International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association Europe
(IDNIYRA-Europe)
Minutes and Decisions of National Secretaries
Kiel, Germany 14 – 16 April 2000
Present: The EUROPEAN COMMODORE - Bart Reedijk
The EUROPEAN VICE COMMODORE - Hans Adolfsson
National Secretaries from:
AUSTRIA – Herbert Horman
DENMARK - Jorgen Holsoe
GERMANY - Rainer Hinrichsen
HUNGARY – Gustav Koltay
THE NETHERLANDS - Johan Tolsma
POLAND - Stan Macur
SWEDEN - Thomas Karlsson
UNITED KINGDOM - Chris Williams (European Secretary)
Technical Representative – Hungary – Gabor Czernussi
Technical Committee – Harald Stuertz
Apologies: apologies for absence were received from Estonia, Finland, Czech Republic, Italy, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, USA and Technical Committee member Daan Schutte
Proxy Votes: Sweden for Finland Austria for Italy
LITHUANIA was not invited. Her membership fee had not been paid for several years and a given deadline to pay had produced no response. LITHUANIA is placed in the INACTIVE state.
Topic 1
Rainer Hinrichsen welcomed all present to the Kiel Yacht Club which has been in existence for 130 years. The Commodore then opened the meeting by welcoming those present; in particular the two representatives from Hungary.
Topic 2 Minutes of last European Secretaries’ Meeting in Waxholm 1999
These were agreed as issued and Chris and Jenny Williams were congratulated and thanked for the quality and accuracy of the Minutes.
Topic 3 Applications for Membership in IDNIYRA-Europe by Hungary and Norway
Hungary (M) and Norway (N) were unanimously elected and welcomed for membership in IDNIYRA-Europe.
Topic 4 Review of Season 1999-2000
In addition to the Commodore’s review, he made the following additional points at the meeting
(a) Racing marks must be safe and protected by small lightweight pylons (no unprotected steel beams)Review Season 1999/2000
The 1999 Waxholm Nat.Secr. meeting called for a basket full of items to be discussed and agreed upon by our IDNIYRA-North America iceboating friends, during their Spring meeting (analogue to our Nat.Secr. meeting) planned May 15-16 ’99 in Detroit. As reported the minutes of their previous year’s meeting in toledo reached me only in October ’98, so little room was left for discussion and evaluation of that meeting’s results.
The Detroit meeting proved to be fruitful. A great many topics were discussed and considered to be turned into proposals for ballot by their annual general meeting. All together a time consuming process.
Regretfully the minutes of this meeting reached me on an even later date (6 Dec.) delaying follow up reports in Europe.
In Nov. a heated dispute arose about the validity date of various changes in the specifications. Fortunately a compromise was reached before the actual iceboating season started.
Meanwhile a formula had to be made to distribute a max. of 200 entries for the WC/EC 2000 over the various countries. The Nat.Secr. meeting agreed that the Swedish Nat.Secr. and the Euro-Commodore should solve this puzzle. As well over 200 entry forms were received; the system came into effect with surprisingly few negative comments. (Mostly aimed at the allotment of min. 4 start places to each country. My reasoning was: 1. The "small" countries need encouragement. 2. Entries from one country usually travel in groups to reduce travel costs. 3. IDNIYRA, by tradition, highly value social contacts amongst all its members, so all IDNIYRA-countries should be amply represented.)
The organisation of the WC/EC 2000 by IDNIYRA-Sweden saved us a diversion problem. Sweden was the only country where we could expect suitable iceboating conditions. Although a few sites were available, lake Hjalmaren, north west of Katrineholm was the, justified, first choice. Ample accommodation, parking/camper facilities, restaurant, regatta headquarters and an ice floor that withstood the beating of a few days hard wind and high temperature.
Some no-shows enabled the Race Committee to accommodate five late entries. After the opening- and flag-raising ceremony on Sunday afternoon the darkening sky was anxiously watched, the weather forecast promising strong wind and high temperature.
WC: Monday – overcast SW/ 8-10 m/s +3C water on clear ice. 2½ km race course. Very fast sailing with some spectacular spins.
Tuesday: no racing due high wind. Wednesday: overcast W/ 8-10 m/s +3C ice mostly dry. 4 races in Gold-, 2 races in each Silver- Bronze and Aluminum Fleets concluded the WC-2000. In the evening a copious buffet was followed by the prize giving ceremony, where Karol Jablonski was crowned the new world champion.
EC: Thursday – clear skies, NNW/ 7-9 m/s 00C 2cm powdery snow, later blown into small snow dunes.
Friday – clear sky NNW/ 7-8 m/s, later decreasing to 4 m/s, frozen snowridges up to 6 cm (plate runners).
After the usual teething problems the Race Committee got momentum. Although occasionally the starting line and Marks had to be re-aligned due to changing wind direction and some cracks and drain holes had to be marked (whilst the iceboaters were pampered with hot coffee and sausages) the Fleets were started in quick succession (secret: 2 different scoring teams) resulting in a record 28 races in 2 days (all Fleets 7 races).
Friday afternoon: Prizegiving ceremony in open air. Bernd Zeiger was the (close) winner of the European Championship with 16 points. Thomas Karlsson 2nd with also 16 points.
Relieved we could look back on two well-run regattas, with some material damage but fortunately no severe injuries.
On behalf of IDNIYA-Europe and all entries I wish to thank IDNIYRA-Sweden and to congratulate them with this WC/EC-2000 organisation.
This will be my last "review of the season". During the Nat.Secr. meeting I will step down as IDNIYA-Europe Commodore. It was an interesting period with lots of work and lots of new friends. The knowledge that IDNIYRA may benefit from our effort made it worthwhile.
Especially improvement of safety, i.e. O-track race course (can you imagine the WC having been raced on an 8-course?), dolly Marks, rotating lights, bigger sail windows, fleet size reduction to 50 boats etc. is paying off.
A small miracle, giving me great satisfaction, is that during my term in the last 6 years we have been able to sail the planned big Regattas, always the focal point in the iceboating season. This in spite of sometimes very discouraging weather conditions and –forecasts, making site selection a calculated gamble.
Still, a lot of work is waiting. Financially IDNIYRA-Europe regained its footing. With 2 more nations (Hungaria and Norway) joining our ranks IDNIYRA-Europe numbers almost 2300 members, a sign that DN-ice boating is very much alive and growing.
Rest me to thank my co-workers, Vice-Commodore Hans Adolfsson and Secretary Chris Williams, for their support and the many hours they devoted to our class.
See you on the ice,
(Signed) BART
H-148
Topic 5 Matters arising from the 1998 Minutes not covered by this Agenda
(a) Topic 4(a) Trophy Holders List
A list of trophy holders was not issued with the regatta invitation for the 2000 Worlds & Europeans. Germany (as the host nation) undertook to ensure this was done for 2001. A reminder will be sent to all 2000 trophy holders (copy to National Secretary) in December 2000. The Commodore expressed dissatisfaction at the poor state of many trophies on return from the holders.
ACTION: Germany
Secretary & Trophy Holders
(b) Topic 4(b) National Membership Lists
The Secretary reported that many National Membership lists were still not reaching him by 1st August and those that did, were not all in sail number order. He requested that National Secretaries try to meet the submission date in 2000. ACTION: National Secretaries
(c) Topic 6(a)(iv) Boat Damage Assessors
Unrealistic damage claims continue to be made and it was agreed that a team of Boat Damage Assessors should be established for major IDNIYRA-Europe regattas. This would start with the Europeans in 2001. ACTION: Germany
(d) Topic 11 Junior Championships
Stan Macur was congratulated for all the hard work he had put into organising and encouraging Junior ice sailing regattas. The subsidy of DM.20 per entry agreed at the 1999 meeting had yet to be paid It was noted from the entry lists for these regattas that most Juniors came from the Baltic States, Poland and Russia and the events were usually held in these countries. The Commodore expressed concern that this was not of benefit to the whole of IDNIYRA-Europe and asked all national Secretaries to encourage Junior ice sailors. The Championship site should be easier to reach by West European entries. It was agreed that a subsidy of DM.20 per entry (max. DM.1000) should be paid for the 2001 major Junior European regatta. ACTION: National Secretaries & Treasurers
Topic 6 Financial Report
The Treasurer briefed the Financial Report [a copy is attached to these Minutes]. The Accounts were "audited" by two members of the meeting and accepted as correct. Stan Macur presented the financial report of the Youth Championship 2000 (39 entries on Lake Sniardwy, Poland, 25–27 February 2000) subsidy DM.780.
Topic 7 Internet communication by IDNIYRA-Europe
A comprehensive and very instructional brief on the IDNIYRA-Europe portal website www.icesailing.org was provided on line by Dietmar Gotke. All nations were encouraged to develop their web pages and assist members to make greater use of this global facility for information exchange. Dietmar was thanked for his great efforts in establishing such an excellent facility, which would do much to raise awareness of ice sailing and the DN.
ACTION: All Nations for web pages
Topic 8 Letters to the Board
These had been received from Germany and Russia and were discussed under other Agenda items.
Topic 9 Insurance
The Secretary’s approach to SLE concerning the excess payable had resulted in a reduction from £250 to £100.
Considerable discussion took place concerning the mandatory use of SLE for major IDNIYRA-Europe regattas. It had been effective in the Worlds and Europeans but some opposition remained. Significant opposition remained in Austria, Germany and The Netherlands although it was agreed that it should remain mandatory for entry to the Europeans and Ec 20001. The proposal to make SLE insurance mandatory for all IDNIYRA-Europe sailors was discussed but no decision taken.
Claim forms were needed and the Secretary undertook to obtain enough copies for all National Secretaries. In order to assess the quality of the SLE policy it was decided to maintain a record of SLE IDNIYRA-Europe claims and their results (Secretary/Commodore). It was agreed that the full policy schedule should be on the website (Commodore).
This issue of C4 (Aarema)’s two collisions and subsequent insurance problems was discussed and the Commodore undertook to write to the Estonian National Secretary.
action: Commodore & Secretary
Topic 10 IDNIYRA-NA Spring Meeting, Detroit, may 1999
The Commodore reported on his attendance at this meeting and regretted that the Minutes had been issued so late. He reported completion of all his actions from the ’99 European Secs. Meeting. It was agreed that no attempt would yet be made to make the use of fluorescent colours (port & starboard) mandatory. The relationship between the NIA and IDNIYRA-Europe was discussed at length, as was the role of the EIA. A single IA was considered desirable but there remained some differences over race rules and specifically course marker configurations and their justification. The commodore undertook to write to the NIA. The role of the EIA and its membership would be re-examined following the outcome of that correspondence. action: Commodore
Topic 11 Year Book and Runner Tracks
Disappointment was expressed at the lack of a Year Book for 2000 yet and the lateness of Runner Tracks publication. It was agreed that Runner Tracks could be published on the DN website and probably save considerable costs. The incoming NA Secretary should be asked to consider this (Commodore to Action). The format of the Year Book was questioned by several members and it was agreed to obtain the costs for producing and mailing the Year Book in its present form before examining alternative, possibly less costly formats.
action: Commodore & Secretary
Topic 12 Constitution and By Laws
The Commodore was thanked for his comprehensive draft covering the IDNIYRA-Europe Constitution and By Laws. This together with the relevant points and issues raised in the letters to the Board from Germany and russia would be incorporated in the continuing work on those areas by the Secretary and Commodore. It was hoped to have a full draft ready for circulation before the start of the next sailing season. ACTION: Commodore & Secretary
Topic 13 Racing Rules Adjustment
The Commodore reported that all his actions on this subject from Topic 12 at the last meeting had been completed. After lengthy discussion it was agreed that maximum entry for a major regatta should remain at 200, and that the allocated places per country should remain at 4 (this would allow for the non- or lapsed ranked sailor to acquire ranking points) with remaining places according to the World ranking list and not the Hondt system. Germany declared that there was unlikely to be sufficient ice for 200 sailors and this could severely constrain the venue for the EC 2001. It was agreed that a maximum of 50 boats per race would mean up to 62 in the mini-qualifiers. Since this has been the case for several years without difficulty, it would be accepted.
It was felt that a survey or analysis of protest committee results would provide valuable lessons. A Topic covering this should be on the Agenda for 2001. ACTION: Germany & Secretary
Topic 14 Technical Committee
The Secretary reported all actions undertaken at the previous meeting had been completed.
Harald Stuertz stated that all the 1999 ballots that passed were now in force. He presented a package of 12 proposals from IDNIYRA-NA which were for discussion at the NA Annual meeting and publication as proposals in the next edition of Runner Tracks. An analysis of the proposals showed the following:
Proposals 2 and 4 to 12 inclusive are new and should go forward to ballot after further discussion/amendment.
Proposal 3 failed in the 1999 ballot and in accordance with ARTICLE VIII of the Specification Management System (Year Book, page 52) it may not be resubmitted for one year i.e. 2001.
Proposal 1 passed in the 1999 ballot and now this attempts to reverse the decision. A lengthy discussion concerning ARTICLE VIII (see above) and its application to a Passed ballot concluded that it is implicit that the one-year resubmission rule applies to Failed and Passed ballot in the interests of rule stability. The Commodore undertook to inform IDNIYRA-NA of this conclusion and it was agreed that the wording of ARTICLE VIII required amendment.
Daan Schutte provided two proposals for discussion. With some amendments it was agreed that these should go forward for ballot.
Russia’s proposal to restrict specification changes to every 4 to 5 years was discussed and it was considered to be too much time between changes. Harald Stuertz undertook to discuss this proposal with the Technical Committee.
Harald Stuertz expressed some concern that the Technical committee chairman always seemed to be from IDNIYRA-NA. He proposed that consideration should be given to the Chair being from the continent hosting the Worlds (like the World Commodore). The meeting asked that this be discussed amongst the Technical committee members.
The Commodore thanked Harald for his valuable contribution to the meeting and the work undertaken by him and the Technical Committee members during and between the ice sailing seasons.
Topic 15 Winter Olympics participation
the Secretary reported all actions on this from the last meeting were completed. In response to the Commodore’s criticism of the performance of ISAF, the Secretary pointed out that ISAF could do little at this stage until there was much greater awareness of Ice Sailing and the DN. He reported that the
status of affiliate Member ensured retaining control of the specification, racing rules and constitution. The very high level of media presence at Fiskeboda for the Worlds and Europeans had done a great deal to raise awareness of the DN with the public and with the internet this would be worldwide.
The Secretary reported his awareness of some opposition to Winter Olympic participation within the class, and before proceeding further sought a consensus of support. The majority view was to continue with the campaign but restrict the investment (Affiliate fee only) for the moment. It was agreed that copyright on DN regatta films should be checked for potential income to IDNIYRA.
action: Commodore & Secretary
Topic 16 Candidates for WC/EC 2002 and EC/E Cup 2003
Poland’s offer to host the WC/EC 2002 was gratefully accepted
EC/E Cup 2003 It was agreed that the options of Latvia and Hungary should be researched.
Topic 17 Host for National Secretaries Meeting 2001
Offers from Austria and Switzerland to host the 2001 meeting were considered and discussed. It was decided to accept the Austrian offer and to meet in Salzburg 27/28/29 April 2001.
action: austria
Topic 17a Europeans 2001 and Juniors
Subject to the date of the Worlds in NA being decided it was agreed to go for Week 5 for the Europeans 2001with the opening ceremony on 28 January and completion 3 February. Germany would host and undertook to provide a budget projection with estimated entry fees to the Secretary, Treasurer and Commodore by end of May 2000. SLE Insurance would be mandatory.
Stan Macur announced that the Junior Championships for 2001 were planned to be held in Riga (Latvia) in Week 11 or 12, 2001. As Lithuania now had inactive status no Juniors from Lithuania would be allowed entry in the Junior Championship. [Post-meeting note: Worlds 2001 (Gold Cup) will be held Sunday February 18 through Saturday February 24, 2001. The Central Region (Michigan) is the host region.] action: Germany & stan Macur
Topic 18 Election of IDNIYRA-Europe Board
The Commodore opened the discussion with a summary of highlights and achievements over his 6 years in office. These included a new financial contribution system for IDNIYRA-Europe (thanks to Andreas Muller-Hartburg), collective insurance (SLE) policy, the adoption of the Dolly marks and the abolition of the Figure 8 course. This had resulted in increased racing safety and less collisions.
All agreed that his long hours of hard work, much travel (particularly trans-Atlantic), and careful negotiations had produced a better organisation in Europe and a more cohesive world-wide association.
Commodore: Hans Adolfsson was elected by acclamation. Hans then assumed the chair of the meeting and expressed his appreciation of Bart Reedijk’s achievements during his time as Commodore. He relished the challenge ahead and considered he had an excellent base from which to go forward.
Board Members: The Commodore expressed his view that the IDNIYRA-Europe Executive Board should include an active top sailor in addition to its present members. This was discussed and agreed by the meeting. He also wished to pass the role of Treasurer to the new Vice Commodore.
Vice Commodore: The Secretary reported receipt of only 3 mail vote forms (Switzerland, Russia and Finland). It was agreed that since all National Secretaries had had the opportunity to mail vote, only those returned by mail and those present at the meeting would count and no proxy votes would be allowed. Rob Schutte was elected Vice Commodore and Treasurer. (Schutte 5, Zeiger 3, Macur 3).
Secretary: Chris Williams was reelected by acclamation.
Active Top Sailor: It was agreed that the two active top sailors who had stood for the Vice Commodore position should be the candidates for this position. The vote was a tie: Macur 4, Zeiger 4 and the Commodore’s casting vote elected Stan Macur as the Active Top Sailor.
The Board is now: Commodore Hans Adolfsson (S)
Vice Commodore/Treasurer Rob Schutte (H)
Active Top Sailor: Stan Macur (P)
Secretary: Chris Williams (K)
Topic 19 Any Other Business
Worlds 2000 Report
Sweden presented the Financial report resulting from the WC/EC 2000. [This is also attached to these Minutes] The surplus represented approx. 5% over all. The organisers of the WC/EC 2000 used part of the entry fees (SKR.40,000) to have a PR video made of this event, aiming at a positive financial return to IDNIYRA-Europe via sale of this video to the media. [Note: Post-meeting information revealed that neither the EuroCommodore nor the IDNIYRA Secretary was informed about either PR video film, or media contacts deal; nor were copies of contracts produced showing rights and duties of the various parties involved.] Sweden and the Secretary undertook to clarify the position and the potential for revenue which it was agreed should be paid to the IDNIYRA-Europe Treasurer for investment and benefit of IDNIYRA-Europe. ACTION: Sweden & Secretary
Germany
a. Requested that sailors involved in major regatta organisations should be able to postpone their ranking points for one year. It was considered that the 4 allocated places per nation would take care of this need and the request was not agreed.
b. In response to a request it was agreed that a short meeting of National Secretaries should be arranged on an opportunity basis during major IDNIYRA-Europe regattas. This should be arranged via the organising Committee.
Austria suggested a "Classic DN" event with limits on mast material and runner numbers in order to reduce DN racing costs. It was agreed that this could be done on a National basis.
North America Spring Meeting 2000 Bart’s offer to attend was gratefully accepted.
The Commodore presented a farewell gift to Bart Reedijk and again thanked him for all his time and hard work in office, and for the excellent organisation he himself had now inherited. He wished Bart very well in retirement and many years of ice sailing to come. The meeting strongly endorsed the Commodore’s remarks.
The Commodore thanked Rainer Hinrichsen for the excellent arrangements and facilities provided for a successful meeting and week-end and wished him well after several successful years as the German National Secretary.