INTERNATIONAL X99 CLASS BOARD MEETING
Earls Court, London
8 January 2000
Present:
Andrew McIrvine (United Kingdom) (Chairman & Secretary)
Niels Jeppesen (X-Yachts)
Per Helgesson (Sweden)
Juergen Klinghardt (Germany (North))
Rob van Roekel (The Netherlands)
Mike Brand (United Kingdom)
Thomas Kier (Denmark)
1. Apologies received from Jens Kjaeresgaard (Denmark -Thomas Kier represented him), Philip Duss (Switzerland), Dan Wright (Norway).
2. Minutes of last meeting (Oct 1998) were approved and signed
3. Class Measurement Certificate - 2 options were discussed having been previously circulated by Per Helgesson. The longer version was approved and various amendments were made. The first page consists of a declaration by yard, owner and measurer. There are then 3 sections. Form A is the old weight certificate with some minor amendments, (since the meeting re-circulated by Juergen Klinghardt). This and the first page are mandatory. Parts B & C are optional checklists mainly for the use of measurers as International and National events.
4. Class rules - proposed changes 4 i Genoa windows This was discussed at length in view of the sails seen at Marstrand where the majority of the luff of the sail was made of transparent material. It is very difficult to word a rule to allow or exclude a window in view of the transparent sail-cloths now available with a scrim which are allowable by our existing rule. More transparent area also has safety implications reducing the 'blind spot' which may be of advantage to prevent collision, but also allows more crew to stay on the weather rail. These sails may be more expensive and have a shorter life. The legality of the sails had been put to the international Jury in Marstrand who judged them to be legal under our existing rule (11.1 ). The decision of the Board was to leave the rule unchanged and therefore allow these sails with large 'window' areas.
ii Genoa cars. Switzerland had requested a further vote and ruling on allowing the use of genoa cars which are adjustable under load, and to permit ball-bearing genoa cars. There were not enough members there with votes available but since then a majority have voted in favour for both these points - only Denmark and N Germany have voted against - therefore Rule 17.1 is reworded as follows:
sentences 5 and 6 were;
'Genoa cars must be pin-stop type and systems to adjust cars or sheeting positions under load are prohibited. It is not permitted to drill extra holes in the genoa track'.
These are deleted and will now read:
Systems to adjust genoa cars or sheeting positions under load are permitted. Ball-bearing genoa cars are permitted.
i. Genoa sailcloth Two boats in the Netherlands are to test genoas with a Kevlar scrim for this season. The results will be reported back and this issue will be discussed again at the next meeting.
ii. Mainsail reef The possibility of removing the requirement for a second reef will be voted on next year.
iii. Loose-footed mainsail All except X-Yachts have voted to agree to allow loose-footed mainsails.
Rule 11.14: Delete the sentence 'Loose-footed mainsails are not permitted'
5. Future possible Rule changes
i. Tension and deflection of the lower lifeline. This one rule had caused the most difficulty at the Worlds in Marstrand and it was suggested that it should be changed. However we have adopted the ORC/RORC standard used in IMS,IRC and IRM rules. We will vote on this next year.
ii Proportional representation. Should countries with more boats get more votes on the International Board. N Germany will prepare a fair proposal to be decided on at the next meeting.
5. Admission of new National Associations
Norway and Estonia admitted (conditional on payment of subscription). N Germany will agree only in case of setting up a fair regulation according to the above item 5.ii.
6. International Class finances and administration
We are in credit, our only expenses are an annual ISAF subscription and meeting expenses
7. Worlds in Ramsgate UK, 2000
A report and Notice of Race on this was circulated by Mike Brand and discussed.
9. Worlds Copenhagen, Denmark, 2001
A brochure for this was circulated. The only potential problem is lack of accommodation and facilities at Skovshoved if we get as many boats as at Marstrand.
10. Future Worlds venues.
This was discussed and has since been finalised for the next 4 years
2001 Skovhoved, Denmark 2002 The Netherlands 2003 Norway 2004 Switzerland/ S Germany 2005 N Germany
11. Election of Class Officers, New Secretary - still required - AJM will continue until the Worlds
12. Report from X-Yachts plans for future production and pricing. No changes planned
13. Press reports
It has proved very difficult to get reports on X99 events into the International (English language) yachting press - despite the size and success of the Worlds. Both JK and AJM have approached editors directly.
14. Any other business A one-design IMS certificate for the X-99 has been agreed in Germany and the Netherlands
15. Next meeting - to be arranged ? In Hamburg at Boat Show in Oct 2000
Rule changes for 2000
Rule 11.14: Delete the sentence 'Loose-footed mainsails are not permitted'
Rule 17.1 is reworded as follows:
sentences 5 and 6 were;
'Genoa cars must be pin-stop type and systems to adjust cars or sheeting positions under load are prohibited. It is not permitted to drill extra holes in the genoa track'.
These are deleted and will now read:
Systems to adjust genoa cars or sheeting positions under load are permitted. Ball-bearing genoa cars are permitted.
March 2000
Andrew McIrvine