Folkboat Week 2024 Open Meeting Thursday August 22nd.

David Fox (Folkboat Week Chairman) opened the meeting and welcomed everyone, with both owners and crews in the room over 15 boats were represented, there were apologies from The Sowry’s (Mistral) and David Gredley (Lady Linda).

Kim Morley (FB Chairman) Welcomed all the new members and boats new to Folkboat week. He reiterated the five objectives that he put forward at the AGM.

Looking to the future our aims  for the fleet  are :

• to increase the Solent fleets back up to 50,
• build the Nationals to a successful standalone event and to include the fleets that are further afield. This years event at Lymington was fantastic, but still more to do to encourage boats from further afield.
• Continue to build the competitiveness of the One Design Nordic fleet
• Improve the international participation targeting the UK holding a future Gold Cup. Amazing this year with 5 British boats participating and the “Isobella’ team winning the Gold Cup a first for aUK boat.
• Widen the appeal of Folkboating to new audiences through digital marketing and communications (web site, Facebook, news articles)
• Support the development of the Classic fleet by broadening the participation of the British/classics while keeping the friendly Folkboat ethos of “The Peoples Boat”. Good to see all types of FBs in the Classic fleet, with 7 entries this week – a very good place to start racing.

It is the 60th Folkboat Week at the Royal Solent and the 30th year of support from Lymington Yacht Havens so we want it to be a bigger and inclusive event. 60 boats for the 60th year –[ Our Branding will be 60@60^th !!]

KM stressed that safety must be Number 1. There had been 3 incidents during the week. A MOB, very quickly resolved! an injury while racing and an injury on the pontoon. It was suggested that the wearing of life jackets should be compulsory, however some thought that the decision should be up to skippers unless the “Y” flag is flying. With so many boats rafted it is essential that every care is taken when leaving the pontoon.

 A lot of owners were not happy with where the FBs were positioned in the Harbour and 5 deep. it was suggested that 3 deep is enough and if you want to leave early in the morning make sure you are last in! Perhaps the Harbour Master should be consulted after FB Week to see how the situation can be bettered. [Already conversations undertaken post meeting with deputy HM  – for solution for next year – esp with 60@60^th )

Post meeting advise of a 4^th incident – with a fisherman off end of pier deliberately casting over a boat and nearly injuring the helm   – contrary to bylaws on pier fishing

Feedback on 59^th Folkboat Week

Conversation of Harbour rafting and location – covered above under safety

Conversation on First day incidents  – short first ww leg – and 7 incidents/retirements and several more near misses  – various views and solutions expressed  which will be discussed with race management team

Chairman confirmed that there will be a wash up on Race Management with RCS Royal Solent and PRO to learn lessons and improve next year e.g On course Umpires. Learning from Gold cup management of large fleets

General points raised about rules adherence  – linked to incidents and how to improve

Suggestions Rules – talks, videos, scenarios – how best to support members in learning the rules.

Also general support from Both Classic and Nordic OD fleets to extend our tuning sessions to race coaching – (which of course would also include rules scenarios)

Agreed going forward we will add a separate Whats App Groups for all race management messages . The group will be one way Inform Comms from race Committee to Competitors

Ideas for FB Week in the 60^th Anniversary year .

A Monkey Survey to ascertain what people want from FB Week and why they are not attending.

Young should be encouraged-perhaps cheaper entry.

Identify boats that are not used much – could they be lent or chartered.

Crew matching.

Coaching,

Help with getting boats here – towing, trailers, launching etc.

60th FB Week

Also the 30^th annual sponsorship from Lymington Yacht Haven

Sail past – ideas captured to date

Battle flags

Monkey Survey

Pursuit Race

Safety check at beginning of week

Secretary for Organising Committee. Cruiser Category doing other things. Newtown, Keyhaven picnic race.

Travel discount.

In essence we will target meeting needs of 3 fleets – Nordic OD, Classic Cruiser racers and Cruising Only Folkboats

To get to 60 – look for all Nordics to be mobilised (incl charter/boat Loan options)  – and also option to attract international competitors.

Also to attract National and International competitors – Post Meeting Lym Yacht Haven have offered free launching and trailer storage