Im sorry, but I agree with Holger and Mark here. One of the worst promotional things to do as a class is to give the appearence that you have something to hide. Having a private forum for the "honest" stuff is one of the best ways to feed such perceptions.

It also goes directly against the "be inclusive" principle that was at the basis of the F16 class from its creation. On what other grounds would we have put up with members like you and Stewart, Mark ? Or even myself !

But seriously, I fear some are underestimating how different the F16 class is from your run of the mill sailing classes. I know some feel that this forum is a promotional liability, but then I know that without it we would never had a F16 class to begin with.

Yes, I agree with these same people that "openness and inclusiveness" can become liabilities when out of control but I also believe that "tight control" can be a serious liability in its own right. If F16 sailors wanted tight control then they would be sailing in Hobie classes. And they would be right in doing so as Hobie does that best, although the number of Hobie classes is very quickly decreasing for some reason.

Wouter

I'm also sorry Wouter, but like the tail wagging the dog this public forum can never dictate to the F16 Governing Council. Yes it is a very good tool for the F16 Class when used correctly but don't kid yourself too much I wouldn't have thought that many people have bought an F16 on the back of it. If you think having a Forum specifically for people with a proper connection to the F16 Class is a 'tight control' I would beg to differ. This suggested Forum, being recogniesd by the various association members and GC would to my mind do the exact opposite. So if you're concerned that some hobie 14 sailor from a place which I never knew existed felt left out then so be it. They should buy a proper Cat

You really don't get it do you Wouter!!! I was trying to refrain from mentioning your not so subtle absence from the AGM, but had you the inclination to ask for an agenda in advance then I'm positive that you would have been furnished with one well prior of the Meeting. The meeting itself IMO was very proactive and even you must surely admit holding an AGM prior to the 2007 Global Challenge would have been a bit impractical if not impossible whilst you were Chairperson. As for the rest of your comments I personally don't really think having an AGM or perhaps a specific Forum for Class members will make any negative differences what so ever to the Class, now or in the future.

Before we start any distracting rumours, let me inform everybody on what went down with respect to my person and the AGM.

On the day the AGM was going to be held I contacted the Chairman and ran through the expected procedings. This talk was short and I was assured that nothing major would come to pass. He agreed that I wouldn't miss anything by not attending. The next day I approached Martien and had a long talk covering the topics and what everybody said.

The reason I didn't attend the AGM personally has to do with the fact that we are not all born with perfect bodies. There are times when I need to involuntarily excuse myself. I have done this more often during the week. After the dinner at the Indian restaurant, on the day with the trip to Amsterdam, etc.

But I admit that this is the most easily found stick to hit me with.

Wouter

Nice move Wouter re-editing your post after my reply!! Openness and Integrity in it's truest form?

Actually I had only read your posting after I had finished my earlier posting.

Do you have anymore scandalous angles you may want to try to take attention away from the real issues ?

Wouter

My only angle is that you changed your 10:17 post quite dramatically after my response at 10:52. This re-edit was posted at 11:29. The only scandal is that my response is now based on information which you subsequently changed.

I'm enjoying this banter between you two BUT If you pair want to see who has the biggest manhood YOU should really be doing it privatly than on a public forum where everybody can and will read it
SO both agree to disagree and move ON
Because it's stuff like this ,that people move people away from the class not towards it
Regards Richard