Hi all,
Here are the notes from the last Fleet call; apologies for the tardiness. Unfortunately we weren't able to get a quorum. We'll reconvene when we have some next steps to discuss with the sail committee.
### Fleet Meeting Discussion
- Participants: John, Jonathan, Doug, Oliver, Graham
- Topics covered: North Americans regatta planning, sail purchases, race committee improvements
### North Americans Regatta Planning
- Proposed dates: August 14-16 (second weekend in August)
- Replaces traditional picnic race weekend
- Charlie volunteered as PRO to handle logistics
- Target: 7-9 teams using 10 available boats
- Timing avoids conflicts with other major events
- Next steps: Graham to coordinate with flag officers on date approval
### Sail Purchase Committee Update
- Main sail timeline targeting 2027 delivery
- Allows proper prototype development and testing
- Will work with North Sails (Will Wells) on design process
- Spinnaker lessons learned:
- Current North spinnakers 44 sq ft smaller than originals
- Design differs significantly from fleet preference
- Need to ensure new mains match existing rig characteristics
- Prototype approach:
- North to create test sail for June 2026
- Fleet testing on multiple boats
- Feedback session before final order
- Intellectual property considerations around existing sail designs
### Race Committee Improvements & Equipment Updates
- Course length and positioning issues
- Consider leeward mark options below start/finish line
- Doug to lead separate meeting on sailing instruction improvements
- Digital compass discussion:
- Fleet considering allowing electronic compasses
- Compatible with existing analog systems
- Future vote to be scheduled for fleet approval
