LAKE MICHIGAN SURF
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE LAKE MICHIGAN SAIL RACING FEDERATION

Volume XXIV, Number I
April 2003

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Table of Contents

Commodore's Corner
Americap II tips
Alert: Reflective Tape on Boat Hulls
Rolex Next Step Program
International Catamaran Challenge Trophy
Sailing Instructors Needed
US SAILING Appeals Committee Answers LMSRF
Appeals Committee Report
Condensed Board Meeting Minutes

This may be a little revolutionary for the head of an organization to put into print but, here it goes.

A very senior sailor told me that when I was a mere slip of a lad. I had made some disparaging remark about the race committee. The old sailor was right, participation is the key to success for any yacht club. New faces are especially important because those committees need to be renewed on a continual basis.

Most of the serious back-room stuff is now complete and those committees are looking for new members with strong backs (and weak minds?) to help out on the race committee boat or the junior regatta or even guard the beer tap on Wednesday night after the races. Or ask the crusty old Protest Chairman if she needs a volunteer for a hearing. Get involved with the group that interests you.

US SAILING and LMSRF have great programs to educate and train new people from everything from Dingy Instruction to Race Management to Judge Training to even Powerboat Training for safety boat and race committee work.. Call the LMSRF office for information when these programs are offered.

Sailing is a great sport and we all love to participate. But we all need to give a little back to the sport.

See you on the water!

John Strassman

SNAPSHOT BACKGROUND

In US SAILING’s database, there are a number of J/35 boats that have had complete hull, freeboard, and inclination measurement. It was found that while we think of J/35’s being a “one-design” that the boats in measurement trim (definition found at - http://www.ussailing.org/offshore/Americap/Meas%20Trim.pdf) weighed between 9,500 and 11,500 pounds. Similar data was found with other one-design boats. Keep this in mind as you weigh (pun intended) through the following tips.

FIRST TIP

TO YOUR BOATS RATING ADVANTAGE (HANDICAPPED BOATS ONLY)

The vast majority of the 2002 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac boats have standard hull forms in the US SAILING database. A hull form is a three-dimensional computer image of the hull shape. For those of you who are lucky to be in this group (it costs a bit of money to get a new hull shape into the computer!) we have learned that it is in your best interest to have a one or possibly two additional measurements made of your boat before the 2003 race.

To assure every one can race, a lower quality “Great Lakes AMERICAP II Certificate” has been created. What this type of certificate does is eliminates any additional measurement above the hull form that US SAILING already has. What is your rating going to be with this type of certificate? Using the J/35 example above, your certificate would automatically rate your boat using the 9,500-pound weight and you will receive a rating that says your boat speed is faster than it actually is. When you have, your boat weighed and it comes in at 11,500 pounds you will receive a rating that says your boat speed is slower than the quote-unquote sistership, giving you an accurate rating for the reality of what your boat’s weight actually is. Changes of weight can have a 9-second per mile rating advantage! Do you want to give this away?

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO GET THE FIRST TIP?

To “weigh” your boat is a simple process. Make an appointment with a “Certified Freeboard Measurer” which there are 23 of around Lake Michigan. After your boat is launched in the spring, you will need to find a quiet day, the downwind end of a finger dock, no boats running around making wavelets and a light breeze or no breeze. Most of the time you will find this measurement performed close to dawn. Your boat will need to be in measurement trim – stuff that comes off the boat; this is your job, not the measurers (checklist found at http://www.ussailing.org/offshore/Americap/Meas%20Checklist.pdf). The measurer and you will complete a Measurement Inventory Form – stuff that stays on the boat, prior to measurements being taken (http://www.ussailing.org/offshore/Americap/Meas%20Inv.pdf). The freeboard measurer will measure the height of the measurement points on the bow and stern off the water which tells the computer how much of the hull form is in the water, which calculates the “displacement,” or weight, of the boat.

The worst-case scenario for all of your efforts is that your boat could measure in at 9,500-pound example, and your effort will be fruitless and you receive the appropriate rating for your boat, which is not all bad. The best-case scenario is that your boat actually weighs more and you get the best rating possible for your boat and receive a complete full AMERICAP II Certificate.

HOW DO YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CERTIFIED FREEBOARD MEASURER

Go to http://www.ussailing.org/offshore/Americap/Freebrd_Msrs.htm. Pick and call a measurer and set up an appointment as soon as you possibly can. If you wait until the last minute, the weather can prevent a measurement of your boat and you could miss the deadline for measurement. Give yourself ample time.

SECOND TIP

TO YOUR RATING ADVANTAGE (HANDICAPPED BOATS ONLY)

US SAILING shall review each displacement measurement. If your boat weighs significantly more than the lightest sistership in the database, US SAILING will let you know immediately (one quick cell phone call with the freeboard measurements) that an incline measurement needs to be performed on your boat. Less than 5% of the fleet may need an incline measurement performed. What this test does is establish the center of gravity (with the question answered, where is all of that extra weight placed, up high, or down low?) and the stability of the boat which are important measurements for your boat’s rating, again giving your boat an advantage over the automatic conservative measurement US SAILING will assign without this measurement. If it is determined that your boat needs an inclination test after the weight test, you may elect not to have this performed; you can still get a Great Lakes AMERICAP II Certificate. We do not recommend this measurement if it is not determined to be necessary by the Offshore Director of US SAILING, Dan Nowlan.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO GET THE SECOND TIP?

What is an Incline Test? Your spinnaker pole is mounted on the deck perpendicular to your boat, the distance from the centerline is measured and weighed jugs of water are hung off the end of it and the number of degrees the boat tilts is measured. This is repeated with the pole set out the other side from the first measurement, Then back again to the original side. From this, your boat’s righting moment can be determined

Currently the special “Freeboard Measurers” are not certified to do this work. It requires hiring an AMERICAP II/IMS certified measurer. Find them here http://www.ussailing.org/offshore/measure.htm

WHAT IF YOU DO NOT OPT TO GET ANY MEASUREMENTS MADE?

By now, it should be clear that the best advice is to get these relatively simple measurements made to your boat by certified measurers. If you run out of time and can not schedule a measurement of your boat, there is the back-up system in place of acquiring what is called a “Great Lakes AMERICAP II Certificate.” Though it will include the lightest weight for your boat, which will be a disadvantage to you before you even cross the starting line.

THIRD TIP

ONE-DESIGN FLEETS ONLY

A few classes are certified under AMERICAP II as One-Design classes (Farr40OD and Tartan 10).  What this means is that the quality of manufacturing has been proven through measurements of a statistical sampling of random hulls within the class that their weight came out equal (within an acceptable tolerance). If your boat is certified under AMERICAP II as a One-Design class (no AMERICAP II measurements are needed), we recommend that you purchase a full AMERICAP II which will require you to provide a copy of your 2003 letter to your class that certifies that your boat is in class measurement, along with your AMERICAP II application form.

If your class is not certified under AMERICAP II and racing boat for boat is all that matters, we recommend that you and your friends racing your sister ships each purchase a Great Lakes AMERICAP II Certificate and skip any measurement. In the J/35 example, you will each receive the 9,500 pound certificate. We urge you to recognize that measurement rules pick up differences in measurements from one boat to the next. If you feel it “unfair” that a measurement rule rates a one-design boat different than its sister ship, we recommend that you go to your one-design class and recommend new one-design rules and class measurements that make your boats alike (within acceptable tolerances). To become a certified class, a statistical number of the class boats will need complete measurement before the class can receive class certification in AMERICAP II.

DEADLINE

Chicago Yacht Club has established a rating submission deadline of June 27, 2003.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF ANY OF THIS?

Fortunately, the Chicago Yacht Club Mackinac Committee has made a special deal with US SAILING. Normally, a full AMERICAP II Certificate, after Freeboard and possibly Inclining Measurement would cost you: $10 + $3/ft. LOA.

For this year and this race only, a one-time special full AMERICAP II Certificate (Best Handicap Rating for You) or Great Lakes AMERICAP II Certificate (Disadvantaged Rating for You) which also is not transportable to other AMERICAP II races in the U.S will cost you: $2/ft. LOA. US SAILING is giving you the incentive to get a full AMERICAP II Certificate this year.

Freeboard Measurement: Since this is the first effort to certify measurers, we recommend that you call around. We have heard that some may donate their time, others may ask for a donation for their favorite junior sailing program, and others may charge a simple fee (one suggested $50).

Inclining Measurement: Approximately $400

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE LMSRF MEASUREMENT RULES COMMITTEE?

We want to provide our members and member clubs with a measurement rule on Lake Michigan, where physical measurements of each boat provides the best possible outcome of quality and fairness for the entire fleet. This is a quality control effort. We recognize that from the time of launch to the start of the Race to Mackinac will be a push for all boats to get measured. To this end, we have set a goal to see that 97% of the fleet receive full AMERICAP II Certificates. We will monitor the complete AMERICAP II certificates issued vs. the number of boats for the Chicago Mackinac race that apply for the lesser quality Great Lakes Certificates and post this percentage on the LMSRF website at www.lmsrf.org/americap.

QUESTIONS?

Any question about this advice should be directed to Tom McIntosh (LMSRF) at mcmisty@ameritech.net (847) 438-2425 or Glenn McCarthy (LMSRF) gmccarthy@myersbriggs.com (312) 425-2369.

Any question about Americap II measurement, fleet certification, whether or not inclination test is needed, should be directed to Dan Nowlan (US SAILING) at DanNowlan@ussailing.org (401)683-0800

Tom McIntosh,
Measurement Rules Committee Chair

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Legislation as passed in the Illinois Senate Section 5. The Boat Registration & Safety Act is amended by adding Section 4-2.1 as follows:

(625 ILCS 45/4-2.1 new)
Sec. 4.2.1. Reflective Material required
(a) Any watercraft requiring numbering by this State must be equipped with reflective material, such as reflective tape, at least one inch wide, on each side of the watercraft, and visible when watercraft is in the water.
(b) The department shall adopt rules for implementing this section.

I assume "Department" means the Department of Natural Resources.

What was the Cause of this legislation?

Third hand information indicates that the sponsor, State Senator Larry Wollard, acted in response of a friend who had a 12 year old daughter who took his small boat without permission, ran out of gas, and got stranded. They had trouble finding her at night and the father said that the boat would have shown up from a much greater distance with spotlights if it had reflective material on it.

To bad the girl did not take a boat from a stranger. Then she would be liable for prosecution; instead innocent, responsible boat owners are being punished.

Write and/or call your State Representative NOW. This bill is moving fast. We can stop it in the house! Your State Representative district is shown on you voter's registration card.

At www.legis.Sate.il.us/house you can get his local and Springfield office address and telephone number.

Fred W. Poppe
Vice President, BOATERS PAC

Junior women sailors, 13 to 19 years old are invited to participate in the Rolex Next Step Program, September 26-28 in Annapolis, Md. The event will be held in conjunction with the Rolex IWKC, part of US Sailing's adult championship series, to be held September 27-October 3 at the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC).

The Rolex Next Step Program was established in 1997 to expose juniors to international women's sailing in a mentoring atmosphere. This year's program begins on Friday, September 26 with a welcome party and workshop at J Port Annapolis, featuring asymmetrical spinnaker sailing with Rolex IWKC competitors aboard J/80s provided by J Port Sailing Club and J World Annapolis.

Saturday, September 27 features a keelboat clinic with America's Cup campaign veteran Tucker Thompson and US Sailing Instructor Trainer Nan Leute Walker, director of J Port Sailing Club. A barbecue and informal conversation with elite-level women sailors at AYC will follow. On Sunday morning, September 28, there will be a breakfast for the Next Step juniors with a talk by sports psychologist Jessica Mohler.

Applicants should write, in 250 words or less, what they enjoy about sailing, their sailing experiences, and what they think they will gain from spending a weekend at the opening of the Rolex IWKC. The deadline for entries is August 1, 2003. Entries should include a letter of recommendation from a sailing coach or instructor. Junior women can also apply online at www.annapolisyc.org/rolexkeelboats

Learn to Sail... Fast!

The Trustees of the International Catamaran Challenge Trophy (ICCT) have announced a new format for the 42 year old event frequently referred to as the "Little America's Cup".  We are inviting Yacht Clubs worldwide to consider entering a challenge for this unique match racing catamaran event to be held September 27 through October 2, 2003 at Sail Newport Sailing Center in Newport, RI.  

Below are links to our two latest two press releases providing more details and specifics.  One of the most appealing aspects of the ICCT is that the winning team brings home not only the Trophy but the right to host the 2004 defense. This year for the first time, we are supplying the boats for the competitors. This will be the case again next year too as Bimare has committed to supplying boats in 2004 as well. Obviously this gives the 2003 winning Club a headstart on plans for their defense. Because we are supplying the boats to competitors we are limiting the ICCT competitors to 10 defenders (US) and 10 challengers (non-US).   The Trustees will select the most capable teams based on their sailors’ resumes and most importantly their sponsoring Club's ability and experience to host the defense event.  

We hope you will consider participating in this historic challenge trophy event. Feel free to call if there are any questions and visit our web site (www.icct2003.org or www.littleamericascup2003.org) for complete details and entry information.  

Press Release #1 – March 6, 2003 –
Call to Defenders and Challengers
http://www.icct2003.org/press/release1-2003.htm

Press Release #2 – March 20, 2003 –
Randy Smyth/Peter Reggio Announcement
http://www.icct2003.org/press/Release2-2003.htm

Sailing helpers are needed at Burnham Harbor, Garfield and Humbolt Parks to help with established learn-to-sail courses as an instructor or assistant. Work for Westrec (Chicago Park District), approximately May 15th through September 15th. Boats include Freedom 20’s, 2.4 Meters for physically challenged at Burnham and ages 9-14 in Optimists in the parks. Work involves teaching, coaching and safety boat operation. Applicants can be all ages from High school on up. Contact George Bowler for details and interview at 312-745-1700.

The following is a response from the US SAILING Appeals committee on a question submitted by LMSRF’s Commodore after an incident last year concerning whether or not one of the marks indicated the security “danger” zone around the water intake cribs was an “obstruction” or not.

Question 1 Are the perimeter buoys part is the mark?
Answer No. Only the water intake crib is the mark.

Question 2 Are the perimeter buoys obstructions?
Answer. No. The perimeter buoys are not obstructions, unless they (a) are so large as to qualify under the first part of the definition as an obstruction by the sailing instructions, as provided in the second sentence of the definition of Obstruction.

Question 3 If the buoys are the mark, is each buoy to be treated separately for a two-length zone determination?
Answer the buoys are not marks; see the answer to Question 1.

Question 4 If the buoys are obstructions, can competitors pass either side without penalty?
Answer Yes. no rule prohibits passing an obstruction on a particular side. however, if the buoys form an area designated by the sailing instructions as an obstruction, and if the sailing instructions also prohibit sailing inside the area, a boat passing the side of a buoy that is inside the area could be protested and penalized. the prohibition is necessary because designating the area as an obstruction only brings rules 18 and 19 into play, and nothing in those rules prohibits sailing “inside” an obstruction.

Question 5 If a competitor violates federal regulations by sailing inside the security zone, can a penalty be evoked?
Answer No. A penalty cannot be given under the racing rules unless the sailing instructions make the applicable federal regulation a rule governing the event. See US SAILING Question 79 for discussion of a similar question.

Question 6 If the answer to Question 5 is Yes, what rule is stated?
Answer The answer to Question 5 is No.

We think this appeal illustrates rule interpretations of educational value, and we may publish it in US SAILING APPEALS AND ISAF CASES. If so, the published version may be simplified and otherwise modified.

During the 2002 season, your Appeals committee handled six appeals.

Appeals pending at the USSAILING Appeals Committee: One of our appeals from the 2001 season, JEANNINE III VS AIRWAVES, is still under consideration by USSAILING.

Appeal: Parables vs. Race Committee
Race: CCYC Lighting Red Flannels Regatta
Summary: The race committee posted a “Notice to Sailors” which stated, “Rule 14 in the Sailing Instructions is revised. It should now read ‘...in the event 6 or more races are sailed, one or more may be discarded scoring the best 5 out of 6 or more races.” R.C. Protestor requested redress asking that race #7 not be scored.
Protest Committee Findings: The “Notice to Sailors” changing the Sailing Instructions was proper. The request for redress was denied.
Appeals Committee Finding: “Note to Sailors” changed S.I. 14 “scoring.” It failed to change S.I. 6 “Schedule of Races” which allowed a change of schedule to increase the number of races from 5 to 6. There is no provision in S.I. 6 to allow a 7 race series. The appeal was upheld and the race committee was directed to abandon race number 7.

Appeal: Top Tick vs. Detour
Race: LTYC Annual Invitational
Summary: Top Tick and Detour both on starboard tack were approaching a weather mark. Detour was to leeward. A crewmember on Detour reached out and touched a leeward shroud of Top Tick.
Protest Committee Findings: Top Tick violated RRS rule 11 and was disqualified
Appeals Committee Finding: This situation was very similar to ISAF Case 73. In that case the windward boat was exonerated and the leeward boat was disqualified for breaking RRS rule 2. This decision was appealed to US SAILING.
US SAILING APPEALS COMMITTEE FINDINGS: The USSAILING Appeals Committee reversed our finding and disqualified Top Tick for violation of RRS rule 11.

Appeal: Folie A Duex appealed the decision of the protest committee.
Race: CCYC Reinholtzen Spring Opener
Summary: Folie A Duex intended to protest Vayu for an incident at the start of the race. She took four minutes to display the protest flag. She displayed a red hat, not a protest flag.
Protest Committee Findings: Protest is invalid. Flag was not timely displayed. Flag was a hat not a flag.
Appeals Committee Finding: Protest committee was correct. the appeal was denied.

Appeal: Gauntlet vs. CYC Protest Committee
Race: CYC NOOD Regatta
Summary: There were several protests files, they all related to one incident. the hearings were conducted independently of each other.
Protest Committee Findings: The independent hearings resulted in differing results.
Appeals Committee Finding: As a result of the independent hearings where was the likelihood that pertinent evidence might not have been heard. the protest was returned to the Chicago Yacht Club for a combined rehearing.

Appeal: Painkiller 4 vs. Serenissima
Race: MYC Grand Prix
Summary: Painkiller 4 on starboard tack and Serenissima on port tack approached the start. Serenissima began to tack to starboard but did not complete her tack before Painkiller 4 needed to alter her course to avoid contact. Serenissima altered her course to keep clear of Painkiller 4. In doing so she swung her stern into Painkiller 4 causing serious damage.
Protest Committee Findings: Serenissima violated RRS rule 13, however, she took the 720-degree penalty turns allowed by RRS rule 44. Painkiller 4 was disqualified for violating RRS rule 16.1.
Appeals Committee Finding: Painkiller 4 acquired rights under (RRS) rule 15. She acquired her rights as a result of another boat’s action. Therefore, Painkiller 4 was not required to give Serenissima room. The decision of the Milwaukee Yacht Club Protest Committee is reversed and Painkiller 4 is reinstated in her finishing place.
Note: There is another aspect of this appeal that is being looked at by our committee. I cannot comment at this time because one of our committee members is out of the country and as not been able to comment and vote on the matter. The results will be reported on my next report to you.

Appeal: Jeannine III vs. Jonathan Swift
Race: CYC Verve Cup
Summary: Jeannine III Tacked to the starboard within two boat length’s of the mark an Jonathan Swift became overlapped inside. Both boats rounded the mark with Jonathan Swift overlapped to the leeward. After the rounding, with Jeannine III to windward, and spinnakers set, Jonathan Swift was required to bear off to avoid a collision.
Protest Committee Findings: Jeannine III failed to keep clear of the leeward boat thereby violating RRS 11.
Appeals Committee Finding: A primary issue in this appeal is “which rule applies?” It is our decision that Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 15 does not apply because the incident occurred well after Jonathan swift acquired the right of way. Jonathan Swift first acquired the right of way under RRS 10 when she was on starboard tack and Jeannine III was on port tack. She retained her right of way after Jeannine III tacked to star board. She again retained her right of way after Jeannine III and Jonathan Swift had passed the mark. At that point RRS 11 was in effect and RRS 18 no longer applied. RRS 17.2 applies to a windward boat; Jonathan Swift was leeward boat. We agree with the protest committee, RRS 11 applies. The appeal is denied.

Call to Order: The Commodore, John Strassman welcomed the Board of Directors and guests to the Macatawa Bay yacht club, appreciated their attendance and thereafter called the meeting to Order at approximately 12:10pm at which time there was a quorum present.

Approval of the minutes: The minutes of the November 9, 2002 meeting of the LMSRF Board of Directors, held at the Chicago Yacht Club, Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois were approved after a correction. Gene McCarthy should be noted as the One Design Chair in place of Glenn McCarthy.

Commodore's Report: Commodore John Strassman said, "This is going to be a year of transition in various areas and question is raised how LMSRF is better able to reach the sailor and further give him a basis for wanting membership in LMSRF. Issue is also raised as to what services and information can LMSRF make available to sailors, whereby it creates a desire for them to establish membership in LMSRF."

Executive Secretary's Report: Don Glasell, the Executive Secretary, reported that it appears membership for 2003 in LMSRF is projected to be approximately the same as it was in 2002. Membership by the various yacht clubs is below that of last year but is projected to at least be the same as 2002. E-mails have been sent to the yacht clubs to encourage membership. We all need to work on LMSRF membership for the coming year.

The LMSRF Newsletter and Yearbook are approximately one month behind because of a change of staff.

Nancy Glover, LMSRF's Treasurer, was unable to attend this meeting but she provided the relevant financials in a formal written report. She has provided a simplified preferred format, easier for the board to follow and evaluate. The proposed 2003 budget column was also included to provide a comparison to projections.

It was also noted that the financials were very accurate for the year-end. The LMSRF tax return preparer should be able to accurately use such documented information with the tax returns as they become due. Guy Hiestand indicated that he would continue to follow up and prepare the LMSRF tax returns as become due. Last year's LMSRF staffing hours were well over budget. Ultimately, it is the staff goal to reduce such hours and costs by approximately $200/month if possible.

Regarding "Strictly Sail" and the LMSRF booth, LMSRF picked up approximately twelve new members. It is important to make LMSRF a better known commodity and the Public much more aware of its existence as well as its purpose.

Treasurer's Report: Commodore John Strassman commented that the board needs to familiarize itself with the new reporting format, providing the board the opportunity to better compare the projected budget with the actual for the year past and also of the year being reported.

Area III raised concern relative to its cost expended for its interactive role with LMSRF. Discussion about the benefits of Area III being consolidated with LMSRF for Log and Yearbook purposes followed.

Regarding approval of the Treasurer's Report, it was moved and seconded to table such approval and further discussion in this regard until the June meeting at which time the Treasurer should be present and available to further review or otherwise discuss there matters as deemed appropriate.

Endowment Fund: Although not present, David F. Radke had distributed to the board for their review and discussion a review of such a fund. It was moved and seconded to provisionally accept the report.

Council Reports:

Offshore Racing: Gary Hendrickson provided and reviewed his written report and schedule. PHRF Certificates were noted as substantial in number, yet fewer entries. This is an area in which LMSRF needs to encourage and increase entries into the events. He is continuing to encourage involvement, concepts, and ideas to expand the overall participation and Yacht Club support. His ideas and the race schedule will be formalized and submitted for further review and support by LMSRF Membership. LMSRF needs to project a role and purpose in sailboat racing and also a reason why one should join.

One Design: Gene McCarthy noted that the one design fleets were presently organizing and preparing their respective scheduling of events. More information to follow at the next meeting,

Standing Committee Reports:

Nominations: Glenn McCarthy indicated he would have a nominating committee for the next meeting.

Membership: Part of the Executive Secretary's Report.

Publications: Part of the Executive Secretary's Report. However, Area III has raised some issues about the yearbook and will be considering various options. A review of costs as pertains to the yearbook was further discussed. Area III wants some cost cutting measures further considered. However, in reviewing cost cutting, it could best be accomplished by encouraging additional advertising by local businesses. It was noted by Glenn McCarthy that when the book incorporated Area III, publication costs for all were reduced. Obtaining advertisements in the book will further help reduce costs and LMSRF together with Area III should continue to obtain donations and/or advertisements such that there is no cost to membership for such annual yearbook.

Championship: The Chair, Bob Pegel, was not present and no report provided.

Measurement Rules: Substantial discussion was undertaken by the Chair Tom McIntosh. He discussed the transition and complications involved in changing over to Americap II. Continued review and evaluation is being conducted so as to attempt to provide the best/fairest rating system available. The various steps undertaken were reviewed.

Appeals: The Appeals Chair, Bob Sargent although not present, submitted his reports on the pending appeals. Such reports will be published in the newsletter.

Grants in Aid: The budget for 2003 is $10,891. Dean Cady, the Chairperson, prepared a report. $1,200 was approved pursuant a request by CYC for financial assistance toward a Training grant for an Americap Full Measurer with the understanding that such will be utilized to defray expenses incurred in connection therewith. Additionally, there was one other request for which $900 was approved to assist in defraying expenses for participation of a sailor to the Sunfish Championships.

Functionary Committee Report: The present inventory of donated boats and items presently consists of a star boat, a soling and several lasers.

Old Business:

Race Management Scoring Program: Pursuit of an accurate scoring program was again discussed in detail. Various programs have been reviewed and continue to be reviewed with modifications. Substantial discussion was undertaken in this regard, yet no satisfactory solution has been developed. Efforts to establish a satisfactory system will continue to be pursued and a more complete report provided at the next board meeting.

New Business:

U.S. Sailing Spring Meeting Report: Commodore John Strassman attended such meeting indicating it was a positive and constructive meeting. He gave a detailed overview of proposed race management recommendations and additionally, in depth, reviewed procedure and management for proper filing of protests.

Proposal to Develop the LMSRF Office Application: LMSRF received a proposal with background information to enhance the LMSRF website to include online membership and race registration payment processing support and extensive reporting. The focus of the project is to develop a browser base, database driven application to support LMSRF and Area III Office Staff. A budget of $6,000 was requested to support such a proposal. After a full discussion it was moved and seconded and thereafter unanimously approved to accept such proposal as presented.

OMC Foundation Grant: The board briefly discussed the OMC Foundation Grant and thereafter pursuant a motion and seconded, the board approved the forwarding of an application for consideration.

Request to Join CYA: It was brought before the board that LMSRF should consider joining CYA. Through discussion it proved that it was more of a political marine organization and consideration to join was being considered because of Area III, being a Chicago-land organization. Concern was raised that it was more of a Political Action Group and it appears that the items that they promote, focus on Chicago and not the water of Lake Michigan.

Next Board Meeting: June 27, 2003, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Yacht Club, commencing at 10:00am. There being no further business, the meeting was concluded at 3:50 pm.

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