Great Lakes 70 Association

GL 70 Class Association
2001 Annual Meeting Minutes
16 October 2001
Erie Street Café, Chicago, Illinois

Meeting called to order by President Jennings at 1230.

Members present:
Dick Jennings (Pied Piper), Gerard Wolf and Mike Bucklo (Mirage), Terry Kohler and Pete Reichelsdorfer (Evolution and Cynosure (one vote), Bert D'Ottavio (Thirsty Tiger), Tom Neill (Nitemare), Peter Thornton (Holua), Bill Alcott and Peter Griffin (Equation), John Neadeau (Windancer). Absent: Mike Brotz (Chance), Alan Fletcher (Colt 45), Ken Meade (Renegade), Bill Martin (Stripes). Guests: Andy Kiener, Jim Teeters

The president presented the 2001 Sailing Season Awards:
Bay Harbor Regatta-Nitemare

Season Championship:
1st Holua
2nd Pied Piper
3rd Equation

Asymmetric Spinnakers and Rating Cap:
A general discussion was held regarding the use of Asymmetric Spinnakers. The basic situation exists where the yachts at the high end of the rating spectrum cannot opt for A-sails without exceeding the cap. Yachts less than 2.5 seconds per mile below the cap could choose the A-sail option and not exceed the cap. It was noted that A-sails have advantages for point-to-point racing and that Symmetrical Spinnakers have advantages in closed course racing. It was noted that to allow A-sails in the entire fleet, the rating cap would have to be raised. A motion was made and seconded to amend the bylaws to allow only the use of Symmetrical Spinnakers for class racing and the Current Cap only be adjusted for IMS 2002 VPP changes. Motion passed.

Number of Spinnakers:
Following a discussion, a motion was made and seconded to allow one additional spinnaker above the IMS limit for Class racing. Total number of spinnakers allowed to be carried while racing is now five. Motion carried.

Spinnaker limitations:
A motion was made and seconded to remove the limit on the number of spinnakers: Motion failed

Exemption for off-season sail purchases:
Following a discussion, a motion was made and seconded to exempt from the yearly sail purchase limit a number of sails purchased for and used in winter season racing outside of the Great Lakes. The number of exempt sails shall be in proportion to the number of off-season races sailed compared to the number of GL 70 Class Championship races sailed the preceding season rounded to the nearest whole number. In no case will this number be greater that the season permitted number of sail purchases for the following season. Motion carried.

Bay Harbor Regatta:
Correspondence was received from the Bay Harbor Yacht Club inviting the fleet to hold their 2002 regatta at their club. Motion made and seconded to accept the invitation. Andy Kiener and Peter Griffin are to coordinate arrangements. Motion carried.

2002 Schedule and Scoring:
The Schedule for 2002 will be the same as 2001, and includes the Chicago NOOD, Chicago Mackinac, Bayview Mackinac, Bay Harbor and Verve Cup. The respective dates will be announced when available. The scoring for the overall championship will be changed for 2002. One point for each closed course race and three points each for the two distance races. The number of throw-outs will be set at three.

Remunerated Crew:
After discussion, it was the consensus that the present bylaw restrictions are working and no need exists for change.

The Santa Cruz 70 Mold:
After a discussion, a motion was made and seconded to not purchase the Santa Cruz 70 mold from Santa Cruz Yachts.

Association Dues and Executive Director:
Motion to assess Association Dues in the amount of $500 per year payable on January 1, 2002, for the purposes of carrying out the business of the association, including the expense related to the position of Executive Director

Minimum Displacement:
This topic was deferred to the Spring Meeting. The Executive Committee was directed to prepare a study and report back.

Mackinac Island Yacht Club Trophy:
This trophy was presented by the MIYC to the GL 70 with the best combined performance in both Mackinac races. The 2001 winner was Holua. The president sent a thank you letter to the Mackinac Island Y.C.

Election of Officers:
The following were elected to serve for the 2002 season.

President: Dick Jennings.
Executive Committee: Dick Jennings, Bill Alcott and Pete Reichelsdorfer.
Scribe: Pete Reichelsdorfer

New boats:
The president reported that a Detroit, Michigan, owner has purchased the N/M 68 Cheval. The rating of this yacht is close to the GL 70 limit and should be considered for an invitation to join the association provided the class limits are met.

Rave review:
It was the consensus of the attendees that the 2001 season was the best yet!

Follow-up:
The executive committee is to review the minutes and prepare bylaw changes indicated by actions taken. These are to be presented at the Spring Meeting.

Presentation:
Following the business portion of the meeting, Jim Teeters, Director of Research and Vice Chairman of the IMS Committee of US SAILING gave a talk on the principles of IMS Rule.