So with my newfangled (for me) F16 I was looking how to join the UK class association. Seems simple enough, but reading the UK class constitution I was surprised to read this:



This look to me like a way for the committee to nicely remove any opposition right before a vote. Like, I'm going to suspend those guys for 10 days, just over the GC meeting, so they can't vote on that particular issue.

An I paranoid? Yes, maybe. But such clause is ridiculous IMHO. Excluding or suspending a member should be possible by a vote from everyone, not just the committee.

Am I the only one to feel uncomfortable about such a clause?

Pepin,

Check the clauses in your sailing club membership, I bet the same clause exists there.

I can't find DWSC constitution on-line, but a quick google for sailing club constitutions indicates that:

- Yarmouth sailing club requires 2/3 of the *members* to suspend of exclude someone
- Montrose sailing club has a lengthy process that could be triggered only if "the behaviour of any member, in any respect is considered to be contrary to The Constitution, the good name of The Club, the fabric and the assets of The Club or the safety of themselves or others". Fairly specific.
- Norfolk consider you no longer a member if you don't pay or in case of "resignation, bankruptcy or death."
- Southern sailing club: no clause.

This clause doesn't seems that common...

Pepin,
You asked if you are being paranoid?

Answer: Yes! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

The International Constitution does not include this clause but it appears that the various NAs do. It would not be in anyones interest to manipulate a vote in the way you suggest though and it would be construed by all as an abuse of power. We're a very friendly bunch really with common goals, if you don't believe that then you're in the wrong class.....

Be afraid Pepin.
The UK NA consists of Paul Warren and myself, Paul being Chairman and Secretary and I as Treasurer. However, we were practically self appointed (press ganged) but that can soon be remedied if you want to volunteer your services.
I'm sure you've met John P, Paul, Anne, Dave, Nigel, Wayne & Nick etc before, so you should understand the UK F16 ethos......? If you're still not sure then you're looking in the wrong glasses <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That's the point exactly, I've met most of them hence my reluctance in trusting them <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Some of them would sell their soul for a pint of beer, how can I trust them?

I just paid my dues, so I guess I'm a member (until suspended by the committee), so you can start to buy my vote now <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Can I have my pint of beer now. (Just in case).

Oh I think Pepin has a valid point. If we discover something in the constitution that is wrong or unreasonable we shouldn't try to defend it but change it. (get my pint on the bar ready Eric.)

Just because one club/association accepts something bad is no reason for everyone to.

Dave,
The sailing club I sailed at for over 20 yrs had the same
clause. It was used once in the interest of safety.
I won't go into the details here but we were fortunate to have it at the time.
Regards,
Phill

mark, you forget the UK measurer.....

Absolutely - this is supposed to be our class, and it should work how we want it to.

The constitution as it stands doesn't specify any special rules for amending it, so I believe it can be changed by a simple majority vote at a meeting of the class.

I think it would make sense to have a class meeting at the Datchet event in November to discuss the plans for the TT next year. We could take the opportunity to vote on an amendment to this clause. I will send out notice, and details for absentee voting closer to the date. If you would like to propose an amendment, please send me proposed wording via PM or to committee@uk.formula16.org

Paul

forget the measurer....nice jugs!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

*applause*