2004 IEMA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY

GENEVA - 7 JULY 2004

Minutes of Meeting

Opening

IEMA President Fred Meyer welcomes all to the 2004 IEMA General Assembly. He invites all attendees who have not paid their dues for this year to settle these with treasurer Ken Schwenker as only paid up members have voting rights.

Fred welcomes the new members of the IEMA; Yutaka Kobayashi from Japan, this year sailing Dora.Yutaka has a classic 8-Metre under construction at Absolute Restorations in Portugal and aims to join the racing fleet in the 2005 season. Furthermore Fred welcomes Peter Ertsberger of the Gstaad Yacht Club as a friend of the class. Peter has chartered Elsinor for this years World cup.

Ellection os Season Officers

John Lammerts van Bueren proposed Ken McAlpine as member of the TC. For those who have not met Ken; he is technical director of the International America's Cup Class as well as the Int.12-Metre Class. Ken has a solid working relationship with the 8-Metre Class Measurer Guy-Roland Perrin and brings a wealth of knowledge

on scantling issues as well as class rules.TC Chairman Ralph Reimann enthusiastically seconds John's motion.

A motion from the LOEMA is received, proposing Ron Palm as the Vice President for North America.John adds that this is a matter which should be decided by our North American members,and that the European members should abstain.

Terrence Brownrigg is appointed as Chairman of the Election Committee and after deliberations the following slate was accepted:

President: Fred Meyer

Executive secretary: John Lammerts van Bueren

Treasurer: Ken Schwenker

Vice President Europe: Peter Groh

Alternate vice president Europe: Tan Raffray

Vice President North America: Ron Palm

Secretary North America: Chris Mitchelle

Technical Committee:

Chairman: Ralph Reimann

Secretary: Timo Saalasti

John Lammerts van Bueren

Measurer: Guy-Roland Perrin

Ken McAlpine

Members: David Vieira

Juliane Hempel

John thanks Ralph Reimann for his 10 year service as vice president for IEMA.Recalling that he has been

instrumental in guiding the modern Fauroux boats back to class,developing the vision for the class as well as

being a stable back bone in the association.Ralph will continue as Chairman of the TC.Ralph received an ova-

tion from the assembly.

Technical Commitee

Ralph introduces the work done by the TC in the past year. The emphasis remains the uniform interpretation and application of the class rules.With an exiting number of new builds underway the TC is often called upon

to explain class rules and their interpretations.With very bright naval architects working on designs,the TC is often challenged when class rules do not cover certain areas which appear to be against the interest of the class.Examples are the structural use of carbon fibre in the hull,tandem keels and use of 3 movable appendices.

John requests and receives a vote of confidence for the TC to make conservative rulings,which the TC perceives as being in the interest of the class.Some of these rulings will be submitted to ISAF as change or addition to the Class Rules.

John also mentions that,in cooperation with Ken McAlpine and Guy-Roland Perrin, a complete overhaul of the Class Rules will be prepared with an aim to close the loopholes that exist and incorporate what has been

learned in the final era of America's Cup 12-Metre design.The matters almost exclusively apply to new modern 8-Metre designs and modifications of existing modern boats.

New Modern boat construction

An exciting number of modern boats are on the drawing board or under construction. Adherence to scantling rules remains a concern.After consultation with ISAF the IEMA TC has asked Ken McAlpine and Guy-Roland Perrin to be available for plan approval and inspection of yachts according to the Lloyd's Rules.For the new 8-Metres designed by Garry Lidgard,Doug Peterson & Ian Howlett and Juliane Hempel this procedure is now used and to date found satisfactory.

For new builds the option to use Lloyd's,Veritas,Germanische Lloyd,ABS etc.remains open but with the current experience gained the IEMA TC strongly recommends taking the route of Ken McAlpine and Guy-Roland Perrin.

The recommended procedure is as follows:

- To send the detailed construction plans and panel weight calculations of the new 8-Metre to Ken McAlpine & Guy-Roland for their approval.

- Once approval has been received commence with building.

- A mid term building inspection is to be made to inspect construction as well as adherence to panel weights.

- A final inspection of the yacht after completion may be combined with the actual measurement to the International Rule.

The TC has received two motions from the LOEMA:

Motion (a)

Six of seven man crews

After discussion it was moved that the Vice President, North America representative be instructed to vote at the upcoming IEMA meeting that the 8-Metre rule for crew members be increased from six to seven.Moved

Dick Mitchele,seconded Bart Meuring.Carried.

Motion (b)

8.07 Issue

After discussion it was moved that: The Vice President,North America of IEMA be instructed to recommend to IEMA to adopt a rating of 8.00 (salt) effective as soon as possible.Moved Bart Meuring,seconded Ron Palm.Carried.

page 01

The 8.07 issue was discussed first.Ced Gyles explained the origins of the 8.07 when the added reinforcements in the boats added weight resulting in a lowered floatation.The reasoning we now find with modern sail fabrics and rigs is that despite the reinforcements the boats are still overloaded.It was generally agreed that cutting sailarea down to 8.00 in lieu of 8.07 will not change the overall score or significantly separate the moderns from the classics in a way different from what we see on the water today.

John feels the issue should be deferred as it concerns close to 100 measured 8-Metres.Having achieved this remarkable number his concern is that we might be pushing things to hard by asking all mainsails to be cut.

In his view the minimum time span for such a rule to become affective is the life span of a main,for instance 3 years.

Peter Groh is not in favour as he is concerned that the decrease in sailarea will devide the classic and modern 8-Metres.Chris Mitchele notes that Thisbe has always measured 8.00 and remained a competitive 8-Metre in the Lake Ontario fleet.

Jacques Fauroux proposes to add a sailfactor in the rule,similar to what is in use with the 12-Metres.

Ced Gyles emphasised that it is not all that complicated to cut a "foot of the foot" of the main and supports a straightforward rule.

Wilfried Beeck suggested the TC to look into the measurement certificates and make an inventory of the consequences with the individual boats.

Ralph explains that the affects are not dramatically and on average means reducing the foot of the main by 6"or 150mm.

John concludes the discussion with a remark that we have lived with a confusion situation whereas the modern boats 8.00 were always measured salt and the classics 8.07 salt or fresh depending on the customs of the fleet.Bottom line is that we own Int.8-Metres and not Int.8.07-Metres.

John suggests all classic 8-Metres to measure 8.00 salt no later than the centennial in 2007.Seconded by Ced Gyles and upon vote this proposal was carried unanimously.

Motion (a) LOEMA

Six vs.Seven Crew.

Since 1984 the Notice of Race has overruled the class rules allowing 7 crew in lieu of 6 on the classic 8-Metres.This allows for a mast man and easier handling.The motion from LOEMA proposes to allow 7 and amend the class rules accordingly.

Ralph supports a universal application of the rule and if the assembly would vote for 7 than is should apply to all boats.

Terence Brownrigg mentioned that the Jury had received two requests for an extra crewmember on modern boats,both under 12 years in age.For the record Terence informs the assembly that this is not a matter for the Jury to decide upon.

Ced Gyles supports the 7 crew motion as it makes the boats more family friendly for both young and old.

John opposes the motion to apply on the modern boats as the 6 crew limit poses an extra challenge making these boats more interesting to sail.Ken Schwenker agrees.

page 01

Motion Terence Brownrigg

The 6 and 7 crew have worked well for the past 21 years and that by itself indicates no reason for change.The Class Rule to be amended as follows:

CURRENT RULE 25.CREW

The maximum number of persons on board during a race shall be 6.The above is for international racing, each National Authority may make its own rules for local racing.

NEW RULE 25.CREW

For all yachts designed prior to 1960,the maximum number of persons on board during a race shall be 7.For all yachts designed after 1960 the maximum number of persons on board during a race shall be 6.

Seconded by Cedric Gyles jr.and upon vote carried unanimously to be enforced for the coming season.

Treassurer’s Report

Ken Schwenker reports that the association is financially in good shape with the balance of the US and Swiss accounts adding up to US$ 43.378,-.Anyone interested in the detailed accounts should contact Fred Meyer or Ken Schwenker.

John mentions that we don't seem to have a plan on how to allocate funds.The aim for expenditure starting 2004 is covering the cost of a winter meeting for the IEMA officers and a monthly charge for secretarial cost.

Secondly funds will be reserved for promotional activities for the class and the upcoming centennial in Scotland for which a brochure shall be made.

Ken adds that at forthcoming meetings a budget will be presented.

Fred mentions that a reserve should be in place in case a sponsor drops out.For 2004 the SNG donated Sfr 50.000.If a profit is made than the balance will go into the IEMA accounts.

Ken will produce a standard budget for championships for yacht clubs to comply to.This budget will also function as a guideline for the overall organisation.

The 2005 WC RCYC Toronto

Dan Molloy introduces the event and the RCYC. Having organised the event twice before a committed and enthusiastic team will lead the event.The dates have been set for 13-20 August 2005.A brochure for the event was handed out.Extra copies can be applied for per e-mail to Dan Molloy at: dan@introdex.com

Ced adds that Norseman came over to Geneva to show their commitment to the class and the event.Although the logistics at times felt scary it can be done and he confirmed to be happy to share experience and contacts.

Fred adds that it will be important to keep on pushing and promoting the event.At best he expected some 4 boats to come over.John confirmed that Lafayette would be shipped.Gaston indicated that Fleur would be shipped over in case she has to defend the World Cup.

Future World Cups

The followings venues have been selected and approved:

2005 World Cup Royal Canadian Yacht Club

Coppa d'Italia Flensburg,Germany

2006 World Cup Lindau,Germany

2007 World Cup Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club,Rhu,Scotland

John conveys special greetings from Lars Chr.Dahl and the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club who have made a bid for the 2008 World Cup which will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Sira Cup and the 125 anniver- sary of the KNS.

Fred mentions that we have not seen any boats from Norway at a World Cup for the past 20 years or so.John mentions that Sira is joining the fleet again and that the presence of his majesty the King of Norway will hopefully boost the local fleet again.Most certainly a World Cup in Norway will support the rebuilding of the local fleet and see a strong attendance from both Scandinavia and Germany.

It was decided to support a request to KNS to make a formal bid and proposal to be presented at the 2005 World Cup.

2006 WC. LINDAU GERMANY

Andi Lochbrunner introduces the Lindauer Segler Club as a club with a long-standing tradition with 8- Metres.Lake Constance has a fleet of 13 Eights and an active racing programme.The LSC owns the 8-Metre Bayern as a Club yacht.Andi welcomes all sailors to the waters of Lake Constance,the local fleet will do all in its power to make it an unforgettable vent for all attending.

FLENSBURG 2005

Wilfried Beeck introduces the 2005 European Championships and Coppa d'Italia.A strong team of the Flensburg Segel-Club headed by Oliver Berking will head the organisation.The tune up event will coincide with the Robbe & Berking Classic festival.The Flensbrger Fjord is a natural frontier between Germany and

Denmark and provides wonderful sailing and a great scenery.A CD introducing the event has been sent to all members.

The Vintage 8 Metres - La Coupe Cartier

John introduces the subject.The current rules for the vintage 8-Metres sailing for the Coupe Cartier have become over complicated to the point that they are often confusing for the owners.The inspections are very

time consuming and penalty decisions at time may appear to be arbitrary.With the time pressure to perform the measurement checks on all boats and on top the vintage inspections,Guy-Roland Perrin and John Lammerts van Bueren are no longer able to get the job done in the 2 days available prior to the events.

In an attempt to improve on this situation John LvB will draft new rules for the vintage boats.The new rule will be free from penalties or bonuses.This new box rule means that there will not be a time correction which will simplify the scoring.

The key items to identify vintage 8-Metres will be:

- All boats to answer to the deed of gift of the Sira Cup,PLUS:

- Wooden spars

- Dacron sails

- Traditional bronze fittings

- Use of vang and main sheet traveller system prohibited

- Main sail girth and batten length reduced

- High degree of authenticity in deck lay-out and super structures

- Winches to be bronze,self tailing winches prohibited

- Limit to J-Measurement of 4500mm

- Changes to the underwater body of the yacht prohibited

- No advertising other than the vent sponsors burgee pennant on the backstay

- Use of electronic instruments other than log and depth sounder prohibited

With the new rules will come an owner’s declaration.The draft rule is to be published before this year’s end

and finalised no later than March 2005.After the 2005 Coupe Cartier in Flensburg the new rule will be reviewed and if found satisfactory fixed for a period of 3 year.

Sira Cup

Stefan Ottjes mentions that due to the separation of Sira and Vintage boats there are just four boats competing for the Sira Cup.Lilli Toukolettou adds that she does not like the separation and that many Scandinavian boats enjoy racing together with the vintage boats.Wilfried adds that it was mainly the performance of Bona that separated the fleets.Lilli makes a clear statement that Bona sails exceedingly well and that by any rule

they deserve to win.

John concludes that the 2004 trial separating the vintage boats from the Sira Cup is not found satisfactory and will be reversed.Starting 2005 all vintage 8-Metres will again also qualify for the Sira Cup.This is indeed the only way to adhere to the Deed of Gift of the Sira Cup.

Other Business

Peter Groh makes a statement that the class should reconsider the use of Carbon and Kevlar sails.They look terrible on the classic boats and the additional cost over traditional dacron does not justify the expected life span of the sails.In addition Bona has proved that one can beat modern fabrics with traditional dacron.

John added that he could support this view for the classic boats but that it would be up to Peter to rally for support among the owners and file a motion at the general assembly.

Jacques Fauroux makes a statement that both the SNT and the SNG have opted to overrule the deed of gift and rules of the World Cup in the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions.This applies to the number of races and the length of the course.Jacques feels the organising Yacht Club should adhere to the Rules set.

Wilfried Beeck makes a statement that the procedures for application to host the 8-Metre World Cup need to be made clear in order to avoid a repeat of the situation which occurred with the proposed bid by the Kiel

Yacht Club.

Adjournment

Fred Meyer thanks all for attending and wishes all sailors a good continuation of the event.The meeting is adjourned at 11:50h.

John Lammerts van Bueren

Executive secretary IEMA