Minutes of ITCA Annual General Meeting

College Club, Seattle , Washington

January 29, 2005  

President Dale Dunning called the meeting to order at 12:10 pm .

  1. The acceptance of the 2004 minutes was moved, seconded and unanimously accepted.
  2. In attendance were:

    1. Present were the following Officers:

                                                              i.      Dale Dunning – President

                                                            ii.      Wendy Loat – Vice President

                                                          iii.      Dave Killen - Secretary

                                                          iv.      Walt Purcell – Treasurer

                                                            v.      Vidas Stukas – International Measurer

    1. Members present:

                                                              i.      Janice Dunning

                                                            ii.      Mike Murphy

                                                          iii.      Ed Josberger

                                                          iv.      Sandy Pratt

                                                            v.      Jamie Storkman

                                                          vi.      John Booth

                                                        vii.      Jeff Ames (Measurement Committee)

                                                      viii.      Ron Ames

                                                          ix.      Kevin Gardiner

                                                            x.      Ken Lane (Measurement Committee)

                                                          xi.      Harry Proctor

                                                        xii.      Marvin Lew

    1. Guests present were: Kemp Jones

  1. Officer’s Reports:
    1. Wendy Loat gave the Vice- President’s report:

                                                              i.      Kevin More of fleet #4 asks that they be allowed to sponsor the 2005 PNW regionals in Victoria at the RVYC. The Vice-President concurs in this.

                                                            ii.      The 2005 Internationals is on track for a splendid regatta in Boston .

1.      All fleet #5 boats are measured.

2.      The program looks very good.

3.      Six boats from Toronto plan to make the journey to Boston .

4.      A full report from the Boston fleet is attached to these minutes as an appendix.

                                                          iii.      The re-emergence of fleet #27 in Perth , Australia bodes well for more involvement from Australia in the International.

                                                          iv.      The Vancouver , BC fleet #9 is showing signs of emerging from a long hibernation.

    1. Walt Purcell gave the Treasurer’s report:

Beginning Balance                                             $6,059.53

 

Income:

1.      Plans                            $  434.41

2.      Dues                            $ 1395.00

3.      Interest                         $     15.63

4.      Total Income               $ 1845.04

Expenses:

5.      Internet                        $  480.00

6.      Newsletter                   $  566.39

7.      Postage                        $  101.27

8.      Bank Fees                   $      2.00

Total Expenses                        $ 1149.66

 Income over Expenses           $  695.38

 

Ending Balance                                               $ 6754.91

 

Plans sold – 9

Paid Membership, current – 153

Honorary Life Members – 10

4.       Dave Killen gave the following Secretary’s report.

a.       Answered four inquires on the forum regarding finding boats, etc. using the ’99 database.

b.      Prepared minutes of the Board of Governors meetings and the Annual General Meeting within one month of the meeting.  Coordinated content with affected parties.

c.       Issued two (2) International Newsletters each of the past two years.

d.      I am pleased to have had the opportunity to serve the ITCA for the last two years.  I value the organization.  Comments from the Secretary for improving the organization have been left with the Board of Governors.  

  1. Vidas Stukas gave the Measurer’s report:
    1. The year of an International regatta always seems to up the ante on measurement activities.  However, 2004 was eclipsed by two measurement issues – the mast weight and a new spinnaker/pole proposal.  As a result, 2004 was much busier than I could have imagined!  I even visited the Boston Fleet in March, and the Toronto Fleet in September.  The Toronto Fleet provided the catalyst for an idea that had been brewing for a long time. “Rev “ helped accelerate the process with their experimentation with mast head chutes!
    2. The Boston Fleet has been particularly active as they prepare for the 2005 Internationals.  Several boats were measured and had their gold seals issued. One was modified and had their measurement status upgraded from waivers.  Peter Gilson has been a driving force in all of these activities.
    3. One new sail number, 1264, was issued to Terry and Shar Raat in Colorado Springs , CO !  My naïve, West Coast affiliation would have thought that skis would have been a useful addition. They had started the project in 1989 with a Booth FRP hull, but then made the deck , cabin and interior in cold molded wood.  Congratulations.
    4. The first measurement item to be dealt with was the mast weight issue.  After careful consideration and input from various fleets, the Measurement Committee decided not to unanimously support a change in the status quo.  We thought that a reduced weight would penalize both the Australian Comalco section as well as the Spartek sections that have gone the route of beefing up the internals with an aluminium bar.   I did not believe that the changes in mast weight would lead to a readily measurable change in performance for most fleets.  The present weight placement for many boats can be substantially improved by a judicious juggling of the lower corrector weight.  A large portion of the required correcter weight can be located well up from the butt of the mast towards the area of the boom.   This moves the apparent balance point well up without inducing anywhere near as much pitching moment ( which is related to the square of the distance that you place this mass, whereas the balance point varies in a linear fashion).  You then only require a couple of pounds in the spreaders to achieve the appropriate balance point.  Boats such as “Owl”  642 and “Rev” 447 have this.  Alternately, you can use an internal aluminium stiffener to provide both the mass as well as some benefits in increased support of the forestay.  Boats such as “Makima” 122 and “Zig Zag” 158 use this approach.  And, the Comalco section provides great heavy air performance.  As you can tell from these performances, either approach works well.
    5. The second item that has been brewing on my stove for some time  was the change to the spinnaker size and an increase in pole length.  I think that this is a great way to update the performanceof a Thunderbird, particularly in light of both competition from other classes for sailors as well as from the increased use of Windward-Leeward courses.  The T-Bird chute is very small by todays standards.  The J24 and Kirby 25 both have larger spinnakers, as well as having 9' 6" poles.  I know we can be competitive with them upwind in a wide range of conditions.  For example, instituting a new spinnaker measurement that would match a boat like the J-24 has the additional benefit of the economically minded T-Birder buying a used spinnaker from the very large and widespread J-24 fleet.  The J-24 Girth is 17.1 ft and the Luff length is 26.3 ft which makes it a perfect fit for a revitalized T-Bird.  An Etchells 22 chute is even larger but with the same 9' 6" pole.  I think that the J-24 is a better match.  This will not turn the Thunderbird into a Melges, but it will be more fun!  Also, it will give us a better matchup against other classes when you attend regattas with mutiple starts.
    6. I appreciated all of the comments – both for and against – that I’ve received from the various members.   Remember, each of us tries to do what is best for the class.  Unfortunately, we do not have the hindsight of time at this point.   One of my fundamental aims as the Measurer is to keep on improving the performance of the Thunderbird by various, relatively affordable and easy changes.  Several members have been instrumental in suggesting ideas, and I welcome them wholeheartedly. email: vstukas@seastarchemicals.com
  2. Dale Dunning gave the Webmaster’s report:
    1. Current status:

                                                              i.      Other than himself Dale can find no one willing to take over the task.

                                                            ii.      He is trying to correct the problem with the forum. It seems to be a problem either with the software bug (a glich) or a virus has infected the forum. The web master is not sure which. He is trying to create a new forum page which will not have these problems.

    1. Future of the web site:

                                                              i.      He hopes to link the various fleets to the web page in such a way that fleet reports will go directly into the web page.

                                                            ii.      There have been a number of requests for a membership rooster on the web page. However, this creates privacy issues. How this will be resolved is yet to be worked out. The webmaster would appreciate suggestions on how to accomplish this.

  1. Fleet Reports:
    1. Fleet #1

                                                              i.      The fleet currently has 28 dues paying members and 22 voting members.

                                                            ii.      Racing is pretty much limited to races coordinated through Tacoma Area Racing Council (TARC). Unfortunately, TARC has become somewhat enfeebled in the last year. Corinthian Yacht Club of Tacoma, Gig Harbor Yacht Club, and Tacoma Yacht Club are attempting to sponsor more racing. Most of it is distance racing. One design is low on their agenda.

                                                          iii.      Eddon boat works, where the original Thunderbird’s were built, is about to be purchased by the city of Gig Harbor, the bond for which was passed by the citizens of Gig Harbor at the November ’04 election. The campaign to support this ballot issue was supported by fleet # 1 members, both financially and in person.

                                                          iv.      The fleet is considering putting together a Thunderbird 50th anniversary celebration in 2008.

                                                            v.      The Gig Harbor Maritime Museum has acquired new property on the water at the head of Gig Harbor . Thunderbird will be on permanent interior display when the buildings associated with this acquisition are completed.

 

    1. Fleet #2

                                                              i.      Most racing occurs on Lake Washington with 4-9 boats turning out on Wednesday nights.

                                                            ii.      The fleet was represented in the Center Sound Series, PSSR, and the NW regionals.

                                                          iii.      The fleet and the CWB (Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union ) seem to be developing a cooperative relationship that promises to strengthen both groups.

    1. Fleet #4

                                                              i.      Chugging along.

                                                            ii.      Expect 6 boats this Spring for the Wednesday night series

                                                          iii.      The PNW regionals will be held at Royal Victoria Yacht Club from July 2nd – 3rd.

    1. Fleet # 5: Cf. Appendix
    2. Fleet #10 is contained in the December ’04 Newsletter.
    3. Fleet #13:

Fleet 13’s Winter meeting had two new members in attendance, Jon Reckingerand and Suzy Brunzell.  Jon brought up Lila from Lake Washington last Fall, and in the next few months Suzy is importing a T-Bird from Minnesota orMichigan - one of those M-states.  This will bring the number of Fleet13 active boats to 6, with four more in the Everett Marina and a few more in the Edmonds Marina. 

Fleet 13 Officer voting at the Winter meeting kept the same slate for 2005 with the recurring theme of President buys the first round.  One dissenting vote.

After a successful racing season last year with Fleet 13 participation around the Puget Sound and the hosting of the NW Regionals, the plans for 2005 include more recreational opportunities to grow our non-racing group.

We have planned a Spring event on April 24th for a family BBQ at Jetty Island .

Two summer events – The Center for Wooden Boats T-Bird gathering on August 6 & 7 and a rendezvous north of Kayak Point in late August.

Fall event is a dinner and awards ceremony for Fleet 13 championship and related family participation awards.

For racing, we plan to continue in PHRF racing events, hope to get three T-birds up to the Regionals event planned for Victoria , and hold the fleet championship races concurrent with the Milltown Sailing Association Fall Regatta on September 10.

                        Joe Geck

                        Fleet 13 President

                        Gecko #1001

               g.  Fleet #24:

Though numbers are down slightly Thunderbirds were very active in the waters around Nanaimo in 2004.

                         In the racing scene:

Match racing tactics were employed by Nahanni and Boreas, the only T'birds taking part in the Nanaimo Yacht Club winter and spring series races. When the points were added up Nahanni won both series. Thetis Island Regatta is a favorite of local T'bird sailors and Nahanni showed her experience on these challenging waters by being first T'bird. The Day and aBit race was sailed to Gibsons Landing one day, and back to Nanaimo the next using a PHRF staggered start. Boreas was first to finish on day one and third on the race back for the lowest score. In SIN regatta we had a one design division, Nahanni and Boreas were tied on points and the tie was broken in favour of Boreas, having won the last race. At Cowichan Bay Regatta three T'birds raced in Division 8 PHRF. Thoreen of Vancouver was doing well but did not go back after being over early in the last race and chased Nahanni all over the bay, turns out that Nahanni was over early too so Boreas claimed first place (second year in a row). Maple Bay Regatta was also a PHRF event and Nahanni showed us all how to find wind being one of the very few to finish the last race and claim first in division, Boreas finished second. Gyro Cup is generally our Fleet Championship event but only Nahanni and Boreas showed up to race so we wound up in a PHRF situation again. Boreas placed third overall after a flawless first place finish in the last race. Nahanni was the only T'bird to show up consistently for the fall series. Thanks to all the racers who took part in events in 2004. They are Alacrity, Boreas, Cahoots, Green Ginger, Nahanni and Time Out. What would really help our racing participation would be more crew!  

And the cruising scene:

Alacrity definitly covered the most water this year with an extended cruise to Desolation Sound and a Southern Gulf Islands trip after Maple Bay Regatta. Valkyrie made a cross the straits trip to Secret cove Nahanni and Boreas did Jedediah Island on seperate weekends, Green Ginger worked her way through the SGI too. If this cruising report seems smaller than the race report I suppose it's because the racing can be easilly defined by results but the cruising, if told in detail, would fill pages. Plans for next cruising season are already being formulated and with such fabulous waters near at hand we can hardly wait. Group cruises are lots of fun but difficult to plan around busy schedules. The best approach is to let others know of your ideas, see who shows up and which way the wind is blowing.  

Socially speaking:

Fleet 24 regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month excluding July, August and December at the Nanaimo Yacht Club. Meetings are generally well attended but every now and then one slips through the cracks when only two or three show up. When that happens a pub becomes the venue for sailing talk. Occasionally we hold a meeting at a member's house or on a boat. Our main social event of the year though is the Christmas party where we combine dinner, and activity and a novelty present giving. This year we chose the historic Occidental Hotel pub for a game of darts. The Oxy served our choice of roast beef or chicken. We did not know that we were to provide the darts and had to wait while someone rounded up a couple of sets. Nigel and Elaine were the dart champs. Past parties have featured bowling, swimming, pool, curling and skating.

 At some unknown time in the fall the chicken dissapeared from the stern of Nahanni without a trace, a replacement is being sought. For those who don't know, the rubber chicken is passed from boat to boat based on misfortune such as grounding or collision, the 'ol bird had been making the rounds for about 9 years as best as I can remember.

This year we welcomed new member, John De Boek, John has just bought an old wood T'bird located at Lake Cowichan and is patiently waiting for the trailer to be repaired.

 The trailer:

The trailer is the Fleet's major asset and is a great convenience to all T'bird owners who are members. This fall the fleet trailer broke an axle while being backed into my yard with Boreas on board The complete repair has not yet been accomplished but so far both axles have been replaced and the entire surge braking system will be brought up to standard by the time it's done. A trailer painting party will be required soon too.

We certanly get a lot of fun out of these old boats, I would guess that Nahanni is one of the most frequently seen pleasure boats on Nanaimo Harbour. We all recommend Thunderbird sailing to anyone thinking of getting a boat in this area.  

            h.   Fleet #27:

Well, its great to be welcomed back to the ITCA. Thank you to Wendy Loat and to Dale Dunning for your guidance and your enthusiastic response to our renewal of membership.

We are fortunate here in Perth to have a Fleet that boasts a core of owners with literally decades of experience sailing Thunderbirds. It is testimony to the Thunderbird class that once people have enjoyed its sailing prowess, close competition and social camaraderie they rarely see reason to move to another class.

A lot has happened since our Fleet’s last communication with ITCA and so I will try to be brief.

                        Sailing Season 2004/2005 So Far:

Seven boats have hit the start line within a mixed Division 3 fleet on Saturday afternoons. Usually there are 4 or 5 Thunderbirds in the fleet on any given Saturday. Five ‘birds have competed in more than 75% of the races held this season. Line honours has been hotly contested and any one of the ‘birds have been capable of winning on their day.  Racing is invariably close and exciting.

Jim Baker on Blue Thunder has been a shining light in recent races notching up 3 consecutive line honours amongst the Thunderbirds. Thunderation and Vamoose have also crossed the finishing line in front during the first half of the season.

Vamoose, skippered by Mark Fitzhardinge, is the defending 2004 State Champion and is consistently very difficult to beat in the lighter breezes. Vamoose was jointly owned with Chris Chapple until just prior to the 2002/2003 season when Chris (along with John Morgan) decided to buy Thunderation.

Thunderation was owned by our past President, and good friend, Rob Wallace. After Rob won the 2002 and 2003 State Championships he decided he had achieved his Everest and that it was time to buy a bigger yacht (an S97). After an initial period of mastering their new boat, Chris Chapple and John Morgan are now consistently at the front of the fleet and look to be one of the favourites for the upcoming 2005 State Championships after placing third last year.

Falcon, skippered by our current President John Wager, is the foundation on which this great fleet exists. Rarely does John miss a race and he is always competitive no matter what the conditions. John is also Grand Keeper of the Fleet 27 Thunderbird Traditions and there are many stories (some very secretive!) of his “ceremonies”.

Thunderstruck, skippered by Ben Blake is the dark horse this season with close mid fleet finishes that you just know are about to be winners. Ben has this way of pulling one out of the bag just when it’s needed. Thunderstruck is up on the hard stand as I write getting some close attention. Can’t wait to see the results once back in the water.

Condor, skippered by Chris Semmens is always towards the front of the fleet. Chris is never afraid to go out on a “flyer” which can be one of those make or break moves and thereby adds that unexpected edge to a race.

Metala, formally owned by the late Noel Semmens and now skippered by the writer Bruce Spencer, finally made the start line for a Saturday race last week for the first time this season although has participated in Wednesday afternoon racing and Thursday night twighlight “racing” (read drinking). Second in last year’s State Championships and soon to clean the reef off that has been growing beautifully under the boat.

Moonshadow is currently undergoing major restoration work in the backyard shed of the gifted home handyman -  Andrew Hebb. He found this ‘bird in a sad state at the back of a boat and vehicles trimmers shop.

This is Andrew’s fourth Thunderbird having owned Killara (formerly Lyelta), Thor (later renamed Sirocco) and Thunderstruck. Andrew has taken numerous photos of the project as it has unfolded and these will be posted to the web site in the near future.

Magic, owned by Colin Smith sits on a mooring in Matilda Bay just next to RPYC and it has been suggested unfortunately that it may be moved down the coast. Otherwise, it would be great to see Magic competing again.

Sirocco sits unused in a pen at RPYC and is currently for sale. Killara is for sale in a marina down south. Hopefully we can have these boats bought by local skippers and join in the fleet racing.

The Future:

A commitment has been made to update the Fleet 27 web site, to produce an up-to-date newsletter, to maintain contact with the ITCA and to actively participate in the ITCA.

Oh, and to enjoy the fantastic way of life afforded to us by these terrific Thunderbirds. Have a great one….

Bruce Spencer

Fleet #27

  1. Old Business:
    1. 2005 International: Cf. Report of Vice-President and that of fleet #5 in the appendix.
    2. Archives of the Association

                                                              i.      Gig Harbor Maritime Museum will be the official archives of the Association.

1.      Marvin Lew has donated the Tom Wile archives to the museum.

2.      The Hoppen papers and materials have also been placed with them.

3.      Dave Killen will make continued efforts to secure whatever archival material John Dewey possess and secure them for the Museum.

                                                            ii.      The various trophies of the association need to be appraised and appropriate insurance and venues for them need to be secured. The President will see to this.

                                                          iii.      The issue of the Mast weight will be left on the table.

  1. New Business:
    1. Spinnaker Issue:

                                                              i.      Dale Dunning thinks that the issue, regardless of its passing, has lit a fire in the association.

                                                            ii.      Ken Lott is of the opinion that there should be more experimentation prior to the issue coming to a vote.

                                                          iii.      Ken Lane is of the opinion that the T-Birds of Port Madison will start using the new configuration regardless of the outcome of the vote.

                                                          iv.      Dale is of the opinion that the PHRF rating will go from 201-192. This was disputed. Some thought that it would be more.

                                                            v.      Sandy Pratt urged that the specs for spinnaker girth should be 1/2” less than that of the J-24. He also urged that fleet’s be allowed to run races, at the fleet level, under either the new or the current specs.

                                                          vi.      Vidas speculated that the cost of the longer aluminum tube would be $50.00.

                                                        vii.      The vote was taken. The result was 51 yes, 15 no. The motion passed.

    1. Kemp Jones made a presentation for the Seattle Center for Wooden Boats regarding an August ’05 rendezvous for T-Birds. Cf. Appendix.
    2. 2007/8 Internationals’ venue was discussed. No decision was made.

                                                              i.      The favored venue seems to be Greater Puget Sound.

                                                            ii.      Cost concerns are:

1.      Race Committee

2.      Likely turnout. 2003 budgeted for 40 boats. Twenty-one turned out.

3.      The cost of the awards banquet was way more than had been budgeted.

                                                          iii.      Possible Venues:

1.      Port Townsend

2.      Sequim Bay

3.      Whidbey Island Race week

4.      Nanaimo

                                                          iv.      The President of ITCA favors the 2007 date for the Internationals and the 2008 date for the 50th Anniversary Homecoming in Gig Harbor .

    1. Possible Boat Specification changes mentioned were the following which Vidas agreed to put these ideas on the Forum for wide input and discussion:

                                                              i.      Full battened main

                                                            ii.      Full top batten in main

                                                          iii.      Luff grooves for the forestay.

                                                          iv.      Roller reefing for the foresail

                                                            v.      Moving the mast back two inches

                                                          vi.      Addition of a #2 sail – at approximately 135%.

    1. Elections:

                                                              i.      Nick Parker of Vancouver , B.C. was elected the new International Secretary.

                                                            ii.      Walt Purcell was re-elected International Treasurer.

  1. The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 pm .

 Respectfully submitted,

 Dave Killen

ITCA secretary emeritus

February 9, 2005

 Appendixes

 2005 Thunderbird Internationals-Boston

 Massachusetts Bay Thunderbird Association Fleet #5 is busy planning what promises to be a great regatta in Boston on July 24-29, 2005 . This will be the first Internationals held in Boston since the formation of Mass Bay fleet #5 in October of 1961. Details on the regatta, the Notice of Race, and Entry Form are available on the website (www.geocities.com/thunderbirdintl2005/).

A distinguished International Jury has been assembled to include Tom Farquhar (USA) Chief Judge, Bill Collins (US), Bill Cheek (CAN), Jack Cameron (CAN) and Robin Tattersall (IVB).

What our modest (14 boat) fleet lacks in numbers it more than makes up in enthusiasm and represents one of the more enduring one design classes in the Boston area.

 The Savin Hill YC(www.savinhillyc.org) and South Boston YC (www.sbyc@verizon.net) are co-hosting the regatta, and are both located in Dorchester Bay , within Boston Harbor . The Boston Harbor (adjacent to the South Boston club) and Squantum (adjacent to the primary racing area) yacht clubs are providing assistance with trailer storage, boat launching and racing equipment, along with staff. These clubs run numerous one design and PHRF races each year, including International 210 Class Nationals, Lipton Cup Regatta and Quincy Bay Race Week.

 We currently have in-home billeting available for approximately 24 visiting sailors and judges and we expect this number to increase over time.

 We expect to have at least three loaner boats available, with preference going to those crews traveling the greatest distance (a minimum of 800 miles). We have one Australian crew planning to attend (Kevin Battye of Geelong ) , one crew from Victoria (Vidas Stukas), and one from San Diego (Kyle Henehan) at this time with several expressions of interest from other fleets.

Fleet 5 looks forward to welcoming you to Boston and promises great racing, an opportunity to renew friendships with fellow Thunderbirders and, most importantly-FUN!

Center for Wooden Boats Rendezvous and Regatta

 We are planning a summer rendezvous and regatta for Puget Sound Thunderbird sailors. This will base out of the Center for Wooden boats on Lake Union in Seattle . Plans are still in the formative stages, but we have the gallery and docks there reserved for the weekend of the 6th and 7th of august.

 The idea is to have a cruising and racing event for the whole Thunderbird community. The regatta portion will be sailed on a rectangular course on Lake Union a la the Duck Dodge. Depending on who comes, we could have separate starts for the cruising and racing boats. This regatta is our of the CYC circuit, so the format is a fun, no pressure weekend for all concerned.

 For those who would rather daysail we can set up a Lake Washington cruise.

 The powers at CWB love the idea of having a Thunderbird show on their docks for the weekend and have offered their boathouse gallery for our use. In the spirit of CWB being a working museum, one objective of the rendezvous is to display the attending boats and crews as a temporary exhibit.

Upon registration, we will have a questionnaire about your boat’s history (i.e., builder, milestones, racing/cruising history, homeport, etc.) to interpret your boat. In addition, other exhibits about the local heritage and history of the T-Bird class will be displayed in the gallery.

I think, it would be great to have the variety of boats, crews, and interests the Thunderbird sailing community represents in one place for a weekend.

Dale and Murph from fleet #2 are helping with organizing. Suzy Brunzel attended the fleet #13 meeting Tuesday and has that crew excited, so I don’t think we are going to have trouble finding racers to attend.

The challenge will be to get the occasional racer, cruiser and Boatwright who has a beautiful boat and story there, particularly those living at the far ends of the Sound. To help address this, CWB has offered their docks the following week to those who would like to layover and sail home the following weekend.

Kemp Jones, #60 Mariah