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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: USMCA EXCOMM MEMBER TRAVIS WEISLEDER ON THE 2006 AGM

15 SEPTEMBER 2006 • On August 24, prior to the commencement of the 2006 World Championship in Hyeres, France the International Melges 24 Class Association Executive Committee met for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Representatives from all Melges 24 National Class Authorities participated, gathering to speak about certain class issues and amongst them was current Secretary/Treasurer and incoming USMCA Vice President, Travis Weisleder. Travis ventured to France on behalf of the U.S. Class and in this exclusive interview, he brings us up to speed on things discussed.

USMCA: Traveling to foreign countries can be fun and exciting especially where a World Championship is concerned, but this time you were specifically on important USMCA business. What were your expectations and what did you think of your very first AGM attendance?

TW: France was very cool to visit, especially the south of France. I was not really sure what to expect about the AGM. I had always heard various things, both good and bad. The real goal of the meeting was to ensure that the USMCA interests where being voiced and acted upon. The meeting was good. It was extremely important to sit, meet, and discuss what is happening in the US and what role we need the IMCA to play in order for us to continue growth. They were very excited that we attended and are eager to help in any ways possible. But, the key was just gaining trust and communication. I also really learned that a lot of the requests that the IMCA makes upon the USMCA is actually coming from rules within ISAF.

USMCA: A great many topics are always discussed at the AGM. One subject that has been at the forefront of everyone's minds in the US and Europe is current rule C.3.13 concerning hiking lines. Tell us about the overall discussion and the final decision.

TW: There was actually very little discussion on this topic. There was not one MCA that voted to change the rules. We all laughed as the main reason that this whole topic came up was from Scuttlebutt. We did however discuss in more detail hiking practices and the new changes coming January 1, 2007 that basically say you must keep your butt on the boat.

USMCA: From your observations based on class association submissions and reports, at the international level is the class growing and what are some of the initiatives being explored to encourage further growth?

TW: All of the MCA's are different, there are some small ones and we are by far the largest, but the general idea is in getting more Corinthians involved and more recognition to them as crews, just not drivers.

USMCA: New IMCA officers were also elected. Tell us how this process worked and who are the new lucky individuals?

TW: We elected new officers to the board, all seats were un-challenged except for the European Rep, which went to Riccardo Simoneschi, who is the previous President of the International Star Class Executive Committee. We all thought that his knowledge and experience with ISAF would be invaluable. If I told you the actual process, we would then have to kill ya.

The incoming IMCA Executive Committee will continue to be lead by Henri Samuel (FRA) as Chairman, Riccardo Simoneschi (ITA) will serve as Vice Chairman for Europe and Scott Gregory (USA) will serve as the Vice Chairman for North America. Gunter Tzeschlock (GER) will continue to serve as Secretary and Simon Henning (GBR) was elected into the Treasurer position. The ExComm also consists of two additional members — Martin Finell (FIN) (Europe) and yours truly from the U.S. on behalf of North America.

USMCA: Looking ahead to future events, how does the IMCA anticipate supporting more events in North America and Europe?

TW: The key thing that the IMCA will be doing in supporting the USMCA Intercontinental or World events will relate to logistics and support. We need to work together as one group with the event organizers to ensure a successful event. We also discussed that we use the NA's as a tune up event to Worlds, so for instance, in 2008 we have the NA's in Annapolis and in 2009 we have the Worlds at the same venue with same team in place. That way when the Worlds come in, the USMCA and the event organizers can put on the best regatta. The IMCA has also increased the video and photography budgets for all World Championships.

USMCA: When is the next meeting and where will it be held?

TW: The next meeting will be held in Paris, at a date to be determined.

Travis, thank you for traveling the great distance. Your enthusiasm and efforts on behalf of the US Melges 24 Class and Membership is greatly appreciated. Most of all, thanks for taking the time to bring us up to speed on the latest and greatest news from the International Melges 24 scene.