IOM-GBR News – December 2020
A month and a half have whizzed by since I took over running the IOM National Class Association, and I would like to express my appreciation for the support many of you have given, either through emails or in person when we have met. It is very much appreciated, so thank you.
What has happened in the IOM world, this month?
Rejected IOMICA rule resolutions.
The rejected resolution to adopt 3D printing as a form of hulls manufacture, has opened a debate with regards to existing processes and procedures, which appear have contributed to the failure of the resolution. The resolution is to be reviewed again to ensure that its drafting fully reflects the needs of the members.
As part of this process, it is vital that any resolution for change should, by definition, incorporate an impact assessment of the existing methods to which it applies, highlighting any potential conflicts of interests. In this way any issues can be properly dealt with prior to submission. Any related change can then be put forward separately for adoption.
MYA Yearbook
This year the class was were asked to provide words and pictures for inclusion in the yearbook. The brief was to supply prospective MYA IOM skippers an idea of about regular IOM sailing.
Thank you to all Members who answered the call.
Three images have been selected that will do the class justice when published. I hope you like them.
It is massively encouraging for us and all the other volunteers who give so much of their time, knowledge, and skill and time, to receive this support.
2021 Race Calendar
Something exciting to look forward to so get your diaries out now…. The 2021 National and Ranking events calendar.
Here are the dates (C-19 willing) and a brief description on the Ranking events and the Nationals for 2021. Graham Elliott has completed this task having taken it over from Gavin Watson.
Look at the venues, why would anyone not want to race at them? If you are unable to race please feel free to come along and watch and support your favourite make of boat or skipper.
Ranking #1 and #2 – 3rd and 4th April – Scotland, Castle Semple.
A large expanse of water (Lochwinnoch) about 30 minutes’ drive West of Glasgow, is the one ranking race that everyone looks forward to. The Scots put a great race on for us every two years. The sailing venue has everything, car park, grass bank and cafe all within touching distance. There is normally a very good social on the Saturday evening at the nearby Bowfield Hotel.
Ranking #3 and #4 – 26th and 27th June – Coalhouse Fort.
Located not far from Tilbury Docks on the Thames Estuary. A great ‘banana’ shaped lake with plenty of parking and grass banks.
Nationals – 28th-30th August – Fleetwood.
A fantastic man made lake, Located 30mins North of Blackpool. Host of many World Championships, with plenty of accommodation available within 10 minutes of the lake. Some great pubs and restaurants nearby and. known for its windy conditions and social activities.
Ranking #5 and #6 – 23rd and 24th October – Two Islands Located in Milton Keynes.
A large expanse of water with sailing available from two banks depending on wind conditions. A Premier Inn is located lakeside with a pub attached, plenty of parking and grass banks.
All that is left now is to wish you all a merry Christmas and a C-19 free New Year
IOM-GBR Team
IOM-GBR – The future
As some of you already know, the IOM-GBR Class association now has a complete management team in place, made up of some new and previous members. The team is displayed on the foot of this document and their details and backgrounds can be viewed here on the IOM-GBR website: https://gbriom.com/management-team/ for the curious amongst you
So what now?
Well, I appreciate that many of you may be asking this question and here is the answer.
We are in the planning stage just now, the key objectives being to:
- Communicate how much fun is had by sailing IOMs
- Improving access to new and used boats
- Improving the user experience (both new and existing) by simplifying the access to spares maintenance and reliability of boats.
This represents a lot of work; lucky I have time on my hands and the support of an enthusiastic management team that is inspiring and motivating.
This all sounds wonderful, and I can now hear the questions…really? how is that going to happen?
So in answer to those questions this here is the plan list (in no particular order of importance) that is either already in progress or on the ‘to do’ list
- IOMGBR organized competition events (Opens, Rankings and Nationals) are being reviewed for 2021 in the light of current, predicted and best case scenarios
- 2022 IOMGBR organized competition events are in the early expression of interest planning stages, with a view to completion by mid 2021
- A Cloud based business quality secure document library using Microsoft OneDrive has already been set up and is being developed as a centralised resources for the management team
- The website layout is being redesigned with the objective of making it the ‘go to’ authority for all things IOM including such items as
- National Event news features,
- a new location for regional and local club news
- boat sailing tests
- buyers guide for new and used boats
- ‘how to’ maintenance help
- Home build features and resources….. And more
There you have it. Don’t worry if nothing appears to be happening, all the work is currently taking place out of sight while we put sound foundations in place to support future growth and activities of a dynamic IOM GBR class. Next update December 2020