MARCH Committee Meeting

Balmain Sailing Club
6.30 pm Tuesday 15th. March 2005

1.       Attendance: 

Arthur King, Alan Clark, Steve Prince, Adam Workman,  Dave Blackwell, Graham Hamilton, Neil Hamilton,
Dave Stenhouse, Philip Grove.
Apologies were received from Kym Elsey, Murray Chafer, Erica Kirby, and Jennifer Morton.

  2.       Minutes of the February Committee meeting: 

The February minutes were approved unanimously on the motion of Philip Grove, Seconded by David Stenhouse.

 3.       Correspondence received and Issues arising from earlier meetings:

 1.     Life membership criteria. 

The committee agreed that the research and document prepared by Neil Hamilton would serve as a basis for future
election to life membership.  On the motion of Philip Grove, seconded by Dave Stenhouse the committee nominated
Dave Stenhouse and Alan Clark to form a sub-committee to include one or two additional members at their discretion
to receive and review nominations for life membership, and submit theirrecommended candidate for the approval
of the Committee.

2.     Planning Day. This item was deferred to a later meeting.

3.     Letter from Hopetoun Quays. 

Philip Grove reviewed the letter from Hopetoun Quays dated 9 February complaining about misuse of the quays
facilities by club members, and advised that the club had put a notice in the March issue of UnderCurrent asking
members not to interfere with neighbouring property owners' rights.

 4.     Letter from Katherine Dafforn. 

Miss Dafforn is a PhD. Student at the University of NSW who would like to conduct biological studies at the club
jetty, and attach sampling devices to the piles.  The committee asked Philip Grove to prepare a letter agreeing to
allow this activity under supervision of Arthur King and on terms which do not expose the club to liability.

5.  Review of other clubs' membership, boat storage and race entry fees.

Philip Grove will try to do this in time for next meeting.  This will include a review of special classes of membership such as youth memberships, student membership, aged persons membership etc.   

 4.       REPORTS

 1.       President: 
Dave Stenhouse drew attention to the forthcoming prize night and encouraged members to make booking arrangements early.  Dave alsoindicated that many members had asked if the web-site could be upgraded.

After discussion Dave will look into the matter and make a formal costed proposal to the Committee at a future meeting.

Dave also congratulated Linda Bell on the high rate of hall hires.

 2.       Secretary:  

Philip Grove reviewed the club rules as they apply to election of officers and directors at the next Annual General Meeting.

At Erica Kirby's request Philip Grove advised that the closing day for copy for the next issue of UnderCurrent is 1 April.

 3.       Treasurer 

Arthur King presented and explained the YTD P&L statement which indicates that the club continues to run a modest
surplus.Arthur also explained the new sticker system for tracking dinghies and tenders in the boatshed.

 4.       Membership:  No report.

5.       PR Captain:  No report.

 6.       Sponsorship Captain: 

Neil Hamilton advised the committee that Sarah Lorden real estate would not continue as a major sponsor of the
regatta due to the down-turn in real-estate activity. The committee expressed its gratitude for Sarah Lorden's generous
assistance. St. Arnou Breweries will continue to assist the Regatta but plan to cap their direct contribution at about $5,000. 
It was observed that sponsorship should be settled before the Sailing Instructions are printed.

 7.       House Captain:  No report. 

8.       Building Captain:

Graham Hamilton advised that there will be a working bee next month focused on the barbecue area. 
On the motion of David Stenhouse, seconded by Adam Workman, the committee approved a budget of $1,000
for materials needed for the working bee.  

 9.       Social Captain: No report. 

10.     Commodore:

At the request of Dave Blackwell the sailing committee will look into holding a short series of windward / leeward races for
dinghies. This may involve amendment to the Maritime Authority licence.
Alan Clark reminded the committee of the RANSA regatta and the North Sydney Cup, with inshore and offshore races
followed by a social at the Sydney  Flying Squadron club in Kirribilli.  

Alan advised that a proposal would be made to purchase a new safety boat.

A line will be painted on the deck to establish a zone for pedestrian passage to the pontoon, and facilitate the starters'
observation of starts. Dinghies will not be permitted to rig in this area.

 5.       Matters for Discussion:    Covered in individual reports.

6.       Other Business: 

There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 8.45pm. 
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 19 April.