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AUSTRALIAN FINN ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Held Sandringham Yacht Club 14 / 1 / 2005

Present John Shallvey, Josh Beaver, William Wild, Michael & Alan Dicker
Apologies Jake Gunther
The association apologies to those for the date and time changes but the sailing program meant a few late nights.

1/ a revisit of the previous year meeting was read and accepted

2/ The Presidents report listed electronically in Dec 2004 was opened for discussion
a. Explanation of some of those points was given and it was felt generally that this was acceptable.
b. Time was taken especially on the points of articles in promotion of the Finn class & Anthony Nossiter, also the Olympic equipment for 2008 lobby and aspects of our submissions to High Performance unit re talent identification
c. For the purpose of interested parties the Gold Cup 2005 was covered and to the best current knowledge situations explained.
d. Some frustration was noted at the lack of response to those discussion points but felt there was some benefits in a “virtual” AGM

3/ a thank you to William Wild for his excellent work on the web site and despite our affiliation with Yachting Australia have not taken their offer of hosting due to costs
The best use of that site was discussed and all agreed that information is important so content from any / all interested party is encouraged.

4/ Whilst the President has already publicly and personally thanked Mr D G Lewis for his efforts on Finnfriends with a gift from the Association it is done so again in these minutes. The President will contact Graham for a brief article with writer’s credits for forwarding to different media etc. first note printed in current Aust Sailing

5/ A lengthy discussion took place on W Wilds submission on the Sub fleets comment from others was also tabled. It was agreed without objection that this must happen and after some very slight “massaging” Wills submission will be re tabled and excepted / adopted.
The web site will be used to look for expressions of interest from Sailors for the next titles. John Shallvey will contact Graham Lewis to use his Finnfriends network to further amplify to sailors that their boat may now be “competitive” within its category
B/ How it be done still remains unsure but there is no doubt that many of our better quality boats have been sold and gone out of circulation. How as an association we can do this needs to be explored .

6/ Next National Title the President explained that there needs to be considered the wishes of the Federation in co-operation with the class. Josh Beaver supported this with explanation of how Coaching and other resource are allocated.
It is also understood that many of our number compete with other classes or overseas commitments in the middle months of any year
It is understood that whilst it may be good in the pre Olympic years to have 3 regattas in a month [Sail B, SIRS, and Sail M] domestically it is required some space over the season. Different options were discussed and M Dicker will report back on Options at clubs in his area.
The notion of a “piggy back” with other Olympic classes was discussed and had merit especially with the Tornado unfortunately not possible this year. The Star was also sounded out with no interest from the Stars as they run NO reggattas
John Shallvey will talk to his contact within the Flying Dutchman fleet as it was agreed that whilst not Olympic the FD sailors were of a high level, similar age and a “bit of fun”
Expressions of interest are now encouraged for our next Nationals.

7/ John Shallvey gave an update on Moscow 2005 and web site International site available.

8/ It was felt important that we have representation in Sydney and to that end; Josh Beaver was elected to a Secretary position for the Australian class. Especially to deal with issues within Yachting Australia and the High Performance Unit
[a] Josh raised also valid points that rather racing style weekends we explore more “training camp” events with the view to attract more people and access then to YA coaches

9/ it will be attempted to establish a Technical Forum via our web site and a similar submission as raised by John Shallvey will be taken to the IFA

10/ the subs for the next year will remain at $80 and as the Finn sailing year is from Jan to Dec subs for the 2005 year are now currently due