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MINUTES OF 53rd GENERAL MEETING OF SAMM - 14 July 2010 AT C.A.R., LOS NAREJOS.

Mike Wright was in the chair. By my head count attendance was 34.

1) WELCOME

Mike (Wright) welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially new members and gave a brief explanation of what S.A.M.M. is about and how it works.

2) MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING

Mike (Wright) asked for any comments on the minutes of the last meeting. There being no comments or matters arising the minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

3) COMMODORE’S REPORT

Mike (Phillips) then gave an excellent presentation on the whys and wherefores together with photographs of the site at Camping Mar Menor. All this presentation will be attached as a document at the foot of the Members Area of the website. Post meeting note: this was not possible as the document is too large but Mike is investigating a site called zShare.net for sharing large documents with SAMM members.

It was recognised that this was the closest we were likely to get to having our own clubhouse.

A general discussion followed the main points being: a) A trial period for a year but with an option to extend for five years written into the contract with the site owners, b) All surpluses generated would be ploughed back into developing the facility and any other SAMM requirements, c) Any contract to be vetted and discussed with our lawyer, d) A cap on size of rent increases e) Agreement that the whole process of investigating the possibilities should continue.

A vote of thanks was given to Mike for his detailed and informative presentation.

-The Workboat

Bob Miles told the meeting that he and others had investigated four different possibilities for the boat and went on to describe the main points for and against each boat. The favourite in his opinion was a rib which was 500 euro over the approved 5,000 euro budget. Then, once more, there was discussion on rib v rigid. Roger (Joy), our treasurer reported that we had about 8,500 euro in the bank and that we could not afford to purchase a boat and invest in the facility at Camping Mar Menor. It was then agreed that a search for a suitable boat should be put on hold until the outcome of the potential boat park was clarified.

-The Proposed Rule Changes.

The meeting was told that the proposed new rules had been published on the website three weeks ago and the Committee felt that they could support the changes after several discussions between the Committee and those responsible for drafting the changes.

Mike (Wright) then proposed that the September meeting should be an E.G.M. specifically to discuss and approve the adoption of the proposed new rules. This was agreed.

Mike (Wright) concluded his report by telling the meeting that Janice (Penning), who has been training on the Wetas, had put this to good use by rescuing two kayakers who were in difficulties. She had carried out the Man Overboard drill and stopped the boat in a perfect position to heave the two kayakers onboard the Weta and taken them and the kayak to safety. Mike praised her for her skill and seamanship and said that it showed the necessity of practising these drills. He also paid tribute to the level of training that Mike (Harding), John (Clarke) and Richard (Hext) were providing.

4) SECRETARY’S REPORT.

Mike (Wright) said that Roger (Drew) was away and that Richard (Hext) had kindly agreed to do the minutes for this meeting.

5) FINANCIAL REPORT.

Roger (Joy) announced that Association funds stood at 8,525.91 euro and an outstanding loan of 1,000 euro..

6) WEBSITE UP-DATE

Mike (Phillips) told the meeting that he was receiving enquiries via the website and among the more unusual was a request for making waterproof seed sacks. He had also had to turn down a request to take a school trip.

7) TRIPS & EVENTS.

Rena (Judd) said that, although only some 50 members and friends had attended the summer Dinner Dance a great time was enjoyed by all.

Because of this holiday period she has nothing planned for July and August. But, particularly if the Camping Mar Menor becomes a reality, Rena is considering an informal gathering once a month in the evening - perhaps the third Thursday. If there is an interest for this sort of activity then perhaps it could start in September.

Caldero day is, as usual 12 October - a Tuesday.

8) MEMBERSHIP REPORT.

Alan (Judd) said that we now have 114 members.

9) PRO REPORT.

As John (Parker) is away there is no PRO report.

10) RACING COMMITTEE REPORT

John Down said that he had been given the kit (loudhailer etc) by Dave (Lees) and he and Terry Chapman were going to get together to plan the next series.

11) TWO PERSON GROUP.

Mike (Phillips) said that he was pleased to see that the Weta training was still continuing. He told the meeting that he had recently made contact with a new branch of the Armed Forces Veterans Association which was being formed in the area. When it was up and running we would make proper contact to perhaps arrange some sailing for wounded soldiers that they will arrange holidays for in conjunction with Holidays4Heroes.

12) SAILBOARDING GROUP.

As Tom (Wills) was away there was no report.

13) GROUP REPORTS

Oakley (Petts) for the Deltania Group said that there was still one share for sale. There had been a group maintenance day and the boats were clean, shining and in top condition. He also reported that five Deltania members and wives had been for a week’s sailing holiday in Turkey. They had had such a good time they have already booked their next trip.

There was no report from the Shoestring Group.

Janice (Penning) for the CAT Group said that there were many days booked but there were vacancies on 16 & 27 July.

For the 1 Metre Group Richard (Hext) said that after the group had been called the one with the toy boats at the last meeting he had something to say. He detailed the dimensions of the boats and pointed out that they had all the usual bits (keel, aluminium mast, spreaders, shrouds, fore and backstays, rudder, sails and sheets etc) that big boats had. “Our boats are small but beautifully formed” he said. Yes! We are the smallest group but we have the most boats which we take to events from Alicante to Cartagena and beyond.