2008 AGM & Social
The Maxi Owners Association AGM & Social was held on Friday 4th April 2008 at The Queen Inn, Dummer, Near Basingstoke at 1900. A small (but perfectly formed) group gathered for the AGM in the Queen Inn, Dummer. [Peter has attendees list]
Chairman’s report: John Skipper thanked the committee for their work during the year, particularly Chris Wildey for maintaining the excellent web site, Peter Stonestreet for his sterling efforts in organising the programme and encouraging event organisers and Rod Minkey for editing and produciing the very professional newsletter. John talked through the Association’s activities in 2007; despite a number of disappointments due to the weather, record numbers of boats had atended the remaining South Coast events, and all had been really enjoyable. Highlights were the Autumn events in Lymington and Folly Inn (joint with the Nimbus owners), when we took advantage of fabulous Indian summer conditions and convivial company, including dancing on the tables into the small hours at the Folly!
Treasurers report: The accounts remain solid, with a comfortable operating surplus in 2007/8. It was agreed that the level of subsidy for events was about right, and there is no need to raise membership fees at this stage. Membership is up slightly on the year at 144 boats, although some long term members did not renew subscriptions in 2007: we hope they just forgot and will renew this year.
Elections: John Haskins was elected unanimously as Technical Officer, Mick Nelmes as Honorary Member for 2008/9 and the SD Marine team as Associate Members for 2008/9. No nominations were received for the vacant committee positions, but Andy Horwood kindly volunteered to help with getting Newsletter input and Sarah Phillips to help with Membership and Admin. We hope they will enjoy this so much, they will offer to stand for committee posts in the future!
Rally report: Peter Stonestreet, Peter Sands and Rod Minkey talked through a full and exciting programme of planned events for 2008: details of these were shown at the meeting and are on the web site. There was some discussion about a joint South and East Coast meet at Ramsgate: it was agreed to sound out members by e-mail to see if any are interested, as this makes a very long trip for most South Coast members. Members would also like to see an area of the web site where those undertaking longer cruises could post their intentions: this would allow others to plan to meet up with them less formally than a rally.
Newsletter: Rod shows rushes of the almost complete Spring 2008 Newsletter. All were impressed and are looking forward to receiving their copies. Some members would prefer an A4 format, to make it easier to read. This would also allow a small saving in postage. But most felt that the current, distinctive A3 format should be kept, as it allows for large, high quality pictures. Advertising was also discussed: the current level of advertising in the newsletter was felt to be ideal. Members would prefer the web site not to become too commercial: some felt that the current Hyde Sails advert was rather too prominant, and risked giving the eroneous impression that they were a major sponsor of the Association.
Close: The evening finished with dinner and drinks. John and Rod were wished luck for the morning’s McGuigan Cup two-handed race, which they were entering in Magewind. (They went on to take line honours in their class, but luck deserted them half-way through the race, when they first got the spinnaker in the water and then a silly error led to a penalty which dropped them to fifth in the final results).
John Skipper
Magewind in clear water before their luck changed…