ISLAND SAILING CLUB
2012/2013 REPORT and 2012 ACCOUNTS
Island Sailing Club, 70 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7RE (01983) 296621 |
[email protected] | www.islandsc.org.uk
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ISLAND SAILING CLUB WILL BE HELD AT THE ISLAND SAILING CLUB, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT, ON SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2013 AT 1600 AGENDA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7.
8.
9. 10. 11
12. 13.
14. 15. 16. Note: (i) (ii)
Apologies To adopt the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 10 November 2012 To receive the report of the Committees To receive and, if approved, adopt the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 To agree subscription rates from 1 January 2014 – see page 8 To agree changes to the Club Rules – see pages 21 to 23 6.1 Rule 4.1 and 3.1 – The Treasurer to be designated an Executive Flag Officer 6.2 Rule 3.9 - Election of a Cruising Captain 6.3 Rule 14.9, 14.10 & 14.11 - Chairman of Committee Meetings 6.4 Rule 14.1 and 14.2 – Confirmation of meeting times 6.5 Rule 4.9 and 12.8 - Accepting nominations from the floor of an AGM 6.6 Rule 5.7 - Reducing the time taken to admit new members 6.7 Rule 3.2 - Publication of operating procedures, policies and protocols 6.8 Rule 3.4 - Operations conducted under delegated authority 6.9 New Rule 15.4 - Disclosure of members interests in financial transactions 6.10 New Rule 17 - Access to information To elect Officers, nominations: * COMMODORE John Dudley * VICE COMMODORE Peter Chartres * REAR COMMODORES Barrie Harding Mike Peskett * TREASURER Ian RigaudBarrett To ballot for and elect Committees: Nominations for General Committee (7 vacancies) Michael Alexander, Peter Bingham, Sally Derrick, Gregory Dillon, Susan Moody, Mike Thom, Paul Wavell and Mark Wynter * Nominations for Sailing Committee (13 vacancies) Penny Carter, Peter Dickson, Neil Duncan, Phil Hagen, Amanda Harding, Stephen Horne, Geof Hughes (Cruising Captain), Rosy Jones, Sonia Mayes, Rod Moody, Denis Steele, Ed Suckling and Tony Taylor * Nominations for Evening Race Committee (16 vacancies) Grenville Ball, David Barker, Peter Dickson, Amy Duncan, Neil Duncan, Lynn Hall, Tony Hall, Brian Hedley, Geof Hughes, Paddy Margham, Robert Nicholls, Rod Nicholls, Derek Rogers, Mark Southwell, Tony Taylor and John Terry Motion of Special Business (1) – see page 23 10.1 Amendment to Motion of Special Business (2) – see pages 23 and 24 10.2 Motion of Special Business (2) – see page 24 11.1 Second Amendment to Motion of Special Business (3) – see page 24 11.2 First Amendment to Motion of Special Business (3) – see page 25 11.3 Motion of Special Business (3) – see page 25 To elect Independent Examiners of the Accounts Approval of appointment of representatives to other yachting associations: To the SCRA, Mr C Thomas, Sailing Secretary; to Cowes Clubs and Classes Association, Mr C Thomas, Sailing Secretary, and Mr SMJ Peskett, Rear Commodore; to Cowes Combined Clubs Ltd, Mr J Dudley, Commodore, as a Director, and Mr SMJ Peskett, Rear Commodore; Any other business relevant at the Chairman’s discretion New Flag Officers take up positions and receive appropriate pins Proposed date of next meeting – Saturday 8 November 2014
* Under Rules 4.6 and 12.5 the nominations listed for Officers, Sailing Committee and Evening Race Committee shall be declared elected. To avoid misunderstanding all members are asked to bring their membership cards to the meeting. Cowes, October 2013
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Rodney Nicholls Ian RigaudBarrett Dave Atkinson Linda Bedell Peter Bingham Penny Carter Barrie Harding John Kidd Bill Pimlott Mike Thom Philip Thwaites Mark Wynter
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS AT OCTOBER 2013 Elected Commodore 2010 Treasurer 2011 Committee Member 2010 Committee Member Aug. 2013 Committee Member Aug. 2013 Committee Member 2012 Committee Member 2012 Committee Member 2011 Committee Member Jul. 2013 Committee Member Aug. 2013 Committee Member 2011 Committee Member Jul. 2013
NOMINATION FOR COMMODORE: Name Year of Age Group Joining John Dudley 1976 Over 60
Occupation Estimator/Project Manager
Previous ISC Offices & Dates Held Trustee Commodore Vice Commodore Rear Commodore General Committee Sailing Committee Eve. Race Committee
NOMINATION FOR VICE COMMODORE: Name Year of Age Joining Group Peter Chartres 1966 Over 60
Occupation Consultant
Previous ISC Offices & Dates Held Rear Commodore General Committee
Sailing Committee Eve. Race Committee NOMINATIONS FOR REAR COMMODORES: Name Year of Age Joining Group Barrie Harding 1999 Over 60 Mike Peskett
1959
Over 60
Occupation
NOMINATIONS FOR GENERAL COMMITTEE Name Year of Age Joining Group Mike Alexander 2007 Over 60
1999 – 2001 1998 – 1999 1981 – 1984 1975 – 1978 1979 – 1982 1973 – 1975
Previous ISC Offices & Dates Held
Proposer Geof Hughes
Seconder Craig Wilson-Smith
Proposer
Seconder
John Wroath
Anthony Joy
Proposer
Seconder
Self Employed
General Committee
2012 to date
John Dudley
Ruth Simpson
Retired
Rear Commodore General Committee
2006 – 2008 2003 – 2004 1995 – 1998 1984 to date 2008 to date
John Bradley
Rosemary Stewart
Sailing Committee Eve. Race Committee NOMINATION FOR TREASURER: Name Year of Age Group Joining Ian RigaudBarrett 2007 Over 60
2007 to date 1998 – 2001 1995 – 1997 1997 – 1998 1985 – 1987 1988 – 1991 1983 – 1985 2008 – 2010 1984 – 1985 2001 – 2003 1990 – 1995 1982 – 1986
Retire AGM 2013 No fixed date 2013 2013 2013 2015 2015 2014 2013 2013 2014 2013
Occupation Retired
Previous ISC Offices & Dates Held 2011 to date 2009 – 2011
Seconder
Philip Thwaites
Linda Fair
Proposer
Seconder
Sales Director
Peter Chartres
John Dudley
Occupation
Treasurer General Committee
Proposer
Previous ISC Offices & Dates Held
Peter Bingham
2006
Over 60
Retired RAF Officer
Ian RigaudBarrett
John Kidd
Sally Derrick
2013
21 – 40
Catherine Crocker
Cally Logsdon
Greg Dillon
1994
Over 60
Aerospace Engineer Retired
John Dudley
Peter Hedley
Sue Moody
2000
Over 60
Peter Hedley
Henry Wrigley
Mike Thom
1969
Over 60
Retired RGN / Community Volunteer Retired
John Dudley
Bill Pimlott
Paul Wavell
2012
Over 60
Geof Hughes
Alan Fisher
Mark Wynter
1977
Over 60
Retired / B&B Proprietor Chartered Accountant
Rosemary Joy
Nigel Synnott
General Committee
Rear Commodore General Committee
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1995 – 1998 1999 – 2002
1985 – 1987 2002 – 2005 1998 – 2001 1990 – 1993
BIOGRAPHIES John Dudley John is in business management in the marine construction industry, having sold his successful business to a mainland civil engineering company with whom he continues to be part of the management team. John has been a member of the ISC since 1976, and has held all Flag positions including Commodore 1998 - 2001. Since 2007 he has been a Trustee of the ISC. He has had an extensive sailing career being part of the British Ocean Racing Team, also competing in two Southern Cross Series, winning the event in 1985. Since then he has owned and helmed several successful racing yachts, Aeolian, Purple Haze and Pinball Wizard. John is prepared to offer his services as Commodore during the coming year to support the Members and Staff in the true traditions of the Island Sailing Club, which will celebrate its' 125 years existence in 2014. Peter Chartres Peter joined the Island Sailing Club in 1966 and has been a member of the Evening Race Committee, Sailing Committee, General Committee and a Rear Commodore. He spent most of his career working for British Gas, is currently the Secretary to the Junior Offshore Group and has considerable sailing experience. He offers his services as Vice Commodore (House) during the coming year to enhance the quality of service to Members and to support and inspire the Staff at the Club. Barrie Harding Barrie was born, brought up and educated in Cambridge. He began his working life as an apprentice on the tools, working his way to managerial posts within the motor industry. Barrie excelled at all sport at school especially swimming where he swam for the county. An interest in sailing began in dinghies blossoming into a second career as an RYA Instructor on yachts which gave much opportunity for a variety of size up to 24m and sailing area from the Solent to the Caribbean and the Gold Coast in Oz. Having been based in Hamble for a few sailing years Barrie moved to Cowes in 2000 and married a lifelong member of the ISC. On moving to Cowes, Barrie has been the Principal of Cowes Sailing School with the Sigma 38, Bellerophon. Barrie has much to offer the ISC with much practical knowledge of the management of organisations and in particular a great ability to communicate and encourage others to achieve. Mike Peskett Mike was born in Gurnard, where, as a small boy, he learnt to sail in his father’s dinghy. He joined ISC in 1959, aged 17, to get involved with sailing keelboats and has had much varied crewing experience on Darings, Dragons, XODs and handicap boats. Returning to the Island to live in 1984, he joined the Sailing Committee of ISC, where he is still a member, and has also served the Club as Rear Commodore (Sailing) for two years as well as two spells on the General Committee and, since 2009, on the Evening Race Committee. Michael Alexander Mike has been a member of the ISC since 2007 and completed a Race Officers course early in 2009. He helps on the finishing line for Round the Island Race, works for the Combined Clubs during Cowes Week and at starts/finishes for JOG when needed. Mike has spent most of his career working in the aviation industry in various business and project management roles. He believes this experience will help in the role of serving on the General Committee. Peter Bingham Peter is a former RAF Pilot who retired in the rank of Group Captain in 1996. On retirement he was appointed Chairman of the Isle of Wight Health Authority and subsequently Chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Health Authority. Following 8 years with the NHS he was persuaded to stand for the Isle of Wight Council and served a four year term but stood down at the election in May this year. During his time with the Isle of Wight Council he was a cabinet member for Resources for 18 months and subsequently Chairman of the Pension Fund Committee. Peter first took up sailing some 35 years ago whilst serving in the RAF and in the early years was involved in racing. However, these days he is strictly a cruising sailor with his own boat (a Newbridge Pioneer) which is moored at The Folly. During his time with the RAF he was on the Offshore Committee of RAFSA and ran various offshore expeditions. He remains a member of RAFSA and still has a permit to fly its ensign. Some years ago he was a member of the Royal Solent Yacht Club and served on its General Committee. Peter lives in Shorwell. Sally Derrick Sally is a new member who joined the Club at the beginning of the year after moving to Cowes to work for GKN as an engineering lead in the CTAL engine programme. Since taking a course with “Girls for Sail”, Sally has become a keen sailor, learning how to sail a Sonar during the Thursday ISC sessions and taking part in the Tuesday evening and JOG races during 2013. With a practical background and a job which involves being organised, communicating ideas and driving projects to get things done she feels she will be a useful member of the General Committee.
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Gregory Dillon Greg has been a member of the ISC since 1994 after retiring from his solicitors criminal practice in London and moving to the Island with his wife Katherine. They live in Cowes and on 15 occasions have both been volunteers on the finishing line for Round the Island Race. He has served two previous terms on the General Committee. Sue Moody Sue originally trained as a secretary and book-keeper, but changed to train as an SRN/RGN in London. Unfortunately her nursing career ended early when she was a practice nurse/sister, due to illness. Having spare time on her hands she went into the community/voluntary sector working with the Voluntary Support Team through Community Action IW, on the Island, where she not only receives up to date training in all areas of governance, policy and procedures for groups and charities, but also helps out any charity/group that requests help. Sue has previously been a trustee/board secretary of a National Charity where they employed a team of staff and continues to work with a local charity which supports people with mobility problems. Sue has been sailing as long as she can remember, first in dinghies and now in their classic cruiser and feels that with her sailing background, secretarial skills and now her governance and procedural knowledge she could be a useful member of the Island Sailing Club General Committee. Mike Thom Mike served extensively on Sailing Committee of Royal Southern Yacht Club between 1985 until approximately 1996, including running races as Chief Race Officer and Principal Race Officer continued to serve as Race Officer when required to present day. He was Assistant Director of a large Lloyds insurance brokers and then Director of smaller Provincial Insurance Brokers with access to Lloyds. He was a Lloyds Underwriting name from 1974 to 1981. He also underwrote one of the only profitable Trawler accounts underwritten in Lloyds. Mike has raced, cruised and delivered all sorts of boats from 14ft dinghies to Maxi Yachts including participating in three Fastnet Races and numerous other RORC events. He also raced extensively in Cowes in Dragons, Darings and XODs. Mike did his first offshore race at the age of 13. He feels now he is retired, and seldom sails nowadays as his knees object for too long post sailing, that he can bring a lifetime of sailing experience, a good knowledge of the Club and a reasonable amount of business experience to the table and can also devote the required time to the job especially as he lives so very locally with his wife Maureen. Paul Wavell Paul was born an Islander at Freshwater Bay in 1947. His parents, Harry and Barbara Wavell were members of the Club in the 1980s. The family business was Harry Mills & Sons grocery store and Wight Wine off licence in Yarmouth Square. Paul started work there in 1968 having been educated at Ryde School and he ran the business from 1974 until 2002 when he went into the accommodation business in Yarmouth, with his wife Irene. They now live in Wootton Creek. Paul’s first boating experiences were in rowing and sailing dinghies in the River Yar; he raced in West Wight Scows as a child. He acquired his first boat at 17 and spent recreational time water-skiing. He has owned numerous motor boats and his trips have taken him as far west as the River Tamar at Plymouth and Falmouth as well as numerous crossings of the channel. He was a cadet member of RSYC joining in 1958 and was on the original steering committee and a founder member of the Yarmouth Sailing Club 1968/9. He also sat on the Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners for 3 years as representative of Yarmouth Town Council in the 1970s. Paul is a member of RVYC where he served on the House Committee for 4 years from 2007. He is looking forward to serving on the ISC committee and will endeavour to do his best in the interests of all aspects of the Club. Mark Wynter Mark has been a member of the Island Sailing Club since 1977. He is married to Bunny, whose father, Rupert Kilkelly, was Commodore from 1980 to 1983. He is a keen sailor, and had Alchemist built for him at Lallows in 1978. He is still actively campaigning her, mainly in the Club’s Round the Island Race and on Tuesday evenings, and also in JOG races. Mark is a Chartered Accountant by profession, and during an earlier term on the General Committee was also a member of the Finance Sub-Committee that installed the first in-house accounting system which is still substantially in use today. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES Commodore’s Report My three year term as Commodore is coming to an end and what an incredible time it has been. The time has flown by and I would say I was very lucky to be Commodore and represent the Club and our members over this period. It has not been the way I expected my final year as Commodore to go as three flag officers, Paul Wells, Marc Giraudon and Brian Marriott together with four committee members Laurence Dillamore, Tony Hall, Charles Tuffin, and Nicky Wells all resigned back in June and July. Contrary to some speculation they did not all resign for the same reason but still all felt that they did not want to complete their term of office. Can I thank them all for the time and effort that they did put in during their time in office. I decided not to appoint any flag positions for the remaining time, but just to replace the vacancies created on the general committee only. Thank you to the members who did come forward to fill the positions for the last few months. Those elected are Linda Bedell, Peter Bingham, Bill Pimlott, Mike Thom and Mark Wynter. 4
It is time once again to thank you all for the support that you have given me over my term as your Commodore. Your support in the sailing and social events this year has as always been great. I would like to offer my thanks to Lea Bennett our Club Secretary and the entire Club Staff and volunteers who keep the Club running smoothly, especially after this past year which has been quite challenging. The following reports shown in this AGM Report will reflect what has taken place but I would just like to add a few comments of my own. My thanks also go to the General Committee for the time and effort they put in together with their Sub Committee duties. A sincere thank you to Dave Atkinson, who will be leaving the General Committee after his three year term of service. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Tony Hall for the work he did to organise the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 programmes of winter talks; this is certainly not an easy task! Finally a big thank you, to Ian RigaudBarrett our Treasurer for the tireless help and backing he has given to me. This year has been very busy with hosting many regattas but generally entry numbers were down. This is also reflected by other clubs and we hope that we have turned the corner and the economic state of the country is on the up. Our spring and autumn series have not really taken off so if you are looking for some short racing on a Sunday morning at the beginning or end of the season then please think about entering next year. Tuesday evening racing as usual was very well supported. The Cruising Fleet have again been very active this year and if you have a boat and not joined any of their days out then you should give it a try. After two years of quite challenging weather, this year’s Round the Island Race was held in near perfect conditions and records were broken for both Mono and Multihull boats. The race was a big success but entry numbers were down for various reasons. I am confident that the entries will improve for next year’s race. The sponsors, J.P. Morgan Asset Management and our seven Race Partners were very positive and the media coverage was excellent. We have one more year of sponsorship from J.P. Morgan and we have just had a meeting to discuss sponsorship for a further three years. The meeting was very positive and by the time of the AGM I would hope to have some positive news. Once again over the last year Carol and I have visited many clubs both on the Island and the mainland. We have always received great comments about the Club and our friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Both the bar and catering staff are praised and the catering and dining facilities are always given a good report. Becky Bradbury, our Head Chef, has after her year of illness unfortunately had to leave us and we wish her all the best for the future. We hope to have a new Head Chef on board by mid-November so please come and enjoy our hospitality. To Philip Gidley and his staff a big thank you for all the hard work you have put in over this last year. th
In my first year as Commodore I attended together with our Admiral Robin Aisher, Prince Phillip’s 90 Birthday Celebration Dinner in London. Last year I was very proud and privileged together with Carol to be presented to the Queen and Prince Phillip and escort them through our Club back down onto the Club’s pontoon for their short trip to the Yacht Haven. This year Prince Phillip was due to attend my Commodore’s Party on the Sunday of Cowes Week and he was then staying for lunch in the Club. Unfortunately, due to his illness, the arrangement had to be cancelled. The Secretary and I had to keep this information confidential for a few months, but I hope that a visit can take place next year. Congratulations to Honorary Cadet Member Natasha Lambert. Natasha is a 15 year old local girl who has athertoid cerebral palsy which affects all her limbs and speech. I am sure you all join me in congratulating her on her latest achievement in sailing her Mini Transat yacht called Miss Isle Too across the English Channel from Bologne to Dover in just over four and a half hours by controlling the sails and steering just by a sip/puff system. Natasha was raising money for three charities. You can follow Natasha on her web site www.missisle.com/. Natasha was flying the ISC burgee on her boat and I can’t wait to see what her next project will be. There are quite a few rule changes this year that we are proposing and I look for your support together with subscription recommendations for 2014. Some motions of special business from members are also included and I would ask you all to read them carefully and vote accordingly. I will not comment on our finances as that will be covered by Ian, except to say that we have experienced some unexpected expenditure this past year. Together with some large expenditure items over the last few years it has put our reserves at quite a low point. Whilst the Club is effectively debt-free with the immediate future secure there will still be a need to strengthen the Club’s position for the future. It has been a privilege and an honour for me to serve as your Commodore for the past three years and again my thanks to all those who have contributed to the running of the Club. The Island Sailing Club is a progressive and popular Club and I wish the Commodore elect, and all committee members, good luck for the future of the Club and I th know that our traditions will be maintained and that next year our 125 Anniversary will be celebrated in true ISC fashion. Rodney D Nicholls, Commodore 5
Membership st
The total membership at 31 December is analysed below: 2012
2011
638
692
Joint Membership 623 Members under 75 years of age entitled to State Retirement Pension with 10 years membership:-
668
Members aged 29 and over:Individual Member
Individual Member
170
170
191
167
Individual Member
226
206
Joint Membership
86
94
27
33
121
116
Members 26 to 28
15
17
Members 18 to 25
Joint Membership Members aged 75 and over with 10 years membership:-
Spouse of Deceased former Member (category closed) Overseas Members
47
54
Cadet (9 to 17) TOTALS
33 2177
36 2253
Honorary and Life Members TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
66 2243
63 2316
Establishment Report As you all may recall the Club purchased No 67, No 68 and No 70 High Street some time ago, with No 68 in particular in need of renovation. No 68 is in such a poor state of repair that it had been condemned for habitation. Work has started this year and now the basement is usable with shelving for the storage of the gear required for the Round the Island Race. It is intended for the future to continue with the renovations to enable this building to be fully usable. No 67, the accommodation building, required a lesser amount of renovation to maintain its accommodation facility. No 70 is rented out and had a small amount of work when the tenant changed. The pontoons suffered damage during the 2012/2013 winter requiring repair, modification and the replacement of some piles, thus incurring major expense again this year. As a result the condition of the whole pontoon system is much improved. In line with today’s requirements WiFi has been installed in the Clubhouse and accommodation block. The maintenance of the main building is a continuous task with several plans in hand for this coming winter. So I would ask in advance for your cooperation, patience and understanding should you find any of the works an inconvenience. Lastly, we would like to thank Marc Giraudon for his leadership for the first half of the year and the General Committee for their tolerance as we continue to improve the building for the use of the members. Barrie Harding and John Kidd, Establishment Sub Committee House Report Since July 2012 we have had to employ temporary Head Chefs as we waited to see if Becky was going to make a full recovery. She was very determined to, but finally had to accept that she was not going to be able to return to such a busy and demanding role. The staff recently presented Becky with a large mounted photo of Round the Island Race to remember us by. Once we were able to advertise for a permanent Head Chef we got a large level of response from some very strong candidates. Our final three all had some very good qualities that they could bring to the ISC and we hope to have a new Head Chef start during November. This period has been very difficult for our second chefs, Gavin and Jamie, but they have done a magnificent job, supported by Martyn, in maintaining the quality and quantity of food produced. It is very much hoped that once we have the new Head Chef in place we can return to making a profit on the food as well as the bar.
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The events over the last year have had a mixture of success with some being “sold out” whilst others have not reached the numbers that were anticipated. We learn from this and it is always good to try and ring the changes from time to time to see if there is something different that the members would support. Regatta weekend did not bring the numbers anywhere near the numbers anticipated to the evening event and this is something that the new House Committee will need to consider. Round the Island Race weekend was very busy with 100s of sailors passing through. We very much hope that some of those that come will think about becoming a member of our world-renowned Club. Cowes Week was very successful with a number of events and a very successful Fireworks Night. This week is very important for the financial well-being of the Club and so we are always pleased when our takings are up from the previous year, especially when the increase is over 18%! Lea Bennett, Secretary Finance Report The accounts for 2012, produced in full elsewhere in this report, follow the same format as last year and show a deficit for the year of £22,486 which is in line with the estimated deficit of £20-£25,000 advised to members at the AGM in 2012. Comparing the result with that for 2011, it is clear that, in addition to generally difficult economic conditions, the deterioration is primarily due to two factors. Firstly, the contribution to the Club’s finances from the Round the Island Race, which has been so important to the Club for many years, was some £33,000 lower than in the record entry year of 2011; and secondly, that the Bar & Catering contribution was down by over £27,000. The latter was significantly affected by a poor Cowes Week, by far the most important trading week for the Club from a financial viewpoint, and the additional staff costs caused by the regrettable long term sickness of the Head Chef. At this time last year there was reason to hope that the accounts would return to showing a surplus for 2013, especially when a very welcome legacy of £25,000 was received from the estate of a former member, Leonard Bloomfield. However, as many members will be aware from the minutes of the General Committee meetings posted on the Club website each month, the optimism soon evaporated and a deficit of similar proportions to 2012 is now expected for 2013. The biggest shortfalls against budget are in the same two areas as in 2011. The Round the Island Race - where entries, at 1459, were the lowest for many years and one of the supporting ‘sponsor partners’ dropped out at short notice (although has since re-signed for 2014) - this, together with some unexpected additional costs, means that the contribution is some £30,000 below forecast. The Bar and Catering area has had its share of problems and it took until August 2013 (following a compromise agreement and severance payment to the former Head Chef) to get to a position where a new permanent Head Chef could be recruited. Earlier in 2012, the quality of food and service was regrettably not always up to expected standards, although Cowes Week was a success overall and it has been pleasing that many members have since taken the time to give complimentary reports about improvements in quality. However, the end result is that the contribution from the Bar & Catering area is expected to be similar to that of 2012, which is some £25,000 below original expectations. Better budgeting, closer control of temporary staff and food costs will help in this difficult area as we face ever increasing competition from other Yacht Clubs, pubs and restaurants – all trying to attract the same customers. In addition to the impact of the poor operating results, over the last two years the Club has funded a much greater level of capital expenditure than normal, with the refurbishment of the main pontoon in 2012 and the forced replacement of five steel piles around the pontoon in 2013 - at a combined cost over the two years of over £150,000. In addition, many of the loans made to the Club by members 10 years ago are now falling due for repayment. £65,000 will have been repaid by the end of 2013 leaving just £16,000 still to be repaid. We are fortunate that the Club continues to attract over a hundred new members each year although, allowing for deaths and resignations, the total membership has been slowly dropping. Efforts have been made to attract new members through open days, but there is no doubt that the principle source of new members is through personal contact and recommendation. It is vital that we attract new younger members to combat the rise in the average age profile. Looking to the future, the immediate aim is to start re-building the reserves which have been eroded over the last two years. On the Round the Island Race, income from the main sponsor for 2014 is secure; eight of the nine supporting sponsorship spots are filled and negotiations are underway to fill the ninth. The standard race entry fee will be increased from £84 by £8 to £92 to reflect the ever-increasing costs of running the race. It must be recognised, however, that the number of entrants is impossible to predict with any accuracy although feedback from competitors suggest that there is room for optimism. At the end of the day, however, every 100 entries up or down will yield or lose some £9,000!
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On the catering front, as mentioned above there has recently been a return to the previous high standards and, with the appointment of a new Head Chef, there is every reason to hope for a significant improvement in the financial results compared with the last two years. This leads to the other main source of income for the Club – the subscriptions paid by members. In order to ensure that the Club is able to rebuild a surplus and operate to the high standards that members expect, the General Committee has reluctantly concluded that there needs to be an increase of £15 for individual members, with proportionate increases for other categories. The full list of changes is set out in the following section of the annual report. The longer term picture is much less clear as, at the time of writing, there are no sponsorship arrangements in place beyond the 2014 race – although negotiations are underway. An up to date financial report will be given at the AGM. Ian RigaudBarrett, Treasurer 2014 Subscriptions As indicated above, the General Committee has concluded that there needs to be an increase of £15 per person with effect from 1 January 2014, with adjustments for joint membership, age and length of continuous membership in line with the policy adopted in previous years. No changes are proposed to the subscription categories and the commitment to keep the ‘over 75’ category open until 1 January 2015 is not changed. Accordingly, the following resolution is proposed by Ian RigaudBarrett, Treasurer, and seconded by Philip Thwaites: From 1 January 2014 the annual subscription rates for all members other than those who qualify for a reduction for age, retirement status or length of continuous membership shall be:
Age 29 and over
Individual Member Joint Membership Spouse of deceased former Member (Category closed) Overseas Member Member age 26-28 inclusive Member age 18-25 inclusive Cadet age 9-17 inclusive
£205 £308 £115 £90 £80 £50 £25
Formerly £190 £285 £100 £85 £65 £35 £20
the annual subscription rates for those members who are, or have been treated as being, entitled to a State Retirement Pension with 10 years continuous membership shall be: Formerly Under age 75
Age 75 and over
Individual Member Those who qualified for 2012 Those qualifying later Joint Membership (see note below)
£125 £148 £223
£110 £133 £200
Individual Member Joint Membership (see note below)
£105 £210
£90 £180
Notes 1. Age, retirement status and length of continuous membership at 1 January in the year for which the subscription is due. Where one party to Joint Membership first qualifies for a reduction for age, retirement status or length of continuous membership on or after 1 January 2013, the joint subscription shall be calculated to reflect the age, status and length of continuous membership of each member at 1 January in the year for which the subscription is due. 2. Where a member has completed 50 years continuous membership at 1 January in any year, the member shall pay no more than 50% of the subscription for an Individual Member age 29 and over for that year. 3. No changes are proposed to the Entrance Fee, at 50% of the relevant annual subscription at the date of joining, or to the cost of Life Membership at the following multiples of the subscription for an individual aged 29 or over at the time of acceptance:
Up to and including age 59 – 25 times Age 60 to 64 inclusive – 15 times Age 65 & over – 10 times 8
Sailing Report Looking back at the 2013 season, Island Sailing Club member volunteers have given up a massive 516 volunteer days to help with the running of regattas. An amazing feat from such a small band of active members who turn out again and again to provide professional race management for all of the regattas organised by the ISC. Winter activities brought new visitors to the ISC with the running of two road shows covering the mysteries of the IRC rating system and introducing the new NHC (National Handicap for Cruisers) which is taking the place of the old Portsmouth Yardstick system. We’ve been running the NHC system in tandem during evening race series and it’s been the only handicap system in operation for the ISC Autumn series. The jury is out as to whether it becomes more widely adopted! As I write we are busy gearing up for our Nab Tower Race with nearly 60 boats entered, 20 of who race regularly using the ISC Rating System. The rest of the year has been non-stop too… This year we launched the new Monday evening Sonar sailing for our younger members (nicknamed Monday Mariners) and launch-night saw over 20 take to the water in five sonars. A number of these joined especially for the event and we are pleased it has been popular, it continues to evolve to suit the needs of those taking part, and we are happy it will start again next sailing season. A number of high profile regattas were organised by the ISC, including the IRC Small Boat Regatta, run in conjunction with the Solent IRC Owners Association, this event filled a gap in the market for the smaller IRC rated boats. Racing over a weekend with a regatta party and prize giving at the ISC, 24 boats enjoyed a mixture of windward-leeward and round the cans courses. I’m pleased to announce that the Etchells Bedrock Regatta returned to ISC in 2013. This event is a qualifier for their national championships and eight boats fought furiously in some close racing over on the Bramble Bank. th
On 17 August 2013 (a day after my 40 birthday!) we entertained 125 Old Gaffers across seven classes in their th annual Solent race. It was also their 50 anniversary and the culmination (for some) of a race / rally all the way around the UK! It was a breezy day and courses were set in the western Solent with the finish line south of Gurnard Cardinal mark, so that boats had finished racing before returning to Cowes. A fabulous prize giving was attended by over 200 Old Gaffers and the ISC was royally praised for doing a splendid job. Cowes Week as a whole is run by a number of clubs working in partnership. We are coupled to Cowes Town Regatta and the Royal Southern YC, and as triumvirate we run the racing for Thursday, Friday and Saturday; each club flying their burgee on ‘their day’. This year the organisers reported higher entry levels than 2012, and the Young Skipper Trophy was presented to Alistair Barter on the privately owned Sonar Bertie, who was overall class runner-up to Paralympic gold medallist Andy Cassell in his boat Jenny. Our own Sonars fared well with all nine boats racing in the 13 boat class. Round the Island Race is always a very special day in the ISC calendar, and provided a particularly memorable one with previous race records being blown out of the water! We were delighted that Great Britain's most successful Olympic sailor, Sir Ben Ainslie and his all-British crew aboard J.P. Morgan BAR (Ben Ainslie Racing), smashed the existing Round the Island Race multihull record, held for 12 years, by an impressive 16 minutes. Mike Slade in his 100ft ICAP Leopard was close on Sir Ben’s transom, crossing the line only 40 minutes later and striking almost 10 minutes off his own mono hull record set in 2008. Our Sonars have had a busy year too; they were all out racing on Tuesday nights for our own Evening Race Series. They are used each Thursday night for our Adult sailing sessions as well as being raced as a fleet for corporate regattas with Lloyds Register, Savills, the CCYC Paralympic Regatta, Sirmoor Sonar Regatta, our new Cowes Business Sonar Regattas and a very successful 2k Team Racing Regatta. The Blind Sailing Association continue to make bookings and use the boats throughout the winter which is a welcome source of revenue at a time when the rest of the fleet are being scrubbed, cleaned and set up ready for the next season. As I look out of the window (briefly) it’s pouring with rain and not looking inviting, so let’s get winter out of the way, and look forward to another great year on the best water in the world, The Solent. Chris Thomas, Sailing Secretary
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Evening Race Committee Report This year, without the Diamond Jubilee disruption of 2012, we returned to the traditional format with 18 races scheduled over consecutive weeks excluding Cowes Week. Of these only one was completely cancelled (lack of wind). There were individual race cancellations on two other occasions, one due to light and the other due to heavy st weather so all in all the weather was kind. Results were varied in most cases with 45% of boats having at least one 1 place during the season, proving that once again the racing is open to all. Full results can be found on the Club website. A total of 86 different yachts started during the year, 57 of which were handicap cruisers, (4 less than last year) and 29 were day boats, (3 less than last year). There were 11 new entries, mainly in Class 1, and 15 drop offs of which a high proportion were owners changing their boats. In the day boat classes there were 10 Sonars (=), 6 Flying Fifteens (+3), 6 Small Sports Boats, previously SB20s, (-3) and 7 XODs (-3). The Small Sports Boat class was introduced to provide racing for the remaining SB20s by including RS Elite and Etchells 22 on a handicap basis and we hope will attract more entries next year. The Club Sonars operated the “Shuffle” system introduced in 2012 whereby helms and crews sailed a different boat each week in rotation. This seems to be popular, but efforts are now being made to standardise the cordage on each boat to make it easier for crews to “learn the ropes!” Weekly prize givings at the ISC still remain popular but runners up often collect the prizes when winners aren’t present. Dining room hours and menus have been adjusted to meet the requirements of racers as far as possible so please continue to support the Club after racing wherever possible. Racing for cruisers was run under the performance based Tuesday Evening Handicap System based on the HALS results software, allowing any yacht to enter. There was also a tandem set of results under IRC for those with current certificates. Meanwhile the ERC has been considering adopting the new RYA handicap system which has been introduced to replace the Portsmouth Yardstick system. A parallel set of results has been run and will be evaluated with a view to its possible adoption for 2014. Under this system handicaps are adjusted after every race instead of after every 6 races as at present. The series was once again sponsored by Wight Vodka and Hempel Paints and we welcome our new sponsor Carlsberg who provided the wine for the weekly prize givings. Our thanks go to them for their valuable and continued support. rd
The Annual Bang & Go Back race was sailed on 3 September on a lovely peaceful evening with light airs and sunshine. Themes for the Fancy Dress were Badgers and the Great British Bake off with several yachts adorned by copious foliage, hardly a disguise on the water! Thanks go to our ladies from the Office, Laura and Sarah, for assisting with judging. My thanks as Chairman of the Evening Race Committee go to all its members, the additional volunteers who supplement the race box teams, to Penny Carter for her Rules Puzzles, and to our Sailing Secretary and Bosuns for their enthusiastic support which makes it all possible. The Committee will be meeting several times during the winter to address any issues raised during the summer in order to ensure that next season’s racing will be as good as it can be for as many competitors as possible. Peter Dickson, Chairman of the Evening Race Committee Cruising Fleet Cruising Fleet numbers have expanded during the 2013 season with more boats and members attending Cruising events than before, the record being 20 boats to the Hythe Event. A decision to add extra days to each event was taken at an ‘Ideas’ meeting held in October 2012 at the Club. The Cruising Fleet email list now has 54 addresses with 34 boats of all types having details registered. My thanks go to both ex Rear Commodore Paul Wells who organised a Flares & Safety Demonstration and to Peter Jackson who gave a talk on the Current Collision Regulations at the Club earlier in the year. Both events were well attended and appreciated by Cruising Fleet members. I suggest that, if possible, both events should be repeated in the off-season for the benefit of other ISC members. At yacht clubs and marinas we are frequently asked which club we represent. The ISC Cruising Fleet logoed sweaters, polo shirts, caps and fleeces we wear to promote the Island Sailing Club have proved extremely popular with most Cruising Members.
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The early season bad weather forced the cancellation of planned visits to Royal Clarence Marina and Wicor Marine; however the 24 members who had booked enjoyed lunch at The Lifeboat in East Cowes. The next visit to Yarmouth and Lymington, organised by Stephen Weekes, was much more successful with 10 boats, plus some 16 other members who arrived by road and enjoyed dinner at the Red Lion. Members accepted the invitation to free coffee at the Royal Solent YC followed by a tour of their new building extensions. An excellent lunch for more than 30 members was provided by Graham Ferris and Margie at their house in Yarmouth. Nine boats then sailed to the Dan Bran pontoon at Lymington with dinner at the Lymington Town Sailing Club and the following day visited the Beaulieu Boat Jumble. The first event in May was to Warsash Sailing Club where we were joined by the dayboat Ramblin’ Jack with (the now late) Mrs Letty Terry on board, and ISC and Warsash SC members Sylvia and Charles Twiss. We then moved on up the Hamble River to Swanwick Marina for three nights. A break then for the Round the Island Race, followed by a trip to Bembridge and Gosport with a visit to the Mary Rose. Once again the weather intervened and only two boats successfully made Bembridge but 30 members arrived at The Baywatch on the Duver Beach. Also in June a lunch was hosted for Cruising Fleet members at the house of Rosie Montero and Ian Hammonds. Only three boats made the Poole Event in July as the return forecast was very unpredictable, but the Hythe Marina Event saw 20 boats arriving for dinner at Seashells in Hythe village. Then lunch on Friday at Linda and Alan Fisher’s house which included ferrying members to and from the Marina in their cars. Unfortunately the Saturday night at Marchwood YC was cancelled due to an adverse weather forecast for the Sunday. Following Cowes Week 13 boats sailed to Chichester, via Southsea, Northney and Emsworth Marinas, for ‘Barnham’ at the Theatre and an all-day Jazz Festival at the Chichester Yacht Club with visits to Tangmere and West Dean gardens by bus. The Newtown event incorporated afternoon tea (at lunchtime) at Linda and Tony Bedell’s house; 9 boats attended in glorious weather. Two days in September at Bucklers Hard at Beaulieu unfortunately had to be cancelled due to adverse weather but a lunch at Judy and David Morgan’s house helped to ease the disappointment. The Lymington ‘Autumn Supper’ is scheduled for early October during which members will eat in groups on board the larger boats. The Final Events for the Cruising Fleet are the Laying Up Supper on 26 October and the Cruising Fleet Christmas Lunch on Friday 6 December. With the Cruising Fleet Captain becoming an elected member of the Sailing Committee my first year has been hard work, time consuming but very enjoyable and quite challenging at times and I would like to thank my wife, Pam, and Stephen and Anthea Weekes for all their hard work. Thanks also to all the Cruising Fleet members for their support and enthusiasm, particularly those members who entertained us at their houses. I am sure the Fleet will continue to be successful, especially if we get fine weather again next year. Geof Hughes, Cruising Fleet Captain Royal Wedding Trust Trustees’ Report This year the Royal Wedding Trust offered six places each Tuesday for under-18s to experience our popular evening race series by crewing the Island Water Youth Activities Centre 32ft yacht Paddiywack. All the crewing sessions were taken up. Additionally we funded three separate applications for young people with a mix of learning and physical problems to experience formal dinghy training. This support has left the fund at £1,500 and with applications pending for the 2013/14 financial year we expect to report to you next year the fund is exhausted. Mark Southwell, Trustee & Secretary
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ISLAND SAILING CLUB NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2012
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MEMBERS' INTERESTS IN FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS Members who have made loans to the Club of £1,000 or more are entitled to a discount on their membership subscription. The total discount for the year was £1,780 (2011 - £2,130). No Members were employed by the Club during the year. Where Members are contracted to provide services for the Club they are paid at hourly rates determined by the Secretary. During the year, payments were made to Mrs S Mayes for her work on the ISC yacht rating system amounting to £2,038 (2011 - £2,255). Where a member is known to have an interest in a business which provides goods or services to the Club in its day to day operations, such transactions are arranged on an arms-length basis so that the member obtains no unfair advantage. The contract for the repairs to the Club pontoon and replacement piling referred to in note 16 was awarded to J T Mackley & Co Ltd. One of the Club’s Trustees is employed by a subsidiary of this company but took no part in the price negotiations or decision making process. In each year of office each Flag Officer and the Treasurer are entitled to an allowance to cover the ticket price for Club functions attended by them and their partners to a maximum of the value of a standard single Member's subscription for that year. The total claimed during the year was £705 (2011 - £670). Members on Club business may claim reimbursement of the cost of standard class public transport and exceptional out-of-pocket expenses. Members who provide flower decorations in the Club may claim reimbursement of the cost of flowers. Food and refreshments are provided at Club meetings and for volunteers at Club regattas etc. Receptions are held each year to welcome new Members and to show appreciation to all volunteers. The total cost for the year for all the above categories was £7,628 (2011 £7,225).
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ISLAND SAILING CLUB - NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS - ACCOUNTING POLICIES Year ended 31st December 2012 The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at their market value.
Subscriptions Members who have made loans to the Club of £1,000 or more are entitled to a discount on their membership subscription. Subscriptions are shown net of the discount in the Income and Expenditure Account.
Stocks Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value as follows: Cost is the cost incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal. Bar and restaurant stock is valued by an independent stock-taker.
Depreciation Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value evenly over their useful economic life as follows: Freehold Property Boats and Launches Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment
over 100 years over 5 to 10 years over 3 to 10 years
Operating Leases Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the income and expenditure account as incurred.
Grants Grants received for the purpose of purchasing fixed assets are credited to deferred income in the period in which they are received. The grant is released to the Income and Expenditure Account over the useful economic life of the asset to which it relates.
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE ISLAND SAILING CLUB
We report on the accounts of the Club for the year ending 31st December 2012, which are set on pages 12 to 18.
Respective responsibilities of management committee and examiner As the Club's management committee you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. It is our responsibility to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiners' report Our examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Club and a comparison of the accounts prepared with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as committee members concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiners' statement In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention: 1.
Which gives us reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records have not been met or
2.
To which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Bright Brown Limited Chartered Accountants Exchange House St Cross Lane Newport Isle of Wight PO30 5BZ
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RULE CHANGES Rule 4.1 and 3.1 – The Treasurer to be designated an Executive Flag Officer For all practical purposes, the Treasurer operates as a flag officer in the daily affairs of the Club, although he is the only one who has a specific duty as defined in rule 15 (Accounts) and there are differences under the rules in the rights and responsibilities attaching to the post. To ensure that all elected officers of the General Committee have the same status, it is proposed by Rod Nicholls, Commodore, and seconded by Philip Thwaites, that rule 4.1 is amended to read: The officers of the Club shall be a Commodore, a Vice Commodore, two Rear Commodores and a Treasurer, who shall be the Executive Flag Officers, the Secretary and such other officers as may be appointed by the annual general meeting or in an emergency by the General Committee. and the words 'the Treasurer' are deleted in rule 3.1. Rule 3.9 - Election of a Cruising Captain To clarify that the Cruising Captain should be nominated and elected separate from the other 12 members of the sailing committee it is proposed by Ian RigaudBarrett, Treasurer, and seconded by Penny Carter, that Rule 3.9 is restructured as follows: All Club regattas, races or sailing matches other than those specified in rule 3.10 (evening races) shall be organised by the sailing committee, consisting of the executive flag officers, the Sailing Secretary (being an employee of the Club), a Cruising Captain elected at the annual general meeting and twelve other members elected at the annual general meeting. Rule 14.9, 14.10 & 14.11 - Chairman of Committee Meetings To require that the Sailing Committee is chaired by the executive flag officer with responsibility for sailing (‘the Sailing Flag’), whether or not a senior executive flag officer is present, it is proposed by Rod Nicholls, Commodore, and seconded by Dave Atkinson that Rules 14.9 to 14.11 are replaced with the following (14.9 and 14.12 are unchanged save for numbering): 14.9 Subject to the provisions of Rule 14.10 and 14.11 the senior executive flag officer present shall be the chair of all meetings but where no executive flag officer is present or such flag officer declines to chair the meeting the members at such meeting shall elect one of their members to be chair of the meeting. 14.10
The members of the Evening Race Committee shall elect one of their members to be chairman.
14.11 The chairman of the Sailing Committee shall be the Executive Flag Officer with responsibility for sailing but where such flag officer is not appointed or not present at any meeting the members shall elect one of their members to be chairman. 14.12 Except as provided by rule 9.6 voting at all committee meetings shall be by show of hands and resolutions shall be determined by a simple majority of votes cast by the committee members present save as otherwise provided for in these rules. In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. Rule 14.1 and 14.2 – Confirmation of meeting times To enable prospective candidates for the General Committee and the Sailing Committee to assess the potential time commitment in joining those committees, it is proposed by Rod Nicholls, Commodore, and seconded by Dave Atkinson, that rules 14.1 and 14.2 are replaced by the following: 14.1 The General Committee shall meet at 7.30pm on the last Thursday of each month or at such other time as it may decide. 14.2 The Sailing Committee shall meet at 7.30pm on the Thursday two weeks before the General Committee meeting each month or at such other time as the Sailing Committee may decide. 14.3 The Evening Race Committee shall meet as required
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Rule 4.9 and 12.8 - Accepting nominations from the floor of an AGM It is possible that vacancies on any committee may remain unfilled at the end of an Annual General Meeting. In order to permit such vacancies to be filled subsequently by the relevant committee, it is proposed by Ian RigaudBarrett, Treasurer, and seconded by Mike Thom, that in the first sentence of each of rules 4.9 and 12.8 the words ‘between two annual general meetings’ are replaced by the words ‘at or after an annual general meeting’. Rule 5.7 - Reducing the time taken to admit new members To reduce the time between prospective younger and temporary members completing their application forms and being elected as members it is proposed by Mark Wynter and seconded by Penny Carter that rule 5.7 is replaced by: The election of all classes of membership other than honorary life membership is vested in the General Committee. Election shall be (a) by a simple majority vote of the General Committee or (b) for cadet or temporary membership, by any two General Committee members not also being the proposer or seconder of a candidate provided that no other General Committee member has declined to approve the election and that no adverse comment is received between the date of posting on the Club notice board and the date of approval by the second General Committee member. Upon election, the candidate shall forthwith be entitled to the privileges of membership; Ordinary members will continue to be elected by the full General Committee and Rules 5.7.1 and 5.7.2 are unchanged. Rule 3.2 - Publication of operating procedures, policies and protocols In managing the affairs of the Club as required by rule 3.2, the General Committee operates to a variety of defined procedures, policies or protocols (such as the procurement protocol recently adopted by the General Committee) to ensure that it meets its obligation to operate in accordance with the rules and in the interests of, and benefit for, its members. To meet the objective of open and transparent management it is proposed by Ian RigaudBarrett, Treasurer, and seconded by Penny Carter that rule 3.2 is modified to become: The General Committee shall manage the affairs of the Club according to these rules and shall cause the funds of the Club to be applied solely for the objects of the Club or for a benevolent or charitable purpose nominated by a general meeting. The operating procedures, policies and protocols which are adopted by the General Committee in carrying out this responsibility shall be listed in an appendix to these rules and the full text published and made readily available to all members. Rule 3.4 - Operations conducted under delegated authority Whilst retaining the ultimate authority and responsibility for the management of the Club, the General Committee delegates much of its operations to sub-committees, individuals or, through the Secretary, to employees of the Club under rule 3.4. Delegates operate to terms and conditions determined by the General Committee and it is proposed that such conditions must, as a minimum, require the delegate to operate to at least the same standards as the General Committee itself and impose an obligation on the delegate to report on the exercise of the authority at appropriate intervals. It is proposed by Dave Atkinson and seconded by Barrie Harding that Rule 3.4 is expanded to include the following after the first sentence: As a minimum, the terms and conditions shall require the delegate to operate to the same standards as the General Committee and shall specify the reporting requirements required of the delegate. New Rule 15.4 - Disclosure of members interests in financial transactions In the Club’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2012, a note was included for the first time which disclosed any interest that members had in the Club’s financial affairs. It is proposed by Mark Wynter and seconded by Linda Bedell that this becomes a permanent requirement by the following new rule: 15.4 The accounts shall include a statement of transactions including names, amounts and role undertaken where individual members benefited from, or had a material interest in, transactions with or by the Club.
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New Rule 17 - Access to information (subsequent rules to be re-numbered) The Club endeavours to keep members informed of matters of interest and to be open in answering questions raised by members. It is now proposed by Dave Atkinson and seconded by Barrie Harding that the right of access to information is confirmed by the following new rule. 17.1 General Committee members shall be entitled to access to all information concerning the affairs of the Club provided such access is not prohibited by law. 17.2 Members shall be entitled to access to all information concerning the affairs of the Club provided such access is not prohibited by law and provided the General Committee has not decided that (a) the information is commercially sensitive or (b) disclosure might damage the interests of the Club or (c) the cost or inconvenience of providing the information is not warranted or (d) the information relates to a confidential staffing matter.
MOTIONS OF SPECIAL BUSINESS Motion of Special Business (1) – Motion regarding Privileged Yacht Club Status Motion: It is proposed by Laurence Dillamore and seconded by Paul Wells that the Annual General Meeting considers and if deemed appropriate, approves the motion that ISC should immediately formally apply to the Admiralty (First Sea Lord - Admiral Zambellas) for Privileged Yacht Club (PYC) status as part of the 2014 125 year celebrations of the Club’s founding. Further, recognising that the granting of such status can in no way be certain or guaranteed in advance, but that if it were to be successful, that the meeting also agrees to vest the authority to change or adapt any Rules or Bye-Laws needed to accommodate such privileged status in the General Committee, without the need for a mid-year EGM or awaiting the following AGM. Relevant Background Information: Following a member’s suggestion (Chris Hall) in November 2012, a letter was sent to the Admiralty by the Secretary in April 2013, making an enquiry as to the possibility of ISC being granted PYC status. Whilst no promises were made, the reply was generally considered to be ‘encouraging’. If it were deemed appropriate to proceed, the next stage would be to submit a full application, the format of which has been supplied by the Admiralty. If granted, ISC members would have the right to fly our own defaced (red –by preference) ensign, should they wish to do so – there would be no obligation. We are advised that the approval process usually takes between 3 & 4 months to complete. At their committee meeting on 14 March, it was minuted that the Sailing Committee agreed that the application should be started. The concept was personally supported by Geof Hughes. Amendment to Motion of Special Business (2) – Motion for an amendment to Rule 13.1 concerning the timing of future AGMs Preface: The purpose of the original motion is to ensure that the general membership has the opportunity to consider a more up to date financial position of the Club. Unfortunately, as formulated, one of the consequences of the motion would be to negate the purpose of the rule change in 2002 which set the current timetable. That change was made to enable members’ subscriptions to be set when peak trading results were known (see note below) because the Club does not have sufficient funds to be able to withstand exceptional adverse events without the potential for 'balancing the books' through changes in subscriptions rates. The optimum time to set those rates is October or November. The amended motion addresses both issues by allowing the AGM to continue to be held late in the year, but also ensures that members have the opportunity to review a full detailed forecast of the results of the current year at each AGM. In addition, it is proposed that the final accounts are published within four months of 31 December, together with an explanation of any material differences compared with the forecast. The final accounts will continue to be a formal agenda item for following year’s AGM. As a related matter, it is also intended that in future members will receive interim reports on the financial position of the Club, rather than needing to rely on gleaning information from the minutes of the General Committee published on the website. It is proposed by Ian RigaudBarrett, Treasurer, and seconded by Philip Thwaites that the following paragraph to be added to Rule 13.3(b) “To enable the general membership to be aware of the financial position of the Club at an AGM an up to date forecast of the results of the Club for the year in which the meeting falls shall be made available to members 23
via the Club website or email at least seven days before the meeting. Copies shall also be available for inspection at the meeting. Furthermore, the annual accounts of the Club shall similarly be made available to members immediately following approval by the General Committee and signature by the Independent Accounts Examiner or, if delayed for any reason, in draft form, within four months of the end of the financial year.” Note: The principle factors which can affect the financial results are:
Membership renewals -The number of members who do not renew their membership is not known with any certainty until the end of March. It is also helpful to know whether there is any change in the trend of new membership applications. Round the Island Race -The success of the Round the Island Race mainly depends on the number of entrants which is not known until shortly before race day. This can vary from year to year between the end of May and the beginning of July. Sponsorship - Whether sponsorship is in place for both the current and following year. Under the present arrangements, the main sponsor has been in place well in advance each year but the commitment of the potential nine partner sponsors has been less certain. The sponsorship arrangements beyond 2014 are not confirmed. Cowes Week - The impact of Cowes Week means that August is by far the busiest month of the year for the Bar and Catering operation and hence can significantly affect the contribution it provides to cover general overheads.
Motion of Special Business (2) – Motion for an amendment to Rule 13.1 concerning the timing of future AGMs Preface: In light of references in the County Press, the Commodore’s email of 2 August 2013 and the General Committee’s minutes of 25 August 2013 there appears to have been a marked deterioration in the Club’s Reserves since 31 December 2012. It is suggested that the AGM is availed of an up to date, detailed, report on the financial position of the Club as at say, 30 September 2013 and that this information should be made available in the Members’ area of the Club’s website prior to the meeting and furthermore that the following motion be proposed for the forthcoming AGM. Motion: It is proposed by Anthony Parks and seconded by Derek Rogers that the meeting approves the motion for an amendment to Rule 13.1 and that an EGM be called in March 2014 to consider and if deemed st st appropriate, approve, the accounts signed by Independent Examiners for the financial year 1 January – 31 December 2013 and that Rule 13.1 (below) be changed to facilitate future AGMs to be held no later than four calendar months after each financial period end, this change to come into effect for the 2015 AGM onwards, thus ensuring that the general membership has the opportunity to consider a more up to date financial position of the Club. Current position: 13.1 The Club shall during the month of October or November in each year hold a general meeting as its annual general meeting in addition to any other meetings in that year and shall specify the meeting as such in the notice calling it. Relevant Background Information: The current position means that at each AGM the membership is considering the financial position of the Club that is out of date. (Dec – Nov) Second Amendment to Motion of Special Business (3) – Motion to ensure the Commodore and Flag Officers of
ISC give priority to ISC Motion: It is proposed by Philip Thwaites and seconded by David Dyer that the Annual General meeting approves the recommendation that the Commodore or Flag Officers of the ISC should not, whilst in office, act as Principal Race Officer for another yacht club in Cowes (excluding JOG and Gurnard SC) which is managing a corporate regatta, race or class association event and play any part in helping that Yacht Club win an event which the ISC could organise as this would constitute a conflict of interest. At all times the Commodore and Flag Officers should whenever possible give priority to attending and supporting activities held at the ISC. Relevant Background Information: The ISC employs a Sailing Secretary to market the Club as an experienced organisation capable of attracting profitable corporate events and utilise the skills and experience of ISC members to attract and manage races and regattas of all types to help reduce the significant budget shortfall of the Sailing Section. It is morally incorrect and a conflict of interest that the Commodore or Flag Officers of the ISC should use their knowledge and experience to assist a competitive yacht club to win and run successful sailing events, thereby making it much harder for the ISC to win such an event which would be financially beneficial to the ISC. 24
First Amendment to Motion of Special Business (3) – Motion to not allow Commodore to be a race officer for a
competing yacht club excluding JOG and Gurnard Motion: It is proposed by Philip Thwaites and seconded by David Dyer that the Annual General Meeting approves the recommendation that the Commodore and/or Sailing Flag of the ISC should not, whilst in office, act as a Race Officer for any rival yacht club in Cowes (excluding JOG and Gurnard SC) or on the Island which is organising a corporate regatta, race or class association event nor play any part in helping that Yacht Club win an event which the ISC could also manage as this would constitute a conflict of interest. At all times the Commodore/Sailing Flag should act solely for benefit of the ISC. Relevant Background Information: The ISC employs a Sailing Secretary to market the Club as an experienced organisation capable of attracting profitable corporate events and utilise the skills and experience of ISC members to attract and manage races and regattas of all types to help reduce the significant budget shortfall of the Sailing Section. It is morally incorrect and a conflict of interest that the Commodore of the ISC should use his knowledge and experience to assist a competitive yacht club to win and run successful sailing events, thereby making it much harder for the ISC to win such an event which would be beneficial to the ISC. Motion of Special Business (3) – Motion to not allow Commodore to be a race officer for a competing yacht club Motion: It is proposed by Philip Thwaites and seconded by David Dyer that the Annual General Meeting approves the recommendation that the Commodore and/or Sailing Flag of the ISC should not, whilst in office, act as a Race Officer for any rival yacht club in Cowes or on the Island which is organising a corporate regatta, race or class association event nor play any part in helping that Yacht Club win an event which the ISC could also manage as this would constitute a conflict of interest. At all times the Commodore/Sailing Flag should act solely for benefit of the ISC. Relevant Background Information: The ISC employs a Sailing Secretary to market the Club as an experienced organisation capable of attracting profitable corporate events and utilise the skills and experience of ISC members to attract and manage races and regattas of all types to help reduce the significant budget shortfall of the Sailing Section. It is morally incorrect and a conflict of interest that the Commodore of the ISC should use his knowledge and experience to assist a rival yacht club to win and run successful sailing events, thereby making it much harder for the ISC to win such an event which would be financially beneficial to the ISC.
25
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE ISLAND SAILING CLUB, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT, ON SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2012 AT 1600 Present:
1.
R D Nicholls (Commodore) in the chair S Mayes (Vice Commodore) M Giraudon (Rear Commodore) I RigaudBarrett (Honorary Treasurer) L Bennett (Secretary) 104 Members signed the register
APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Mr R Aisher, Admiral, Mr B Marriott, Rear Commodore, Mr G Ball, Mr R Barker, M P Bertie, Mrs F Brothers, Mr & Mrs R de Kerbrech, Mrs S Dingwall, Mr & Mrs R Emuss, Mrs C Giraudon, Mr J Grindley, Mr J Harding, Mrs H Hawker, Mr J Hetherington, Mr F Jacobs, Mr I Lallow, Mr M Linington, Mr & Mrs M Lofts, Mrs K Marriott, Mr & Mrs W Marsden, Mrs P Moore, Mr JJ Murphy, Mr & Mrs R Nicholls, Mr P Nicholson, Dr & Mrs B Orr, Mrs S Paice, Mr & Mrs M Peskett, Mr & Mrs W G Pimlott, Mr & Mrs M Tanser, Mrs L Terry, Mr & Mrs A Truckel, Maj Gen M White, Ms G Wilkinson-Cox, Mrs S Wrigley and Mr & Mrs D Younghusband
. 2.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 12 NOVEMBER 2011 The minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2011, having previously been circulated, were adopted on a proposal by Tony Hall, seconded by John Dudley and carried nem con.
3.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES The Reports of the Committees had been printed in full within the Annual Report for 2011/2012. The Commodore felt the reports duly reflected the activities of the Club over the last year but wanted to make some additional comments. At the time of the previous AGM he had reported that work on the RNLI building had just commenced. The building work had run a little over schedule; the RNLI had to change their pile driving method, because it had caused vibrations in the Club. The works did not cause much disruption and the Commodore felt that the RNLI building fitted alongside the ISC very well. He took the opportunity to emphasise that the Club’s right of way is preserved at all times. The Queen had come to Cowes and opened the RNLI building as part of her Jubilee tours. This had been a highlight of the year for the Commodore as he had the honour, together with his wife Carol, of being introduced to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and escorting them through the Club and onto the pontoon. Because of security reasons the number of people allowed in the Club had been restricted and the Commodore was sorry that more members could not attend. He added that it was a fantastic day and the Club looked great. Some additional redecoration had been undertaken because of the visit and the High Street premises were also painted with some repair work done on the windows. The top external staircase had been replaced and there was also some extensive work to the pontoons. It had been quite an expensive time but it was hoped that the work would see the Club through for some years. The Commodore thanked Marc Giraudon, Rear Commodore, and his Establishment team for their hard work. The maintenance of the Club was a continuous battle and the Commodore hoped members would agree that the Club was looking very smart. On the sailing side it had been a very good year but with entry numbers down a little, which was also reflected at other Clubs in the Solent area. The Round the Island Race for the second year suffered with forecasted bad weather. With entry numbers down against pre-race prediction, it was still the sixth highest entry. The Club is working hard with its sponsor and race partners to make the RIR a “must do” in the yachtsman’s calendar. Tuesday evening racing is still very popular but more work is required with the Sonar fleet to bring in much needed income. The Cruising Fleet, in spite of the summer weather, still managed to run a very enjoyable season. The Commodore thanked Sonia Mayes, Vice Commodore, and the Committees and Race Officers who gave up their time to run the regattas. The House report showed that there had been a varied programme of events over the past year. Traditional events with some new ideas had all combined to successfully attract a wider audience. The Commodore thanked Brian Marriott, Rear Commodore, and his House team for their hard work. It had also been a challenging time for the Club due to the unfortunate illness of the Head Chef, Becky Bradbury, and just before Cowes Week Second Chef, Gavin Gustar. Gavin had just returned to work and the Commodore wished Becky well in her recovery. He thanked Phillip Gidley, Catering Operations Manager, and his entire team for a very successful year in the Bar and Dining Room. 26
The overall membership figure as shown in the report was 2316 at the end of 2011, which was a net decrease of 67 members and by December 2012 it will most likely be down again. The economic situation over the last few years had not helped and the last eight years had shown a gradual drop in overall membership. The reasons for resignations are analysed and it can be seen that members resign for valid reasons rather than because of anything detrimental about the Club. A question had been asked last year regarding the progress of a document proposed some years ago for an overall strategy for the Club. The idea had not been shelved and work had been undertaken recently. A lot of work had taken place over the last few years with regard to the Club’s Sailing and Round the Island Race strategies. However, this work has to be tied in with the Club’s overall strategy. There will be a members’ questionnaire so that members can have their say and share their views on the future. The Commodore thanked the Flag Officers, Committees, the Secretary, the entire Club staff, all the volunteers and members who had supported the sailing and social events throughout the year. He was looking forward to his final year as Commodore and together with the Flags and Committees would endeavour to steer the Club to another successful year. He finished by thanking his wife Carol and his family for their support over the last year. The Reports of the Committees were adopted on a proposal by Jenny Dudley, seconded by Paul Wells and carried nem con. 4.
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011 The Honorary Treasurer hoped that the Accounts, read with the Finance Report, largely spoke for themselves. There were significant unexpected events in both 2010 and 2011 which skewed comparisons at the ‘bottom line’ – a legacy of £30,000 from the Estate of Eve Woodyear in 2010 and the loss of two Sonars in 2011. He had referred at some length to the possible outturn for the current year and indicated there could be a significant deficit. He had not quoted a figure in the report as things were particularly volatile when the report was drafted, but it was now expected that the accounting deficit would be between £20,000 and £25,000. Costs between now and the end of the year, for the most part, were fixed and the main variable was whether or not the catering and bar operations performed as estimated. Apart from the double hit in the summer, with Cowes Week business being 20% down on 2011 and at the same time having to fund the cost of two additional staff in the kitchen to cover sickness, the catering and bar contribution had held up extremely well. The Honorary Treasurer said that having painted a gloomy picture for the year it was important to remember that the Club’s finances had improved over the last few years and he had every hope that 2013 would see a return to surplus. Accordingly, he still believed the Club was well placed to face the uncertainties of the immediate future. Howard Fair was pleased that the Honorary Treasurer had talked about the current year as he felt the 2011 figures were irrelevant because they were so old. Mr Fair asked whether the Honorary Treasurer could confirm that the reduction in profitability would not cause cash flow problems either this year or next. The Honorary Treasurer said that, over the last seven or eight years, the Club’s liquid position had improved by some £150,000, even after contributing over £100,000 towards the cost of obtaining the right of way to the Esplanade. Whilst there are still some loans to be repaid to members, the Club is in a position to repay them as required and still have sufficient funds to carry through the next year at least. It was proposed by Howard Fair, seconded by Mark Wynter and carried nem con that the Accounts for 2011 be adopted. The Commodore thanked the Honorary Treasurer and his Finance Sub Committee for their hard work in keeping the Club on a firm financial footing.
5.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES FROM 1 JANUARY 2013 All the resolutions (shown in italics below) are each proposed by Ian RigaudBarrett, Honorary Treasurer, and seconded by Paul Wells. The Honorary Treasurer said successive General Committees have had concerns over the ‘fairness’ of the way that membership subscriptions had evolved and this year the proposed changes would alter the balance of how the burden of subscriptions fall on different categories of membership. The principles behind the changes had been summarised at the bottom of page 5 of the Report and Accounts. The only point the Honorary Treasurer wanted to emphasise was that no member would be asked to accept an increase of more than £10 this year, but some would see the reduction for age and service being reduced or deferred as compared to those who had benefitted in the past. Any member who had previously benefited from such a 27
reduction would not be affected. Because the changes were important, it had been felt appropriate to present them as individual resolutions rather than one ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ package. 5.1
The first resolution was for the majority of members, i.e. those not affected by discounts for age and service. It proposed an increase of £5 or £10 for individuals, as listed, and £15 for Joint membership. From 1 January 2013 the annual subscriptions for all members other than those who qualify for a reduction of age, retirement status or length of continuous membership shall be: Age 29 and over
Individual Member Joint Membership Spouse of deceased former member (category closed) Overseas Member Member age 26-28 inclusive Member age 18-25 inclusive Cadet age 9-17 inclusive
£190 £285 £100 £85 £65 £35 £20
The first resolution was carried nem con. 5.2
The second resolution was the most significant change and brought the percentage reduction applied for individual members, on becoming entitled to State Retirement Pension and having 10 years’ service, into line with the percentage applied for joint members: From 1 January 2013 the annual subscription for an Individual Member under age 75 who is entitled to a State Retirement Pension and has completed 10 years continuous membership, but who has not benefited from a reduction for age, retirement status or length of continuous membership in 2012 or earlier, shall be £133. The second resolution was carried nem con.
5.3
The third resolution affected joint members where one of them becomes entitled to State Retirement Pension and having completed 10 years’ service, but the other not. Half of the reduction would have effect at that point and the full reduction would have effect in the year when both qualify: Where one party to Joint Membership first qualifies for a retirement status and service reduction on or after 1 January 2013, the joint subscription shall be calculated to reflect the age, status and length of continuous service of each member at 1 January in the year for which the subscription is due. The third resolution was carried nem con.
5.4
The fourth resolution was similar to the first and simply proposed increases of £10 or £15 as indicated for those who qualify for retirement and age reduction. From 1 January 2013 the annual subscriptions for those members who are, or are treated as being, entitled to a State Retirement Pension with 10 years continuous membership, but who do not fall in any other category shall be: Under age 75 Age 75 and over
Individual Member Joint Membership Individual Member Joint Membership
£100 £200 £90 £185 *
* Post Meeting Note: Charged at £180 for administrative convenience The fourth resolution was carried nem con. 5.5
The fifth resolution proposed a cap on the amount payable by those who had completed 50 years’ service – for 2013 the cap would be £95. The main purpose was to recognise long service when achieved before reaching state pension age. There would be limited benefit to others – the amount of which would depend on the member’s subscription category. Details would be advised along with individual renewal notices. Where a member has completed 50 years continuous membership at 1 January in any year, the member shall be credited with any excess of the relevant Individual Member subscription (or share of a Joint Membership subscription) over 50% of the subscription for an Individual Member age 29 and over for that year. 28
The fifth resolution was carried. No changes were proposed to the Entrance Fee, at 50% of the relevant annual subscription at the date of joining, or to the cost of Life Membership at the following multiples of the subscription for an individual aged 29 or over at the time of acceptance. 6.
Up to and including age 59 – 25 times Age 60 to 64 inclusive – 15 times Age 65 & over – 10 times
CHANGES TO CLUB RULES Rule 3.9: Sonia Mayes, Vice Commodore, explained that this rule change was to recognise the Cruising Fleet and the valuable support they gave the Club. In the past the Cruising Fleet captain had been co-opted to the Sailing Committee but without a full vote. This change brings the captain into the Sailing Committee with full voting rights and to recognise the important position that the Cruising Fleet has within the Club. Roger Lashmar said that the rule refers to “regattas, races or sailing matches” but does not include the word cruising. The Commodore said that was because the Sailing Committee would not be organising the cruising. Mr Lashmar asked why this change was taking place and he was told that the General Committee and Sailing Committee were specifically asked by the Cruising Fleet for this rule change. Their request had been considered and was supported. In response to a question by John Hibberd it was confirmed that the Cruising th Fleet captain had put in a nomination for Sailing Committee and would become the 13 member of that committee. John Hibberd said the captain would therefore be elected at the AGM and could be turned down in the event of a ballot. This rule change was proposed by Sonia Mayes, Vice Commodore, seconded by Tony Taylor and carried with 2 against and 4 abstentions. It was proposed by Ian RigaudBarrett, Honorary Treasurer and seconded by Marc Giraudon, Rear Commodore that the rule changes listed in full in the 2011/2012 Report and Accounts were amended as shown. The resolutions were taken individually and were all carried nem con. The rules in question were Rules 5.1.1 and 5.1.3; Rule 6.5; Rules 5.8 and 6.8; Rule 15 Accounts and Rule 13.3(e).
7.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS Under the provision of Rule 4.6 the nominations for Commodore (Rodney Nicholls), Vice Commodore (Sonia Mayes), Rear Commodores (Marc Giraudon and Brian Marriott) and Honorary Treasurer (Ian RigaudBarrett) were declared elected as nominated.
8.
ELECTION OF COMMITTEES General Committee The Commodore thanked those members of the General Committee who were standing down this year, namely Amy Duncan, Alan Gentry, Carole Hickmott and Tony Taylor. The Commodore also acknowledged and thanked the retiring members of the Sailing Committee (“SC”) and Evening Race Committee (“ERC”), namely Dave Atkinson (SC), Richard Palmer (SC) Miles Oldershaw (ERC), Willie Sanderson (ERC) and Tod Taylor (SC). In some cases they had served for many years. There were four vacancies for General Committee and under the provision of Rule 4.6 the nominations were declared elected. They are Penny Carter, Laurence Dillamore, Barrie Harding and Charles Tuffin. Helen Lashmar asked why a short biography on each of the candidates had not been included within the Annual Report. It was explained that biographies are usually distributed at the meeting if there is a ballot. [Post Meeting Note: When new Flag Officers are being elected, a short biography is included on each candidate within the Report and Accounts.] Sailing Committee The 13 nominees for the Sailing Committee were declared elected under the provisions of Rule 12.5. They are Alasdair Boden, John Bourn, Penny Carter, Peter Dickson, Neil Duncan, Mike Hill, Geof Hughes, Rod Moody, Michael Peskett, Denis Steele, Ed Suckling, Tony Taylor and Paul Wells. Evening Race Committee 17 nominations had been received for the Evening Race Committee, with 16 vacancies. Since the Report and Accounts had gone to print, Willie Sanderson had withdrawn his nomination. He had told the 29
Commodore that if he had known there was going to be a ballot he would not have put his name forward as he believed committee positions should go to younger people. Therefore, the remaining 16 nominees for the Evening Race Committee were declared elected under the provisions of Rule 12.5. They are Grenville Ball, David Barker, Peter Dickson, Amy Duncan, Neil Duncan, Lynn Hall, Tony Hall, Brian Hedley, Geof Hughes, Paddy Margham, Robert Nicholls, Richard Palmer, Michael Peskett, Derek Rogers, Tony Taylor and John Terry. 9.
CONVERSION OF HONORARY MEMBERS TO HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
9.1
It was proposed by Paul Wells and seconded by Brian Marriott, Rear Commodore, that Mr Ben Ainslie’s Honorary Membership be converted to Honorary Life Membership. This was carried with one abstention.
9.2
It was proposed by Marc Giraudon, Rear Commodore, and seconded by Tony Taylor that Sir Robin KnoxJohnston’s Honorary Membership be converted to Honorary Life Membership. This was carried nem con.
10.
ELECTION OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS OF THE ACCOUNTS On a proposal by Ada Leigh, seconded by Tony Hall and all in favour it was accepted that Bright Brown should be appointed as the Club’s Accountants.
11.
APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OTHER YACHTING ASSOCIATIONS The meeting approved the appointment of the following representatives to other yachting associations: To the SCRA, Chris Thomas – Sailing Secretary; to Cowes Clubs and Classes Association, Chris Thomas, Sailing Secretary, and Sonia Mayes, Vice Commodore; to Cowes Combined Clubs Ltd, Rodney Nicholls, Commodore, and Sonia Mayes, Vice Commodore; to Cowes Week Ltd, Rodney Nicholls, Commodore, as a Director. The Commodore said that his time as a Director of Cowes Week Ltd was about to come to an end and he had been told by Stuart Quarrie that the clubs associated with CCC have been split into pairs and one club from each pairing will have the Directorship for two years followed by the other club for the next two years. The club with the Directorship can either propose their own person or the two clubs can decide between themselves.
12.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS Penny Carter said she had recently tried to gain access to the Club through the RNLI gate, but it had been locked; it had been possible to exit through the gate. The Commodore thought this was simply an oversight as the gate is opened every day first thing in the morning. The gate will be locked if the RNLI is in the process of being called out, but there should be a rope in place to stop people walking out in front of the lifeboat. Roger Lashmar asked if the permanent right of way was just through the RNLI or did it also include the alleyway. The Commodore confirmed that the alleyway had always been a permanent right of way. Rosemary Joy asked why the winter reciprocal arrangements with other sailing clubs had been withdrawn. The Commodore reminded people that the arrangements were not with other Cowes clubs, but other clubs around the Island. The Committee believed the Club’s rule of welcoming visiting yachtsmen covered the situation and rather than limiting the other clubs to the winter, they would be welcome in the summer as well. Additionally, over the last few years, some of the clubs had not offered reciprocity. The Commodore had been made aware of a problem with one club in particular, as some ISC members raced in this club’s winter series. As far as the Commodore was concerned, if a person raced with another club then you automatically had access to that club for that regatta. The decision to discontinue the reciprocal arrangements had not been taken lightly, but the arrangements had been abused by people who continued to visit the ISC very regularly but refused to take up membership.
13.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING Saturday 9 November 2013.
The meeting finished at 4.55pm. …………………………………………………. Signed
………………………………………….. Date 30
