I can understand you not wanting me to take your thunder, but whilst I had the idea, that was criticised by many, including you, over many years, I was not able to make it happen.
You had a change of mind, and you were able to do it, and that's where the credit belongs. With you.
How apt. The Historian making history.
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Maverick Model Yachting - The Only Way To Go! Secret Alias - Don Leitis
Below is an unabridged copy of the editorial review I had written for publication on the d'12metre radio yacht website for the 14th March 2008, but that was not published.
Then unbelievably I got the news about the formation of an association late the next day.
However, whatever, many things have now transpired but I believe my initial comments are in support of the events that happened yesterday, that is - the formation of an Australian 12-metre association. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Original copy:
14 March 2008: - A proposal for a new 12-Metre Class/Association
Heresy?
Depends.
On what?
In part, it depends on whether the ARYA are EVER going to publish any formal EC12 Class Rating Rules for Australia.
Not being biased, and in the absence of any direction whatsoever from the ARYA, I took it upon myself to produce some rules I thought would keep everybody happy, without exception. The link to these rules can be found here. Maverick's Latest Rules-Revision 1. This latest revision is a bit clumsy, I do confess, but if you read the whole spiel, I personally believe we have a basis for an International Class. Ummmm, my only problem is, it is not sanctioned by the ARYA. But then, if we wait for that to happen, .........well, what can I say........., based on existing experience, it will not happen in my lifetime.
But........, getting back to the point of this editorial.
I would happily be prepared to pay any financial dues to a properly constituted and ARYA formally recognised EC12 Class Association. I would happily be prepared to pay any financial dues to a properly constituted and ARYA formally recognised A2 Class Association. I would happily be prepared to pay any financial dues to a properly constituted and ARYA formally recognised Nautic12 Association. I would happily be prepared to pay any financial dues to a properly constituted and ARYA formally recognised Victor Model Products group.
But why should I do that? Especially when each and everyone of these classes is struggling in their own right, not only to be recognised by their own State bodies, never mind our own National body, the ARYA. Why cannot I simply pay one subscription that would enable me to be a member of all of these classes, 'cos chances are, you are thinking about belonging or you already d, to one or more of these groups.
My proposal is that we form an national Radio Yacht 12-Metre Association, name to be defined later, that will have in its pimary interest, the promotion of 12-metre based yachts, initially based on say the, Victor 12-metres, including the Australia II and the Stars & Stripes, as well as the EC12, the Nautic 12 and the A2 Class boats.
I see success for an overall class association administering the 12-metres, with independent sub-committees for each of the classes but all working together to promote the 12-metre Radio Yacht Classes to all and sundry, in order to promote this hobby/sport to not only the novice sailor but to also satisfy the needs of the most competitive sailor, all operating within the "SPIRIT" of the rules.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ironic isn't it. I cannot believe the timing of what has transpired. I just hope it's all not too late to save the Twelve's.
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Maverick Model Yachting - The Only Way To Go! Secret Alias - Don Leitis
