505 American Section 2024 Year End “Debrief”

[Tim Murphy]

At this point you’re probably wondering why so many emails from your Officers and myself. It’s because we’ve got lots going on we want to try to keep you in the loop of how we’re trying to improve the experience. I thought I’d do a year end summary and give some things to look forward to in ‘25. This seems like a thing big time organizations do around the holidays and it aways seems a nice summary. 

Im sure most have the holidays and eventually winter boatwork on their minds but the 505 world doesn’t stop this year. There are 10 American teams soon to be departing for Worlds in Adelaide (myself and PVG included). After that the season starts in Florida and then it’s not much time until spring hits and we’re back on the water for what should be a full schedule. On the West Coast we have at least 14 regattas planned with at least 7 East Coast events. The Officers have confirmed WCCs, ECCs, and NAs dates and locations. We planned the NAs for Kingston which should make a kind of central location for many of us. This will be combined with Eastern Canadian Champs so should provide a week of racing and training. On other fronts, you’ve no doubt seen emails about a boat locating project we’re embarking on and making progress. Our goal is to identify all the boats out there so as to maximize participation. As well if you’re not sailing for reasons and would like to sell a boat please reach out to discuss as we have a constant request for used boats. In the last couple days Blaine Pedlow sent his email about a change to membership dues. Please look over that and expect to see the new charges on 12/31 (I believe). Auto pay is always easiest. In 2025 we will be introducing a new position- Regional Media Coordinator. Please consider. Again from Blaine’s thorough email. This will be part of our evolving media promotion strategy. This promotion plan hopefully will result in more recruitment to the class. Of course the best selling point is the boat itself. So get interested people out on the water to spread our passion. Finally, while it seems a long ways off, it’s not. I’m talking about the possibility of 2027 Worlds in Long Beach at ABYC. Though it’s not official yet, we will be presenting our proposal at the AGM in Adelaide. I’m hopeful for approval. I’m going to call this “Project-27” for now. If this happens we’d really like the American Section to show up in good numbers. Maybe even Snoop will show. It is the LBC afterall. The planning begins now which is why bring it up. Lastly, I re-sent the Adelaide AGM measurement proposals to additional discussion groups. There was concern the posting to the NorthAmerican group may have missed some. That’s all. Enjoy the holidays. Plan to get to some events in 2025. Think Project-27. 

Best Wishes,

Officers of the American Section 505 Class

[Ole Eichhorn]

Tim and all - thanks for the great communication and planning.  We not only sail amazing boats we have a great class, and much for which to be thankful.  I am so delighted to be back sailing a 505 after a 32 year absence :). Happy Holidays and here’s to a great 2025!

Ole Eichhorn - Rondar 8207 - 3231 Bayshore Dr, Westlake Village CA 91362