Minutes:
1. Opening
Meeting was officially opened by Peter Schaft at 8.35. There were 21 countries present which is sufficient to hold the meeting. Some important rule changes are to be discussed.
2. Minutes taking
Peter Schaft proposes that minutes will be taken by Mrs. Folkson if all agree. There were no objections. Meeting will be held in English and if anyone needs clarification of any points it can be translated into German or French.
3. Registration of national federations present at the meeting.
There were 21 countries present: Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Luxemburg, USA, Serbia and Montenegro, Russia, Byelorussia, Check Republic, Slovakia, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Switzerland
4. Report from the previous period
A new rule book was published in 2003 and all national federations should have received a copy. Rule book is not published on the web site as this is too expensive to arrange. It will however be requested. Updates to the hard copy of rule book are always published on the web site. Some changes to the new rule book will be discussed later on in the meeting.
All the communications for the 2004 championships in Velenje have been done via e-mail and web site. All information has been made available through the Naviga site.
www.rfac.naviga already has results for the 1st round of heats for these championships.
That is all for the previous period.
5. Election of section leader
President of Naviga Mr. Franz Hofbauer has been asked to make the proposal for the election of section leader.
Mr. Hofbauer greeted the meeting and thanked all the good people working at the top and expressed hope that it carries on this way. Also wishing everyone that the meeting will be a success and that the good work will carry on into 2006.
He continued that he has a duty to ensure that election of section leader up to 2006 is carried out here.
He proposed Peter Schaft as section leader FSR
Ian Folkson requested a show of hands and whether there were any other proposals from the floor?
There were no other proposals and Peter Schaft was unanimously re-elected as section leader for FSR.
Peter Schaft accepts his position and thanks everyone for the trust
6. Election of the sub section leaders
H - Section: Harri Jaartsveld is re-elected without any objections
V - Section: Ian Folkson was proposed by Peter Schaft. Ian tells the meeting about his model boat shop and if anyone feels that this would interfere with his position as V section sub leader he is prepared to stand down. There were no objections and Ian Folkson was also re-elected.
O - Section: Peter Schaft explains the problem experience in the V-35 heat which involved current O section leader Paul Firmin. There was frequency duplication as a result of organiser's mistake. Paul Firmin agreed to change frequency. However he has experienced trouble during the heat and could not race. Mr. Firmin protested that he had interference because the frequencies were only 10kHz apart. Peter Schaft finds it difficult to work with a member of a committee who is willing to protest against his own committee members running the competition. Peter Schaft is not willing to work with Paul Firmin any longer.
Paul Firmin offers his resignation. Thanks everyone for the last 6 years in the job. He is willing to remain in the position if the meeting votes for him. The protest he made was as a competitor officially through the team leader. In V he is only a competitor and he believes his protest should have been considered this way. He put a protest in to resolve his own problem and to stop this sort of thing happening in the future and doesn't feel it should have been considered any differently to other competitors protests.
Peter Schaft proposes Steve Wenham as the new FSR-O section leader. He is already an O representative for UK.
All Hobbs made a point that he finds it hard to make a decision as he does not know the situation and will abstain.
Voting for Steve Wenham
8 for
0 against
13 abstain
Steve Wenham is elected as the new O- section leader.
Paul Firmin stands down greets everyone and leaves the meeting.
Andrea Cavalli asked a question on behalf of the Italian representative. They were not sure about how the voting was done and how the decision was made. Ian Folkson explains the situation again. The question was asked if anyone wanted Paul Firming to remain the O- section leader but no one came forward.
7. World championships
The next World Championships is going to be in Norway. Representatives from Norway have brought some leaflets and brochures for everyone to take. The Naviga website also has a link to the Norway World Championships site.
8. Break
A short break until 20.15
Before the meeting restarted Juergen Tieze requested if the representatives from Norway would be prepared to answer questions at some point during the meeting. This was agreed to take place at the end of the meeting.
As proposals are sent out via e-mail Peter Schaft requests national federations to confirm e-mail addresses where the correspondence can be sent to.
9. Proposals
send to the member countries and representatives by the FSR section via E-mail and also published on Naviga web site
a) Questions from the Check Republic
- In the minutes from the previous FSR H&O meeting in Belchatow 2/8/2002 it is not clear what the decision was in respect of proposal to change number of laps for all classes of FSR-H to 6. The competition rules still state that in 4 minutes boats must achieve the following laps: FSR-H-3.5 (5 laps), FSR-H-7.5 (6 laps), FSR-H-15 (7 laps).
To clarify the position regarding the number of laps voting was carried out again:
9 for change to 6 laps for all classes (Byelorussia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Check Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, USA)
5 against change to 6 laps for all classes (GB, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Netherlands)
Remaining 7 abstain
From next championships onwards the models in all 3 categories
(FSR-H-2.5, 7.5, 15), will have to achieve 6 laps within 4 minutes.
- The course in FSR-O classes is sailed clockwise. Start place 1 on the pontoon is to the right side and start place 8 to the left. (drawing p.13 and 18 of rule book 2003 FSR-O) The first qualifying competitor is the furtherest away from the start line.
There was a discussion on this point. There is some problems with the start line on the left as competitor could potentially start the race by launching the boat just before the start and have a lap counted before completing one. Steve Whenham suggested that start line and clock should be on the right of the pontoon which would solve this problem. Juergen Tieze pointed out that it would be very difficult to make different start lines for each class all should remain on the left side. This would be even harder if the transponders are used where line has to be fixed on shore and in the water.
Clarification of the rule is that 1 should be in the better starting position on the left of the pontoon and 8 on the right. Correction of the rule book was agreed with 4 abstentions and the rest in favour. Peter Schaft will ensure the correction is put in the rule book.
- Competition Rules FSR H/V:
Page 20, paragraph 6.1.(3).
Every model must have on the deck a longitudinal mount for attaching number plate which can be provided by the competitor (provided by the organiser)
Explanation of the rule is that competitors can use their own number plates if they are in accordance with the rules.
b) Proposals from Sweden
- Re-run of race (heat)
If a race / heat in FSR-H classes has to be re-run because it was interrupted, only the boats still running at the point the race is stopped should have the right to restart. The boats which have stopped during the original race get 25 points.
Motivation / Strength
It is unfair to the other competitors to give the boats that have already stopped another chance to start in the race.
After some discussion of what would be the fairest way and in what situations the FSR-H heat would be likely to be stopped, it was concluded that it would have to be very unusual circumstances which would cause a race to be rerun.
The rule proposed and voted on is that only the boats still running at the time the heat is stopped will be allowed to restart. The boats stopped on the water at the time the race is stopped will get 25 points.
8 countries in favour of the above rule (Belgium, GB, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, USA)
4 countries against (Byelorussia, Russia, The Netherlands, Ukraine)
Remaining 9 countries abstain.
This rule will be added to the rule book and FSR-H classes will run with this new rule from next championships.
- 6.10 the start clock (complementary rules)
The start clock may also be supplemented by a digital display
Motivation / Strength
The reading of the analogue start clock requires attention to both the hand on the dial and the number of indicating lights. The digital display is clearer and would not lead to misunderstanding. Digital display has been used in Sweden for 2 years with very good results.
Peter Schaft suggests that it would not be fair to order a country to provide a digital display if they already have and use and analogue clock.
A discussion followed regarding details of such digital clock. It was clarified that digital display would have just 1 white light. The way the one used in Sweden is made, it is still visible even if the sun shines on it.
Proposal for voting is that either type of clock can be used analogue or digital:
13 countries in favour (Belgium, Bulgaria, Check, Germany, Luxemburg, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ukraine, USA)
4 countries against (Byelorussia, Hong Kong, GB, Hungary)
5 abstain
From the next championships both types of clock will be allowed as long as they are clearly visible in all weather conditions.
- 6.16 Competition Course
Change existing oval course for FSR - O to M shaped course in line with existing FSR - V
Strength
This type of course is more demanding in terms of driver's skill and boat handling. Counter clockwise driving for mono hulls is preferable due to prop rotation and construction of the boat. The spectators have a better possibility to follow the leading boats on a longer and more varied course it makes for a closer competition and not just top speed winners. An oval course suits the faster Hydro boats better compared to the relatively slower offshore boats.
There was discussion pointing out that this proposal has been considered at previous meeting, 2 years ago, and that it should not have been brought up again. The Offshore competition at this championship has been the best ever and there is no need to change style of race course again.
In view of general feeling against the change Sweden withdrew their proposal.
- 3.2.3 Maximum allowed competitors
Propose that the decision of 2002 FSR-V section meeting to extend number of competitors is applied to FSR-H and FSR-O classes.
Strength
The same rules for all classes if fair.
Peter Schaft clarifies the rule. The countries with a competitors in the final get an extra place for the next championships up to a maximum of 5 competitors and in case they also have a world champion he / she is automatically allowed to enter to defend the title. The additional competitors represent 1 extra heat for each class and should not extend the time needed for running the championship.
Same proposal was put forward by GB.
Everyone is in favour so from next championships the additional competitors rule will apply to FSR-H and FSR- O classes as well.
c) Proposals from Great Britain Hydro and Offshore sections
- Hydro and Offshore section fall in line with V regarding increasing the number of entrants per country to a maximum of 5 plus previous World Champion per class, depending on the number of their competitors who reach the previous World Champions final.
This point was already considered above under Swedish proposals
- A country running the World Championships should receive guidance from NAVIGA over how to run the event to ensure fairness to competitors:
* each of the four heats should be run on a different day
* the finals should run 3.5, 7.5, 15, 3.5,7.5,15…… through the heats
The proposal for 4 heats to be run on 4 separate days was discussed first. There is a benefit for running this way of since H and O run the same course and if someone has a problem with boat damage they have a chance to repair it before next days heat. On the other hand it was suggested that since this boats are sensitive for set up you can in fact have a better chance in heat 2 on the same day. It was also suggested that people with families would have to be there on all 4 days rather than have 1 day racing one day off.
Votes were counted
5 countries voted for 4 separate days (GB, Russia, Netherlands, Ukraine, USA)
11 countries voted for 2 heats per day as it is now (Byelorussia, Belgium, Check Republic, Hong Kong, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden)
The remaining 5 abstain
The Hydro and Offshore heats will be run 2 heats per day as is common practice now.
The proposal about running the finals in certain order was discussed afterwards.
At the World Championships in Velenje it was set to run 3.5J, 3.5S, 7.5J, 7.5S, 15S and round again. It is suggested that it is done the same way in future championships. There were no objections to running the finals in this way, everyone was in agreement.
d) Proposals from the FSR section
- To remove section 3.3.4 (6) (7) from the rules. This section refers to organisers having a possibility to cancel a re-run of a race if planned finishing time is threatened.
After a short discussion it was agreed that the rule should remain but with an alteration that if race is to be re-run due to radio problems and that would threaten the planned finishing time of the championships the organiser has a right to cancel the rerun. In absence of this rule a competitor could insist that a race is re-run because of radio problems.
Proposal was withdrawn.
- Point 3.4.11 (3) If a competition is suspended in excess of 60 minutes, the
Complete race has to be re run. It is proposed that this is changed to re running only the heats which have been suspended.
Everyone was in favour or amending this rule.
- Point 6.1 (2) of the rules. The engine must have full throttle control, a switch of button is not allowed. The size of the tank is not restricted. Fuel has to be supplied by the competitor.
A model must have full throttle control not just an on / off switch during the race.
- Point 6.11 (18) to be removed from the rules. This rule requires organisers to keep frequencies secret during world championships and list to be given only to countries team leaders.
There was a discussion regarding this point. This year there were many mistakes and it is better if more people are able to view the list to spot these mistakes. GB and Russia made a point that they would like frequencies to remain secret to prevent sabotage as this is very easy to do if frequencies are published.
A vote took place.
14 countries voted for removing the rule (Byelorussia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Check Republic, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, The Netherlands, Serbia and Montenegro, USA)
4 Countries vote for the rule to remain in place (GB, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine)
3 abstained.
From next championships onwards the frequencies will be published on starting lists. The current rule will be removed.
- point 6.3 of the rules regarding starting positions for O class finals has been considered under Check Republic proposals.
- Point 6.5 (22) g. Is a proposal to make rules about passing the rescue boat stricter.
If a model is passing the rescue boat or the pontoon inside 3 meters at full speed, first time a yellow card with 1 lap deduction will be given. If you get a yellow card this will stay with you for the rest of the competition. The second time a yellow card will be given it automatically means a red card. The model must be taken out of the water immediately.
There was a considerably long discussion regarding this point. Peter Schaft pointed out that he would like this matter discussed and his proposal is only a start. He would appreciate if the representatives of the countries would take their thought away and discuss it within their national federations to come up with proposals for a solution. Something needs to be done for safety of the crew in the rescue boat.
Discussion is stopped by Peter Schaft and no decision made at this point.
- FSR O The bottom of the hull must have on the back side the shape of a V the propeller-shaft must come out from the back of the boat.
After some discussion only the point about the shaft coming out from the back of the boat was voted on. And the requirement for a V shape on the back of the boat does not apply.
Every one was in favour that O boats should have propeller shaft out the back of the boat.
10. Any other business
- Transponder system
Peter Schaft proposes that transponders systems can be used in World Championship competitions. As the system can be hired from many countries successfully running it, there should only be exceptional circumstances in which major competition such as World championships isn't run with it.
USA representative expressed concern that this system isn't very reliable and that he has been to races without back up where there were delays because of it.
Voting takes place and all present are in favour of this proposal apart from USA.
- Questions to Norway
Questions are asked to explain exactly where the course will be on the photograph of the lake.
The pontoon is 135 meters long; boats currently shown on the photographs will be removed. For further information representatives from Norway suggest viewing the web site.
http://www.rcboat2006.com
How much will the camping cost?
They don't have exact details yet but there is reasonably priced accommodation for 1000 people in cabins, tents and caravans.
- Time it takes to run the championships
Germany brought up the proposal submitted by France regarding the length of the championships. France suggest that it is split like it was in Poland so that competitors only taking part in V only need to stay for 1 week and competitors for H and O only need to stay for 1 week.
Germany proposes that the timetables are compressed closer together to shorten the time it takes to run the heats and that there are no free days in between. Friday to Sunday should be enough time to run the World Championships in all 3 classes.
There is concern from the Netherlands whether the organisers would be able to run it in such a way. There would be no time left in the evenings to practice. However with a good training lake that shouldn't be a problem.
This remains an open point for discussion.
- Question to Norway regarding training lake
The provision of second lake depends on local authorities but they will do their best to ensure the facility is available.
- Question to Slovenia regarding rescue boats at training lake. Why are there not 2 boats 1 each side of the lake for H/O and V
The only spare boat available needs to remain at the competition lake. The organisers feel that facilities are sufficient as competitors have come to the championships to compete and not train.
Meeting closed by Peter Schaft. |