Ballot

Greetings All,

Flying Fifteen International has a ballot on proposed changes to the current class rules.

The ballot needs to be Submitted to FFI by the month end, so please get them back to me by Wednesday 29th August (next Wednesday)

I'll collate and submitt the results for NZ.

Please note the recommendations by the FF Council, recommending members favour items 1 & 2 and reject item 3.

Thank you

Craig Coulam

FFI Ballot 2007 Final Paper.doc

FFI Ballot Form 2007.doc

FF World Championship Selection process - Melbourne 2009

(Posted: 21 August 2007)

I've been in discussion with a number of people who have provided their views on a selection process for the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia for January 2009. I wish to share some of the views and gain input so a final decision can be made for the NZ fleet.

Firstly, the qualifying criteria for NZ and all issues relating to this matter may be irrelevant - FF Australia have applied to FFI to hold an open event. If that happens, all comers may be welcome, with no limits as currently in place would apply. That would certainly be a great FF event!

However, if the contest is restricted the opportunities for the NZ team are as follows:

NZ boats allowed under contest rules:     6

Possible FFI Presidential invites: Traditionally we have had at least    1

Open places to be decided at the Pre Worlds:    6

The old hemisphere rules allowing us additional boats at a southern hemisphere regatta are gone.

So let assume we have six available places for NZ boats at the next worlds.

Selection Process Issues:

• Do we hold multiple events vs single events
• Timing and location of multiple events
• Catering for South Island / North Island split in the fleet
• Can the Worlds and the selection process be used to promote the class to new comers

Option 1 - Hold the selection trials in Napier as part of the National in January 2008

Advantages:
Team is selected in advance allowing extensive preparation for the team incl sponsorship, travel etc. Simpicity
Reduced cost of travel to events
Napier Nationals may be better supported as a contest

Disadvantages:
New Boats for some crews won't be available
Xmas / New Year period excludes some people from competing
Lack of incentive for new high caliber entrants to the class (during 2008) to campaign for Melbourne No allowance for form changes over the year to allow the best possible NZ team

Option 2 - Hold 2 (or more) selection trial events - Napier Nationals + other(s)

For the purposes of clarity I'll propose just two events, one the Napier Nationals, one at Labour weekend venue tba, 3 nominees per event.

(I recognise other options exist - Graeme Robinson has proposed an option in his annual report submitted to the AGM an option of 3 events - Nationals+SI trial+NI trial.)

Advantages: Maximum opportunity for crews to compete to gain entry to NZ team A later second trial will allow those with late form & new boats to shine Interest in the class (from an international competition perspective) is maintained for a longer period

Disadvantages: Tighter timeline for arrangements (shipping, sponsorship etc) for late qualifying boats Cost issues for additional travel to selection trials

Comments: Option 2 - If you get 1st, 2nd or 3rd at the Nats - you've qualified (no requirement to go to the second event, although I know you will anyway)

Option 2 - How about a travel subsidy for SI boats if both events were up North?

Either option - you can front up in Melbourne and qualify at the Pre Worlds (if you're good enough!) Decision - NSC is waiting on this to the the NOR out so I'd like feedback by the month end please Keep in mind - An open event means whilst a recoginised team will be selected, all can still attend. Good Sailing

Craig Coulam

Please email your comments to: craig.coulam@orica.com