Ajax National Association

Minutes of meeting 14^th December 2023

1) Present

Mike Clayton

GordonSutton

Jeannie and Richard Bown

Alister main

Tim Archer

2) Apologies: Kyran Hopper, Paul Scullion, Martyn Osbourne, Belinda Joslin, Derek and Hazel Mayhew, Doug sharps, Alan Cameron, John Williams.

3) Last year's minutes, all those attending happy with minutes, approval proposed by Tim Archer seconded by Richard Bown

4) Chairman’s report already circulated. No questions

5) East coast report already circulated and no questions.

6) SW report already circulated and no questions.

7) Accounts already circulated, approved. It was discussed that there was an excess of money in all the fleets and main class, so seemed pointless transferring any more for the moment. However, Mike did say that if either of the fleets need money for a new project then they should get in contact with class association treasurer to discuss further.

8) Election of officers: Gordon as chair has completed the requisite 5 years and that duty now falls to the SW. Paul scullion has sent a message saying he will be class chair and that was proposed by Jeanne Bown and seconded by Tim Archer. Paul has said he will look into treasurer and secretary for SW, however when suggested to Alister Main, EC treasurer, could he look after the role he agreed he would, this was then proposed my Mike Clayton seconded Tim Archer.

However, Paul if you find someone local to take it on, then I am sure that can be resolved at the next meeting.

9) 2024 Nationals there was a discussion on SW boats coming up this year to Royal Harwich. Mike suggested if anyone comes up a earlier than the day before we could perhaps attempt to put them in at the club for free. If being launched at Shotley we would endeavour to come down with A frame and help launch masts, thus reduces the costs significantly.

As for accommodation it was suggested if you want to Camp contact Gordon, we may get permission for a tent on the top bank of the lawn, but I would need to know, a camper van can be parked in the car park but no power, or on the MDL road where you can get power. Our is car park free but MDL charge. If needing accommodation, can I suggest you email our EC captain Geoff Mayhew or Gordon, and we will see what we can sort.

10) Rule change, some rule changes from the SW were sent to chair yesterday but too late to be considered at this meeting. The rule change ideas Gordon will send around the east coast owners, Gordon has suggested if SW want to change before the next meeting, then they would need to organise an EGM in the new year. It was also suggested that they do need to be carefully written as the rule should be and it would be prudent to then distribute that wording before the EGM. I will leave that with the SW.

11) AOB

There was a discussion about weight of spinnakers, Richard commented he will discuss further with Gavin so that we can perhaps include that next time.

It’s my last meeting, so thank you all for that honour, after 12 years of Flag officer and committee member at my own sailing club and 5 years as chair of the association I am pleased to say I am know relinquished of all my duties and back to just enjoying my own sailing. I hope to make a visit to St Mawes in 2025 if only to see all my friends I have made over the years and I hope many of you will make that effort to come to us this year.