9
Update on Aluminium Masts and Booms
Tony Smee gave an update at the meeting on the availability of aluminium masts
and booms. There are now two types available. The Danish mast, who’s profile is
more like the wooden masts, is now fully licenced. However, they are batch built, so
none are available for about 18 months. Performance is comparable and so is price.
Folkboats are now being built again in Germany and spare parts are also becoming
available.
Nordic Antifoul Rule Amendment (Attachments 3 a &b)
The Chairman referred to the attachments, and how the Committee had come to
its position. The UK Folkboat Association must abide by the NFIA rules and they
have made their ruling, so we have a fait accompli situation. John Doerr had been
consulted on the matter and, after reading the Folkboat rules, said the UK must
concur with the International Authority. After some discussion from the floor it was
decided to remove UK Folkboat Association Regulation 1.5 altogether. John Whyte
proposed, and James Hoare seconded the proposal. This was passed by a show of
hands.
Presentation of the Roddy Ainslie International Folkboat Trophy
The President gave the meeting the background to this magnificent new trophy.
Simon Osgood and Tom Case had met Sir Ben Ainslie at a dinner and chatted about
Sir Ben’s late father sailing his Folkboat to watch him race. Simon suggested a
trophy in honour of Roddy Ainslie and Sir Ben said he would be delighted. The
Trophy is to be awarded for the best performance in an International arena. Sally
presented the trophy to Claire and Julian Sowry for their 6th Place overall and 1st in
the last race in San Francisco in 2017.
A.O.B
Claire Sowry asked if it were possible to hold the National Championships in
Christchurch Bay, where it is less tidal. This would be looked into, however James
Hoare pointed out that there would undoubtedly be at added cost to this.
The Committee were also asked if it could perhaps be tied to another National
Championship.
The Chairman informed the meeting that Simon Osgood and his team would be
representing us in San Francisco this year. He also asked members to think about
the next opportunity to go in 2021.
With no further questions The Chairman thanked the re-elected committee and all
the members for attending and closed the meeting.
Meeting closed at 12:50pm.
Nicky Henderson,
Secretary
16th March 2019
