First District Meeting Notes

July 13, 2002

Cedar Point Yacht Club

District Secretary: Stephen Braverman

Assistant District Secretary: Ted Lavery

Big thanks to the many of you who attended and participated at the First District Meeting, especially after another long, tiring day of racing on Long Island Sound.

We had some lively and productive discussions after a feast put on by Cedar Point Yacht Club, and a video of the Star Class, shown by David Bolles on CPYC’s new Large Screen TV.

Trophies

There has been a major concern about trophy damage. Trophies getting shipped, or returned in the less-than-pristine condition in which they were awarded.

Suggestions:

· Under no circumstance shall trophies be shipped.

· David Bolles proposed to earmark $$$ for trophy maintenance fund. Gary MacDonald recalled that the $5 per active boat-owning member contribution to the District Fund, started several years ago was created for this purpose. District officers will investigate, and perhaps put together a plan and/or a budget for maintaining trophies.

· It was suggested that trophies stay at the winners club. This was rejected because some clubs do not have facilities, and winners felt that they wanted to show off trophies to those who might not see them at their host club.

· It was suggested that we have winners sign for trophies. Pictures should be taken of the trophy, and recipients shall be responsible for damages upon return. This will be reviewed, and action may be taken.

2003 Schedule:

· Districts in Rockport, same weekend in July.

· Multi-class regatta, perhaps the last weekend in July.

o This will be a huge promotional event.

o Excellent opportunity to show off the Star and the Star Class to huge audience.

o Will be fun event, and chance to interact with each other and our friends from other classes.

o Will try to revive prestigious historic First District trophy.

o Will try to get additional support from District 2 and District 12 hotshots.

o Trying for a two-day event, near other District 1 members so housing will be available.

o Courses will probably be shorter/different than standard Star Class courses, and will be on same racecourse as similar size & speed one-designs. Great for needed exposure, and competitive racing.

o Need at least 15-20 boats to have major impact (less than 10 boats will have negative impact)

· Collegiate Pine Trophy will be run in the First District Again.

· Suggestions to have Junior trophy as an event, separate from the District Championship. Either the Monday following the Districts, perhaps in Conjunction with BH Skipper’s choice regatta, or another time.

· Suggestion was made to revive older Star Class events such as Captain’s Island Race, or Larchmont Race Week. This will be reviewed.

2004 Districts: Hosted by Huntington Bay (HB). They are hoping to return to Seawanhaka YC, the host of the 1998 District Champs.

District Entries

There were concerns about late and complete District Entries. Tallying, verifying entries, and preparing to host the Districts are a burden for the organizers, the District Secretary and the Star Class. Complete entries make this task much easier (Please re-read STCR 28.2)

· Many competitors would like to be able to show up to the event, register the first day of the event, and race like you can for other District 1 Star Class events.

· Many changes were proposed, but because this is a Blue-Star event, I’m resistant to stray from STCR. However, Here’s what we’ve decided on.

o Completed Entries must be mailed, faxed, or electronically submitted to regatta organizer 7 days in advance, as per STCR 28.2.

o Fleet officers will verify eligibility (signatures) for electronically submitted forms.

o There is precedent at previous Blue, Silver and Gold Star events to allow new crews to become Star Class members at the regatta site. This is a great way to get new members, and will be allowed at future District Events.

· Suggestion was made that entry fee may be prohibitive for junior sailors. Perhaps we can allow juniors free, or reduced entry to District Championship, and other events to encourage participation… This will be reviewed.

Sail Measurement

Several of us have had multiple discussions of sail measurement on the District Level in the last few weeks. People are split. Some think it’s a necessity because people get new sails all the time, and others think it’s a real nuisance.

At this Championship, we measured sails which had no previous measurement stamp. All measured in, although some were very close.

Although, I don’t think this has to be done every year, I think we need to continue to have sail measurement at the District Level to help maintain the integrity of the One-Design class.

Resolutions

Although everyone was too tired to discuss the resolutions, your vote is very important. Fleet Secretaries, please make sure to get fleet votes and deliver to the annual meeting at the worlds. We are voting on whether the resolution will be on the ballot in the fall.

I am planning on attending, and am willing to be a proxy for your votes.

Conclusion

Again, I thank everyone for your suggestions and feedback. This is your Class, and your District.

As your District Secretary I will continue to have a focus of preserving the traditions of the Star Class and the First District, while trying to gain more exposure, and get others equally as excited about our sport and our class.

Stephen Braverman

Star Class First District Secretary

sbraverman@starclass.org