Mumm 30 North American Class Association

Informal Owner's Meeting Minutes

May 8, 1999

Annapolis, MD

In the absence of Class President Dave Irish, Vice President Ed Collins opened the meeting at 7:40 a.m. with a brief summary of the North American Class structure and activities. The Class was granted ISAF status, a class constitution was drafted and approved, and the North American Executive Committee (ExCom) officers were elected. A transition to an owner-administered class was supposed to happen then, but it didn't. Issues regarding class administration and fund allocation were discussed at length at the 1998 Worlds in Hilton Head. The ExCom has been working since then, in conjunction with the European Class, to reconcile accounts, and plan the structure and future direction of the class.

Class Treasurer Fred Sherratt gave the class budget reconciliation. He said that there has been a misperception from some class members about the Mumm money. Farr International gave the ExCom a full report on the Mumm funds collected. Sherratt reviewed the Mumm page in the agenda, pointing out that the initial $50,000 went to the investor group who financed the tooling and startup costs of the boat. $15,000 went directly into advertising. Champagne Mumm’s fiscal year end is June 30. Farr International received $10,000 for the 95/96 fiscal year to administer the class, and $25,000 annually for the 96/97 and 97/98 fiscal years. The contract was not renewed by Mumm for 98/99, but will be signed for 99/00, and while the funds will be paid June 30, it has been agreed that these funds will apply to the Mumm 30 1999 calendar year. In summary, Mumm will have missed six months for 1999, however, Farr International has agreed to absorb those six months ($12,500) administrative costs.

Ed Collins added that there was a recent World Council meeting in Paris, at the offices of Champagne Mumm. The new sponsorship contract was agreed on, for $50,000/year renewable annually for administration. $20,000 will go to the North American Association, $20,000 for the European Association, and $10,000 for the World Council. Champagne Mumm have stated their intention to renew the class sponsorship annually. The class is all right financially as long as Mumm support continues.

Collins reviewed the sponsorship funds that have been secured by Farr International from non-Mumm sources on behalf of the class, which have kept event expenses lower for the Mumm 30 Association. $61,000 was brought in in 1997/1998, and $13,000 has been secured for 1999 to date. Funds are shared amongst the One Design Classes for parties, PR, and regatta costs. He added that there is a sentiment that the button fees are too low, compared to other ISAF classes which charge $50-75 per button. In order to raise more revenue for the class, the ExCom is considering raising the button fee, but will probably recommend leaving the Association fees at the present level for next year, providing that Champagne Mumm renews their sponsorship agreement.

Collins explained that the Class has a new arrangement with Farr International (FI). The ExCom will hire FI for 1999 to handle the administrative side of the Class, for US $25,000 ($20,000 from Mumm and $5,000 from the Association). FI was the best option presented to the class, due to their fundraising ability, economy and efficiency. The Europeans have hired Carole Abbott from the RORC Rating Office as Class Secretary to administer their Association. The World Council has agreed to hire FI to administer the World Council. Geoff Stagg added that all the constitutions need to be rewritten to reflect the new Class structure, with the North American and European Regional Classes being equally represented at the World Council.

A new Owner/Driver rule was proposed by the Europeans at the World Council meeting. It would grandfather existing Group 2 and Group 3 owners and adopt parts of the Farr 40 Owner/amatuer driver rule to make the Class Rule stricter. An overview of the draft rule is included in the agenda, and Dave Irish has been working on the supporting documentation. The helmsman rule requires international class cooperation, and has to pass by a super majority of 75% of the members of the world class who vote in person or by proxy. A rough outline of the rule and supporting documentation should be ready soon. It will be presented to the world class, and then to ISAF, if ratified by the Mumm 30 Class. Fred Sherratt noted that there is an ISAF mechanism to change the Class Rule between their Annual General Meetings every November. Emergency rule changes go to the Offshore One Design Committee of ISAF for review, and then to the ISAF ExCom for approval. The changes may be effective when approved by the ISAF ExCom.

Geoff Stagg explained that the Europeans were afraid that the current rule would allow professional sailors to get in as helmsmen for the Worlds. The tightening of the rule is intended to keep pros and collegiate ringers out of the class. Stagg also said that the Europeans proposed three Group 3 crew on board, instead of two Group 3 and one Group 2. The Mumm 30 Management Group vetoed that proposal, as the intent of the rules is to keep it an amateur class.

Stagg gave a summary of the Paris meetings. He said it was all positive - Mumm will sign the sponsorship rights agreement after their attorneys look it over, for $50,000 for administration of the Mumm 30 Class in Europe and North America and the World in 1999. They also agreed to contribute money for the Worlds. They will not be able to supply champagne this year due to a production shortage, and the millennium demands, but will give other prizes.

Ed Collins gave a report on the 2000 worlds. The Class was invited to have a combined world championship with the Farr 40s in 2000, but the ExCom felt that it would diminish attention for the Mumm 30 class. He strongly recommended the 2000 Worlds to be in Miami in November, with the Storm Trysail Club as race committee. This option fulfills most of the attached criteria for a world championship venue. FI will promote the event heavily to get more US boats to the event. Nick Malakis asked about weather effects from hurricane season, but it was determined that it is past the season.

The floor was opened for any other business. Nelson Stephenson said that the Class should try and get more people interested in the boat and class at a local level, to encourage them to buy boats. Mike Lathrope said that three more boats were sold into the Chicago area from seeing the class participate in the Verve Cup, which is on the national circuit. Collins added that FI will be responsible for getting more people to sail in the national events, which have been the strength of the class and give the class high exposure. Bodo von der Wense asked what boats were available for sale if more people are interested in buying - only brokerage, or new? Fred Sherratt said that Carroll Marine will build more boats with a five order minimum. The next available new hull from Ovington Boats in the UK is in August. Stagg added that McConaghy Boats in Australia may buy the moulds from McDell in New Zealand. The Management Group looked at building boats in Canada, but that deal fell through. There has been lots of activity behind the scenes to promote the boat and sell more, the management group has not been idle.

The new website is up and running, thanks to Barry Allardice and Ed Collins, and Scott Collinson has been doing a great job on the e.newsletter. Sandy Killian from FI can update the website, so please send in newsworthy items for the site, and use the owner's forum to communicate.

Nelson Stephenson added that there were five boats for Block Island, and it would be good to get a couple more. Collins said that USA 48 was available for charter. The Annapolis fleet also needs to designate a Chesapeake Bay event for the East Coast Championship to finalize that schedule.

Renee Mehl said that the Class had not designated a Circuit event for the North American Championship. The ExCom suggested the Lewmar Cup, since there would be a lot of boats, and time to publicize the event. The owners present at the meeting agreed that Lewmar should be the North American Championship.

Fred Sherratt said that the class owed Dave Irish and Geoff Stagg a vote of thanks for taking time out of their very busy spring season to go to the World Council meeting in Paris to represent Class interests.

Ed Collins closed the meeting at 8:20 a.m.