right.
As a ‘not for profit organisation’, my goal is to have some of the best sailing / racing and social in the best places around the world.
However, success brings with its headaches, two race areas, more staff, more ribs and boat storage. Whilst we do our upmost to keep entry fees as reasonable as possible be prepared for the larger events with 300 plus sailors to be a higher entry fee.
Following on some issues in the past (we do listen), trying to improve the event, I asked Martin Hughes to assist with an early arrival and assistance with this venue, for equipment inspection and a general run through for safety teams. As you may appreciate some countries are better at it than others and the thought is to try and bring some sort of acceptable standard for all our benefits. We welcome Martin to the front to receive a gift from us.
Ladies programme, also a vote of thanks goes to Liz Burrell with liaising with our wives and partners and the venues. Liz also welcome to the front and receive a gift from the class also.
The events for the next five years give a focus to us and as I said to try and give us the best sailing and social, the plan is to keep it as local as we can, but as I’ve said in the past we do need to travel every few years. We are a worldwide class and event and it gives more of our fellow sailors in the southern hemisphere a chance to join in. With that said I am looking forward to Australia 2026, it will be the first time for me and it’s at the right time of the year for us northern hemisphere sailors.
Events we will cover later.
As I say it’s business as usual, we are on a good path with a good level of entries at some fabulous sail racing events.
4. Committee re-election
No one is due to be re-elected this year although a few members are due next year. Replacements will be looked for please come to us if you feel you can help/support.
5. Masters Budget/Accounts
Very healthy accounts and our budget is always well structured and planned, so far, our budgets are on target or above, financially we are in a good place, while maintaining our annual fixed costs with our revenue streams.
6. Thoughts from 2023
Equipment issues in Kavala, which I think from earlier Martin now being on board has smoothed this over and were all happy with.
Immortal/super legends, no change needed
Classic boat definition is, some adjustments made with presentations
7. Future venues
Dubai, Morrocco, Estartit (Near Palamos), Mar Menor, Douarnenez
2026 dates: 7-10th February Australian Nationals 12-19th Gold Cup 20-27th FWM Brisbane
8. Rule change
Current rule: B3.4: Four race shall be completed to constituted a series.
Proposed new rule: B3.4: One race shall be completed to constitute a series. However, four races shall be completed before the Finn World Masters title and the Austrian-Hungaria Gold Cup will be awarded.
Show of hands: massive ‘for’ to change the rule.
9. Update to FWM 2025 Medemblik
Chris Frijdel presented an update, a small presentation and q&a, history of Medemblik and detailed drawings of potential layout. The expectation from the OA is 400 sailors this is what they are accounting for within their planning. FREE BEER every day happy hour was well received. Entry will be via Manage2Sail.
2026 Brisbane: Bob Buchanan, also gave a small verbal presentation on behalf of RQYS, Dave Bull & Phil Chadwick. Although a little while to go it’s good to have the knowledge in advance but work form the team onsite is well underway. Shipping via DB Schneker, with discussions are for many access ports and return journeys.
10. AOB
Andreas Bollongino proposed that valid a request for refund on late entries fees and adjustments but the IFMC will investigate and adapt a refund policy on an individual basis, on injury and doctor’s notes to satisfy the committee, not all funds but a way towards helping last minute cancellations, a discretionary decision by the committee.
Carbon Boom: Martin Hughes talked about a new carbon boom for development and testing before approval by technical committees it will be several years to action this.
Format: Brief discussion led by the President. Race format of gold/silver fleets was voted out before and this week we are running the current random format. Are you happy we what we have or for the committee to decide a course of action for something else. A show of hands was made and a strong ‘for’ regarding the current format.
Apprentice division request to be brought toward the committee verbally.
11. Date of next meeting
18th June 2025 Medemblik 10:00
Andy thanked all that attend and closes the meeting at 10:40.
