Minutes of the 2010 RS:X Class Annual General Meeting held at the Kerteminde Sailing Club, Denmark on September 1st from 1700hrs > 2030hrs.

1. Present:

Executive Committee		Votes
Mike Dempsey (Chair)	President	1
Piotr Hlavaty	Senior Vice President	1
Emmanuel Messiaen	Neil Pryde Representative	-
Ilker Bayinder	Chr of Technical Committee	1
Joao Rodrigues	Men’s Fleet Delegate	1
Olga Maslivets	Women’s Fleet Delegate	1
Rory Ramsden	COO	1
Sebastian Edmonds	Chief Measurer (Co-opted)	-
Anna Graczyk-Stankiewicz	Asistant Class Secretary	-
2. Apologies
Martin Aldridge	Treasurer
Rich Jeffries	Honorary Member
Aaron Botzer	Honorary Member
Rene Appel	Coaches Delegate

3. Present

	Delegate	Vote		Delegate	Vote
AUS	Time Gourlay	1	ISR	Gal Friedman	1
BUL	Kamen Filyov	1	ITA	Marco Rossi	1
CZE	Petr Kucera	1	MEX	Adrien Gaillard	1
DEN	Jochum Brenninkmeijer	1	NED	Aaron McIntosh	1
ESP	Xavier Serrano	1	POL	Pawel Kowalski	1
EST	Andrus Poksi	1	POR	Joao Rodrigues	1
FRA	Pascal Chaullet	1	UKR	Olga Maslivets	1
GBR	Barrie Edgington	1	TPE	Alex Mowday	1
GER	Diedric Bakker	1

4. Minutes of the last meeting
4.01 The minutes of the 2009 were noted. A question was raised regarding the minutes and the decisions made regarding the location of the 2012 World Championships, where the minutes noted that these had been deferred to the ExCom. Zac Paslivary noted that he had sent an email to Rory to highlight the potential conflict in the minutes as he had thought it was the decision to cast an email vote on the location following the 2009 AGM.
Rory confirmed that a contract had been signed with Cadiz and that all other bids had been withdrawn after they had been informed that the bid had been given to Cadiz.
Barrie Edgington suggested that to ensure that due process had been followed, all potential bids should be re-visited to keep the reputation of the class intact and allow for any further bids for the next Olympic cycle.
Rory suggested that the class re-affirm their decision to hold the 2012 World Championships in Cadiz – voted on by the majority of the membership in favour.
Following this, the minutes were then approved.
• An extension of the meeting was held on Thursday 2nd September to further discuss this item. See item below.

5. Reports
a) President’s Report
The President was pleased to report that the class was in a very positive position both financially and with regards to the future.
Mike Dempsey went on to report a decision made at the class Executive meeting that morning which looked at restructuring the administration of the class and noted that Anna Graczyk-Stankiewicz had been appointed on a part time one year contract as Assistant Class Secretary to take some of the pressure off the COO. This move would leave Rory with more time to look at the development and media aspects of the class, more of which would be covered in other reports later on in the meeting.
Mike went on to note that following the 2009 AGM, Bas Edmonds has been asked to take over as the Chief Measurer for the class which had already increased the professionalism of the class in the technical areas. Mike commented that all of the changes were designed to improve the standing of the class.
b) Financial Report
The financial report was given by Mike Dempsey on behalf of Mike Aldridge and were received by the class. A comment was noted that these were difficult to find on the internet and as such the membership had not had enough time to consider these. Rory commented that the reports were all posted on the class Official Notice Board on the class website. Nico Huguet suggested that for future AGM’s that all submissions should be presented on a screen for all of the membership to view, which was agreed.
Mike noted that the cash account for the class had increased from £49,000 y/e 31st July 2009 to £60,000 y/e 31st July 2010.
Rory went on to express the view of the ExCom that it considered that this was too great an amount and that the class should be self-liquidating and that it should look to invest this back into the class with regards to development. Rory also noted that the ExCom approved a reserve amount of £30,000 which was considered enough to cover the running costs of the class for a year.
c) Continental Representatives
South America: A positive year for the class in this part of the world with the BIC Techno class growing in South America with some 45 sailors registered. The concern was raised, similar to previous years, that distribution was causing an issue which was affecting the transition between BIC and the RS:X.
Oceania: Tim Gourlay reported that the class was growing in Australia with a good number of Australian and New Zealand sailors representing at these World Championships. Whilst they are all still learning to win on the RS:X, there was a few sailors based in Perth in preparations for the 2011 combined Worlds.
Asia: Alex Mowday noted that planning for the upcoming Asian Games was progressing well with 30/40 entrants expected, as well as the option of an Open class. If the Chinese could get visas, then this could increase again.
Europe: Andrus Poksi reported on Estonia’s efforts to secure an RS:X event over the next couple of years. Andrus noted that Estonia has successfully held several major events over the past years and was waiting for the opportunity to invite the RS:X.
North America: Ben Barger noted that there were 4-5 serious racers in the US, however development and a lack of equipment was slowing the growth of the class. Ben noted that the Youth Worlds were due to be held in San Francisco over July 2011.
Central America: Adrien Gaillard commented that a very positive Central America Games had been held with an RS:X class for the first time. This included sailors from the Caribbean such as JAM and BVI taking part. Adrien also incited sailors to Cozumel as an ideal winter training base for those wishing a warmer climate for their winter sailing.
d) Manufacturers Representative’s Report (see Appendix 2 for more)
Mike Dempsey introduced Emmanuel Messiaen to give the Neil Pryde presentation, as the replacement for David Mead.
Manu noted that 2010 had been a positive year for the RS:X brand with 8 different events being supported directly by Neil Pryde as well as a successful internal audit being carried out by Bas Edmonds of all of the equipment carried out during May 2010.
Manu went on to report that Neil Pryde had put forward a 7.6% price increase to ISAF, to take effect before 1st January 2011. This was due to their suppliers increasing their prices to Neil Pryde and was seen as a simple extension of the global financial situation.
For full details of the report, please see the .pdf posted with these minutes
e) Youth Development
Piotr Hlavaty raised concerns over the development of the Youth RS:X fleet but was pleased to report that he considered a growing BIC Techno fleet would have a big positive impact on the RS:X youth fleets.
Piotr went on to note that his club had very successfully held the Youth Europeans in Sopot, Poland which had an entry of over 100 sailors.
Diedrik noted that Kiel Woche was the only Sailing World Cup event to host an open 8.5 division which he considered to be a great opportunity for youth sailors to train.

6. Election of Vice President
It was noted that both Piotr Hlavaty and Zhou Changcheng had stood again and were unopposed. Mike was pleased to report that both had been re-elected as Vice Presidents of the RS:X class.

7. Submissions

#	Detail	by	Accept/ Reject
	JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL WINDSURFING ASSOCIATION
1	“That the RS:X Class shall join the IWA under the terms agreed by the RS:X Executive Committee” Reason ISAF Windsurfing Classes should work together to promote the sport both through joint youth and junior championships as well a through joint training initiatives	GER 2nd ARG	Accept
	TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET
2	“That the RS:X Executive be empowered to establish an annual ‘training and development budget’ to support the Reach-4-The-Top Training project” Reason One of the key outcomes of the ISAF Olympic Commission Report is that the sport must do more to encourage new countries to develop sailing. The RS:X Class cannot do this unless some of its revenues are diverted into staging training camps. These could be run before continental and youth championships.	GER 2nd BUL	Accept
	CHANGES TO THE RS:X CLASS RULES
3	Amend rule C6.2(a) to read as follows The weight of the hull including the complete mast track, gasket assembly, centreboard and sideplates and air ventilation screw, but excluding the centreboard cover and the foot straps, shall not be less than 17.20 kg. Reason CR D.3 lists all of the items that are considered under the definition of hull. The exclusions are for clarity only.	BUL 2nd GBR	Accept
4	Amend rule C.5.1 to read as follows Advertising as chosen by the crew is permitted, as restricted by ISAF Regulation 20 – Advertising Reason (http://www.sailing.org/documents/isaf-regulations.php) To reflect the changes in the ISAF Regulations and to remove reference to Category C.	GBR 2nd POR	Accept
5	Amend rule C.3.2(a)(i) to read as follows Personal Buoyancy which may be prescribed as mandatory in the Sailing Instructions. If prescribed, the personal buoyancy shall conform to the minimum standard of ISO 12402-5 (Level 50N). Additional standards may be prescribed in the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions. Reason The current test for personal floatation devices is arbitrary and with an ISO standard that covers all testing and minimum standards for floatation, construction and materials, the RSX class rules should not try to duplicate this. The rule allows additional requirements for local bye-laws etc which may also come in force.	NED 2nd ARG	Accept
6	Delete C9.2b [Sail identification/Division identification] RSX WOMEN – Red Diamond Reason No need to use red diamond for identification of Women’s Division as RSX Women sails are different then Men’s.	Olga 2nd Joao	Accept
7	Amend rule D1.3(a) to read as follows The hull shall carry a manufacturer’s serial number either displayed just aft of the rear centreplane footstrap mounting plates or displayed on the hull centreline just in front of the mast track. Existing Wording The hull shall carry a manufacturers serial number displayed just aft of the rear centreplane footstrap mounting plates. Reason Neil Pryde have amended where the serial number is displayed on the hull and the change reflects this.	Joao 2nd TPE	Accept
8	Amend rule C.6.3(g) to read as follows Add this sentence at then end …existing screw holes that are not used may be filled to ensure the sealing of the hull Existing Wording The centerboard trailing edge protector and associated screw may be replaced………and any two screws using any existing skrew holes.	ARG 2nd BUL	Accept
9	Add new rule C6.3(k) Where a repair has been carried out to the fin box or the local area around the fin box on the bottom of the board, the board shall not be eligible for use at Class World or European Championships for Divisions A or B. Reason It has been noted that some boards have had a fin box ripped out and repaired. Whilst the damage and repair may be entirely genuine, that area of the board is considered critical to the performance of the board. A measurer would not be able to tell through accurate measurement if the board has been altered to affect the performance and therefore the doubt should be removed by not allowing the board to be used at the highest levels of the class competition. This rule does not affect any other regattas other than senior World or European championships.	Rory 2nd BUL	Reject
10	Add new rule C.9.3(h) Battens 5 and 6 may be covered with a transparent adhesive tape. Any tape applied shall not affect the bend or performance characteristics of the batten. Reason Currently the taping of battens is prohibited. Battens 5 and 6 are given the most abuse by sailors as they are often kicked when either tacking or gybing in light airs to get the sail to rotate in the cambers. By allowing the sailors to tape the battens with a clear adhesive tape, once a batten breaks it will allow a quick removal and replacement of the battens to be carried out on the water, with minimum disruption.	Bas 2nd GER	Accept
11	Add new rule C8.2(l) Any adhesive tape may be added to the boom spar in the immediate area around the boom clamp Reason The boom clamp occasionally rotates on the boom, especially as a sailor is pumping the sail. To reduce the movement the sailors would like to be able to pack the boom spar around the boom clamp to reduce this movement.	TPE 2nd GBR	Accept
12	Add new rule C.9.3(j) Where a sail repair requires the replacement of a sail panel, or where a sail repair involves a seam and/or a batten pocket over its complete length, the sail shall not be eligible for use at Class World or European Championships for Divisions A or B. Reason Some sails have been modified where either a complete panel has been replaced or where the repair has covered the full length of a seam/batten pocket. A measurer would not be able to tell through accurate measurement if the sail has been altered to affect the performance and therefore the doubt should be removed by not allowing the board to be used at the highest levels of the class competition. This rule does not affect any other regattas other than senior World or European championships.	Joao 2nd GBR	Accept
13	Add new rule C.7.2(g) The manufacturer’s graphics printed on the appendages shall not be affected except in the case of local repairs to unintentional damage. The Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions for events other than the ISAF Sailing World Cup, World and Continental championships May amend this rule. Reason To match the same rule regarding hulls and their graphics on the underside. The rule is also important because the graphics are referenced in CR C.7.1(d) so need to remain legible. The equirement to allow the rule to be amended by NOR and SI is to allow older equipment to be used at events, particularly youth events.	GBR 2nd Joao	Accept
14	Amend rule C.7.2(e) to read as follows The fin root may be sanded or shimmed to fit the fin box. The gap between the fin root and hull may be filled and faired. Reason To permit the fin to be shimmed on the head of the fin root to allow a better fit into the fin box.	GBR 2nd Joao	Accept
15	Add new rule C.6.3(l) The ventilation screw shall be removable. Reason To prohibit the practice of bonding the ventilation screw to the hull. For clarity.	BUL 2nd GBR	Accept
16	Add new rule C.8.2(m) Additional ropes or rigging may be added to the boom spar for the storage of personal equipment or other permitted items. Reason To allow personal equipment to be tied to the boom whilst racing.	BUL 2nd Rory	Accept
17	Add new rule C.8.2 (n) In addition to the timing device listed in C.3.2(a)(iv), an additional electronic or mechanical timing device may be attached to the rig. Such timing device shall have no other functions Reason To allow the practice of having a second timing device on the rig as well as that listed in C.3.2 Personal Equipment	Joao 2nd TPE	Accept
18	Add the following to the Introduction of the Class Rules The RS:X is a one-design with a strict set of class rules, which are written to ensure that sailors go sailing instead of modifying the equipment. The RS:X Class is based on finding the most skilful sailor, and discourages those trying to find a way around the rules to give an advantage. These Class Rules promote the standard equipment as supplied by Neil Pryde and any of the limited permitted changes to the equipment are designed to ensure longevity and increase the enjoyment of sailing the board. If you feel you wish to change something on an RS:X – STOP! The chances are that it may not be permitted and is illegal. You are strongly advised to consult the chief measurer before proceeding Reason To clarify the one-design position of the class to the sailors, coaches and race officials involved in the class.	Rory 2nd Mike	Accept
19	Add new rule C.8.2 (o) Additional material added to the boom spar on top of the boom spar grip in the area immediately around the outhaul cleat as supplied by the licensed manufacturer is permitted. The material for the additional grip covered by this rule is optional. Reason The cleats used for the outhaul on the boom as supplied by Neil Pryde often slip and this rule change allows the sailors to position and grip this cleat in place using an additional material. As the material has to sit on top of the boom spar grip it can only be a removable material	Joao 2nd GBR	Accept
20	Add new rule C.6.3 (x) Additional rubber may be added to the inside of the centreboard slot. The rubber shall only be applied with glue and shall not be attached using any through hull fitting. Any additional rubber shall not touch or effect the gasket assembly. Reason This would allow sailors to add additional rubber to the inside of the centreboard slot to stop the centreboard from resting onto the gasket lips and falling down/through the lips when raised.	Joao 2nd TPE	Accept
	RS:X SUBMISSIONS TO THE ISAF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
21	The RS:X Class shall make a submission to ISAF stating: “International Juries shall treat competitors found to have broken a class rule in exactly the same way as if they had broken a rule within the RRS” Reason: In Sailing World Cup Events, it is current ISAF Policy to award points penalties to competitors found to have broken a class rule without prior warning. This devalues the competitor’s respect for class rules.	Rory 2nd Mike	Reject
22	The RS:X Class shall make a submission to ISAF stating: “Class Rule protests shall be made to a body properly qualified to make an informed decision” Reason: International Juries are not properly qualified to make decisions regarding class rules being racing rule specialists and not technical specialists conversant with the impact that modifications to equipment can make.	Olga 2nd Mike	Reject
23	The RS:X Class shall make a submission to ISAF stating: “With the demand from the media and the public for immediate decisions on rule infractions, the ISAF should conduct an in-depth study of the role and function of international juries with a view to updating their procedures and functions” Reason: Boats are sailing faster; technology is making sailing more accessible to the media and public; Racing Formats are evolving but the role and function of international juries remains unchanged for the moment	GER 2nd NED	Accept
24	The RS:X Class shall make a submission to ISAF stating: “In the light of the ISAF Olympic Commission report which highlighted the urgent need for sailing to attract more TV coverage, the ISAF, together with RS:X Class, through trials should investigate possible suitable scoring system for use at the Olympic regatta which potential sailing fans could more easily understand” Reason: The medal race is not delivering the ‘winner is the gold medalist ‘ concept and is still causing confusion. In order for the sport to develop its base of National sailing federations, it has to attract more sports fans worldwide, who may currently know nothing about sailing. We have to grab their attention and one way of doing this is to make our scoring system quick and easy to understand.	BUL 2nd Piotr	Accept
25	The following evolution of the format should be adopted and used in the Qualification events and 2012 Olympic Regatta. Races Maximum number of Races per day in displacement or marginal conditions – 2 Maximum number of Races per day in planing conditions – 3 Maximum number of races in a series – 16 Reason With the publication of the ISAF Olympic Commission report and the on-going work of the ISAF Windsurfing Committee Format Working Party, the class should respond positively by putting forward its own proposals based on the experience it has gained trialling an evolved format at its youth championships. Note: All other details of the format being currently used should remain unchanged for 2012 but further testing should take place at RS:X Youth Championships in 2011 and 2012 so that the format can take a further step forward in 2013.	GBR 2nd BUL	Accept
	FUTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS
	All decisions on future championship venues are subject to contract agreement by the LOA with the Executive Office
26	That the 2011 RS:X European Championship shall be held in Bulgaria in September	EST 2nd BUL	Accept
27	That the 2012 RS:X European Championship shall be held on Lake Garda, Italy in May.	FIV	Withdrawn
28	That the 2012 RS:X European Championship shall be held in Madeira, Portugal in May. A presentation was given by Joao prior to the AGM. At this presentation the class unanimously approved the bid and championships. Due to an error at the AGM, this was not formally voted on but a subsequent paper vote for the submission was circulated on the 4th September which approved the submission		Accept
29	That where possible future RS:X Youth World & Continental Championships should be held on the same venue as the equivalent Techno 293 Championships	ITA 2nd GBR	Accept

8. ANY OTHER BUISNESS
8.1 Bruce Kendall suggested the idea of a sail or driven test event in which new courses and formats could be tried and tested. Mike asked him to put his ideas in writing and circulate them for further consideration and discussion.
8.2 Antonio Cozzolino raised an objection to the procedures regarding the selection of the 2012 World Championships and the subsequent voting (detailed under 4.01 of these minutes). The ExCom noted the objection and requested that it was given an additional 24 hours to investigate the proceedings of the 2009 AGM and the release of its minutes to the members and that it should report its findings at an extension of the AGM meeting at the end of racing on Thursday 2nd September. This was agreed by the membership.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 2020.

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An extension of the AGM was held in Kerteminde, Denmark, on Thursday 2nd September at 1640 hrs

Mike Dempsey summarised that a mistake had been made in the minutes of the 2009 AGM, and he apologised on behalf of the class. Mike went on to note that the minutes had been posted on the RS:X Class Official Notice Board which is on the class website. These minutes had not been objected to at the time of publication and therefore the class had proceeded with its planning for the 2012 WC in Cadiz. Mike noted that a contract had been signed with the Organisers in Cadiz for this event.

It was noted that it was generally felt by the members that they did not want to go to Cadiz in February and that they had not been properly consulted in this decision. The members asked that either the dates are reviewed to later in the year or another venue be proposed by the ExCom.

Mike Dempsey stated again that a full contract had been signed with the organisers of the 2012 WC and that there were possible financial implications of breaking this. Mike agreed that he would consult with the Cadiz organisers with the possibility of moving the event to later in the year. May was discussed as a preferred date for the event. Mike agreed that he would present the outcome od this discussion, including all financial implications, to the members via direct email within three weeks. This was agreed to by the members as an adequate solution to the situation.

There being no other matters, the meeting was closed at 1730hrs.