This years J/30 Directors meeting at Cedar Point, Direct any questions to Dennis Bartley

The following are issues I know of to take up at the board meeting this week:

• Elect a new president
  • The current one isn't doing a great job. Time for fresh blood. Charlie Stoddard is one candidate. John McArthur/Carl Sherter is another alternative.
• Schedule for NAs
  • Gulf Coast would very much like to sponsor the NAs as soon as 2004 if possible. At the moment, the schedule looks like:
    • 2003- Annapolis
    • 2004 - Barrington
• Changes to class rules
  • Weight Limit
    • The current rule is relatively easy to administer, but perhaps has holes in which a pretty good sized truck can be driven through. Should we go back to 1400 lbs? An even lower weight?
    • Should the class define how the weighing is performed? Everybody once at the beginning of the regatta? Spot checks during the regatta? Weigh the crew of the top 3 boats at the end? Or should we leave it up to the discretion of the event organizer?
• how is a fleet added
  • A request for adding a fleet came up this summer. It turns out the by laws have no process for adding a fleet, just the minimum requirements (3 boats, a captain, a measurer).
• equipment changes - I'm sure Larry has had to deal with a whole list of questions over the last year.
  • Define acceptable winches
  • Changing standing rigging tensions while racing. This is prohibited by several other one design classes (J/24, Tartan 10), but not explicitly mentioned in the J/30 rules
  • Define in the class rules the required safety equipment for class racing?
  • Allow a line on the mast with additional blocks and cleats to control the inboard end of the spinnaker pole?
  • Here I (Dennis Bartley) add the text Larry has written for several of these changes:
    • PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE J30 NATIONAL CLASS RULES 6.7 CREW LIMIT DELETE ALL EXISTING TEXT
      • Replace with: The maximum crew weight (in swimming apparel) for one design racing is 1400 pounds with no limit on number of crew. If the sailing instructions require a weigh-in prior to the start of a regatta a boat complying with the weight restrictions at weigh-in shall not otherwise be subject to a weigh-in during or after the regatta, except for weighing substitute crew. The crew limit may be waived or modified by local fleets or event organizers for any event other than the North American Championships or the Mid- Winter Championships.
    • 6.4 SAFETY GEAR AND EQUIPMENT DELETE ALL EXISITNG TEXT
      • Replace with: In addition to safety equipment required by Coast Guard and local regulations, the following equipment shall be carried onboard for one design racing
        • Permanently installed navigation lights in working order
        • Fixed non-electric compass
        • Fog horn
        • Two water resistant flashlights
        • Two fire extinguishers of type and capacity required by local and Coast Guard regulations
        • PFD for each member of the crew
        • One throw-able lifesaving device within reach of the helmsman
        • Equipment capable of disconnecting or severing the standing rigging
        • First Aid Kit and manual
        • Five soft wood plugs of size to fit each below waterline through hull fitting
        • One permanently fitted manual bilge pump operable from the cockpit with all hatches, lockers and companionways closed. If handle is removable, it shall be tethered to prevent loss
        • Two rigid buckets with lanyards having a minimum capacity of two gallons each
        • One anchor and rode (further description required)
        • Radar reflector (with minimum diameter of 8-10”)
        • Depth sounder (or lead line)
        • Radio receiver capable of receiving weather bulletins
        • Safety harnesses for at least 50% of crew
        • Distress signals meeting USCG requirements
        • Heaving line (minimum 50’ length) within reach of the helmsman
        • For local and national events the notice of race and sailing instructions may require additional safety equipment.
    • 5.9 Running Rigging
      • Add the following: 5.9.1.8 Addition of two single blocks and cleats on the mast for the sole purpose of controlling the vertical position of the inboard end of the spinnaker pole.