ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ROYAL BERMUDA YACHT CLUB WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 1975

Percy CHANDLER International President - Chairman
Dennis SURTEES International President - Elect for 1976
MaurIce DOBEYN International Auditor
Derek FARRANT International Measurement Committee Chairman
Alain LALLEMAND International Secretary
Members of the Association 100 approximately

1. The Chairman opened the meetinq and welcomed those present.

2. Minutes of the A.G.M. held World Championship Marstrand in August l974, having been circulated to all concerned, were accepted and confirmed.

3. Matters arising Nil, except for number 4 as follows -

4. World Championship 1976 - Australia The representative from Australia stated that the South African 505 Association would be welcome, provided they represented the S.A. 505 Association.
As regards entry of boats, there appears no problem.
A description of the venue etc. was given by the representatives, and booklets distributed.

5. International Secretary's report
The Class continues to flourish, and a steady increase in numbers maintained. Generally speaking, the financial side is satisfactory, but heavier expenses expected next year, as thc French Governeent will be introducinq taxes on wages. Therefore, the Secretary's wages will have to be increased. No details are available, except it would appear a type of Social charge. The International Bulletin is in deficit, but efforts are being made to put it on a firm economical basis in the future.
As regards Fleets of boats - Great Britain has the largest, United States second, and France third.

6. Treasurer's report
International Secretary reported the present International Treasurer has resigned, and Alain PREEL (France) has taken over that post. He was unable to be present.

7. Auditor's report
M. DOBEYN reported the 1974 accounts, and gave his views on same. His comments included the following -

The Accounts should be in Sterling, Dollars, and Francs. This was aqreed in 1972 in Finland, and should be implemented. The Accounts showed a surplus which was not accountable.
A copy of the Auditor's comments is enclosed, together with copy of the Accounts. The Auditor remarked that the Accounts had not been signed by,Auditor and Treasurer, The normal procedure, which the Auditor had previously called for, is, for the Accounts. to be signed by the Secretary and Treasurer, sent to the Auditor, who, if he is satisfied, will comment and sign. The Chairman remarked, it was difficult to sign the Accounts if the Auditor was not satisfied, but he would go through the Accounts with the new French Treasurer, and if the latter could show the error, to the chairman's satisfaction, would the Auditor he happy. M. DOBEYN replied to the effect that, as the error was a surplus, we should not be worried, it was a question of being correct, and he agreed to the Chairman's suggestion. The Chairman then asked the meeting if they would accept the suggestion. The meeting agreed. Australia proposed, South Africa seconded, that the Accounts for 1974 be accepted. Agreed unanimously.

8. Chairman measurement Committee's Report
D. FARRANT reported the measurement Committee had several things to put to the meeting, as follows -

A. It is proposed that a Rule stating it is not mandatory for boats to carry an anchor he considered. The meeting voted unanimously that the proposal be implemented.

B. The measurement of the foot of jib. There has been some difficulty, and difference of opinion, as to this particular measurement, and it was proposed to use the head to centre of foot in lieu of the present rule. This evoked a long discussion as to alternative methods, and D. FARRANT agreed it gave room for a deal of thought. He agreed to look into the further possible methods with the measurement Committee.

C. Batten measurement The present Rule calling for batten measurement is unsatisfactory, and it was proposed to replace this with a Rule measuring the batten pockets in the sail. The meeting agreed unanimously.

D. Rule re Spinnaker Chute There had been suggestions as to whether two chutes were allowed. D). FARRANT explained that only one chute is permitted, as any further intrusion into the required buoyancy of bow chamber, would be violating this rule. Agreed no change.

E. Kevlar There has been discussion over the use of Kevlar - whether to permit it (there is nothing in the Rules to prevent its use) in view of possible cost. Investigation reveals that the cost of the material has been greatly reduced, and the additional cost, using it where and when necessary is negligable.

F. Weight Jackets queries on water jackets with jettison pockets, has arisen does it amount to shifting ballast - D. FARRANT stated that the measurement Committee are awaiting a protest on this Rule. At this time, we weigh all jackets in accordance with the Class Rules.

G. The question of fences and hydrofoils on rudder and/or centre-board, has arisen. They are, as far as the 505 Class is concerned, banned.

9. Elections
International President for 1976/77/76.
Dennis SURTEES (U.S.A.) being the only candidate, and having been proposed by G.B. and seconded by France, was introduced by the Chairman, who remarked, he needed little introduction, being a well known and successful 505 sailor, an asset to the Class, who he knew would give of his best in an endeavour to keep the 5D5 on its pinnacle.

Dennis SURTEES replies to the effect, that he felt honoured and moved to do his best to uphold the high standard, set by previous Presidents. He paid tribute to the retiring President, Percy CHANDLER, The meeting responded in the usual manner.

International Secretary A. LALLEMAND (France) proposed J. LDCKE (G.B.) seconded N. KOUWEN (Canada).

International Treasurer A. PREEL (France) proposed Percy CHANDER (G.B) seconded PH. BUCK (France)

International Auditor M. DOBEYN proposed J. LOCKE (GB) seconded J. COVELLO (SA)

10. World Championships

• 1976 AUSTRALIA CONFIRMED
• 1977 FRANCE CONFIRMED
• 1978 CANADA Details to be received
• Y.C.I.F. CUP 1976 FRANCE (Paris) confirmed

11. Royalties to J. WESTELL
The Chairman reported that John Westell had requested an increase in royalty on the 505. The Chairman gave a resume of the low price of this royalty compare to other Clesses. G.B. proposed and France seconded that the royalty on each new boat be increased to 5 Pounds sterling. J. WESTELL has requested this increase be paid in sterling. The increase to commence 1st Dec 1975. The meeting agreed unanimously.

These minutes were taken by P. CHANDLER at the request of the Int. Secretary. There being no other business the meeting closed at 2200 hours