Matt Riley

A message from Fred Vollmer at the RG65 ICA Dear RG65 Skipper! On June 24, 2018 our Class will be celebrating its 40th Aniversary!!! It was the 24th of June, 1978, when Raul Landó, in Buenos Aires,Argentina, launched his "Lady Susan", free sailing, Braine steered "G65" (without "R"!) at the Plaza Urquiza pond, but this time WITH R/C INSTALLED! This became the VERY FIRST RADIO "G65", that is, an "RG65". And Raul has Sail Number "1" since then. Forty years of uninterrupted class activity is an achievement worthwhile celebrating, and we PROPOSE to have/organize as many RG65 Events as possible on the Anniversary Day. RG65-ICA INVITES you to organize on June 24th, 2018, Sail-Offs, informal Short Races and any Sailing Event you can imagine, maybe associated with a "Beginners Day" or any other celebration. Please take pictures, post them on Facebook. And more important: film your Event! A YouTube Channel will be available for your posting it! Yes: we know it is on a "short notice", but for a Celebration of this kind it is never to short! Our goal is to have a Fun Time, and (maybe) sing Happy Birthday to you" and have a toast!!! And let the whole World know about it ... Any questions? Need help? Mail your request to info@rg65 Let us make something that everyone can enjoy! Fredo Vollmer RG65-ICA Unfortunately the next Traveller's series is scheduled for the week before, but let us know if you are going to plan anything and we can promote it here..

The RG65 ICA (International Class Association) have asked the UK Class Association to vote on some proposed changes to the current Rules (published in 2014). The Committee feel it appropriate that it is the Members that should vote on this, and this vote will form our vote given back to the ICA. The proposed changes are, as indicated by the ICA, clarification of the old rules and are not intended to change the class in any way. The NCA need to cast our vote on the ICA proposals by 10 June and so we ask you to review this DOCUMENT, a link to the voting form has been sent out to all registered owners If you have any questions or want to discuss any of the proposed changes then please fee free to comment here comment or contact the committee directly through contact@rg65.org.uk Sincerely The RG65 UK NCA Committee

Many of you will recall previous correspondence and discussions regarding an approach from IRSA to adopt the RG65 class, and with it, make changes to the way the class operates. Most of you, and the rest of the global RG65 community rejected this approach. In the background the RG65 ICA worked with IRSA to find common ground and this culminated with a recently published Joint Statement, and latterly the publication by IRSA of a set of IRSA 65 Rules. To make the position clear, the RG65 ICA have sought to clarify the situation with the following notice by Fredo Vollmer RG65 is able to continue operating as it has for the last 40 years. Early in 2016 IRSA wrote a set of ‘internationally acceptable’ rules for the RG65 class and submitted them to the RG65-ICA for comments. In April 2016 these rules were shared with the RG65 community. These rules were rejected after consultation with you, the RG65 community, in June 2016. After that IRSA insisted on setting up a Workgroup with RG65-ICA to go over their rules and discuss them. Starting in March 2017 and for the next nine months a team of three representatives for IRSA, three representatives for RG65-ICA and about 20 observers from both sides were able to ask questions about any item in the rules. The RG65 team worked hard to get IRSA to adopt the current RG65 rules without modification. After a lot of negotiation it became apparent that this would not be possible and so the ICA team sought to protect the RG65 class in its current state. The Workshop has never the less been a very rich experience that exposed the complexities of rule writing. It also showed how passionate we are about our class. IRSA continued to, and still do, want to establish a set of rules which would be suitable for competition at World Championship level under World Sailing/IRSA and the ICA team worked with IRSA to adjust their proposed rules so that they reflect much of what the RG65 class stands for. This was achieved in some cases but not in others. The result of all this, culminating in the recently released Joint Statement, is that the RG65 class will continue to operate as it always has done. But in addition IRSA will soon release this set of rules that will allow competition at a World, Continental and International Championship level. As things stand, the vast majority of boats that currently comply with the RG65 rules (published in 2014) will also be able to comply with the new IRSA rules . But again, let’s be clear, the only people that would need to ensure that they comply with these IRSA rules are the people that want to take part in the World, Continental and International Championships run by IRSA. Through this process we have ensured that the RG65 class is able to continue operating as it has for the last 40 years. The RG65 UK Committee believe that this situation, while not ideal, is the best outcome that could have been achieved. We will continue to work closely with the ICA to ensure that the RG65 class in the UK can continue to grow and be enjoyed by us all. At the same time there may be a number of you that look forward to the first International event run under the IRSA rules.

The MYA has received a joint statement from the IRSA and the RG65 International Class Association regarding the progress toward full international status for the class. (see below) The UK NCA won't make any comment until it has received feedback from the International Class Association and has seen a copy of the new 65 class rules. However, feel free to discuss in this topic. Future Directions for the 65 Class: A Joint Statement November, 2017 65 Class Rules Working Party Forum This Forum was set up in March 2017 within the IRSA site to bring IRSA, the worldwide radio sailing organization as an affiliated member of World Sailing, together with delegates from the RG65 ICA, an Independent Class Organization, not affiliated to any International Association, and a substantial Observer Group from both organizations. The prime purpose of the forum was to focus on a set of proposed rules developed by IRSA that would be acceptable for international and continental championships under WS and IRSA guidelines. Over the ensuing months many items were discussed and many changes agreed on resulting in a newly named set of rules for the international community: 65 Class Rules. This name variation is intended to separate those rules in custody with the RG65 ICA from those now to be published that are in the international standard IRSA format. The IRSA delegates would like to thank the RG65 ICA delegates and the contributing members of the Observer Group for their valuable input into helping make these 65 Class Rules more acceptable and viable for international competition. IRSA hopes that the rule discussions have established more confidence in the way we act as an international organization and we also hope that the RG65 ICA and IRSA can work more closely to further advance this class with its growing popularity. Similarly the RG65 ICA delegates would like to thank the IRSA for the work done in developing the proposed rules and bringing this forum together as part of their ongoing support of International RC Yachting. In the near future IRSA will publish the updated 65 Class Rules including the agreed changes. This means that international events using these 65 Class Rules can then be run with the confidence that they are under the authority of World Sailing and the IRSA. RG65 ICA Delegates IRSA Delegates

Report for the 2017 MYA AGM by Alex Cory – Acting Class Captain The RG65 class has continued during 2017 to establish itself as a highly competitive, high performance class with low entry barriers. Some of this success has come through people moving up from the DF65 Restricted One Design boats, but at the same time seen people joining the class from the bigger boats. The relatively low cost and simple rule book make it ideal for everyone, whether they build or buy a boat. Registered RG65’s have grown from 124 in November 2016 to 175, a 41% increase which is pleasing and gives us a good platform to build on. This growth has been helped by a number of great new designs arriving on the water including the Sith from Mark Dicks, the Scurry by Richard Wills and a number of designs from the continent including the Manta 2017 which is winning many of the European Events. The UK Traveller Series was as competitive as previous years with John Tushingham winning the title from the other 54 participants. A testing National Championships was held at Birkenhead with local skipper, Graham Elliot, managing the weed better than the rest to win the title. The UK Class Association Committee continue to work closely with and support the International Class Association as it seeks to unify the class on a Worldwide basis and we see great opportunity for a step change in the class during 2018. Looking forward to next years race calendar, the first event is at Eastbourne on the 10th March. Traveller 1 - Eastbourne, Saturday,10th March 2018 Traveller 2 - Lincoln, Saturday, 21st April 2018 UK National Championship - Two Islands (MK), Saturday & Sunday, 12th May & 13th May 2018 Traveller 3 - Keighley (Weecher), Saturday, 16th June 2018 Traveller 4 - Keighley (Weecher), Sunday, 17th June 2018 Traveller 5 - Gosport, Saturday, 21st July 2018 Traveller 6 - Watermead, Saturday, 18th August 2018 Traveller 7 - Birkenhead, Saturday, 22nd September 2018 Traveller 8 - Datchet Water, Saturday, 13th October 2018

Eighteen skippers lined up at Watermead lakeside for the last of the 2017 Traveller events. Wind was from the S.W. varying between 6-8mph and 12-14mph which made the choice of rig very challenging for all skippers. Sixteen races throughout the day saw many changes of rig and changes of fortunes for those who got it more right than wrong. Alex Cory quickly established himself at the top of the table with Tobi Laux always close behind. John Tushingham decided to sail his DF65 which performed very well but could just not get up front even in the hands of one of our top skippers. Alex took the top position with Tobi second and Roy Stevens third, for full results see here As this was the last race of the season The RG65 UK Class Champion was calculated using results from all events with over 50 different skippers sailing throughout the year, this year’s Champion is John Tushingham. John is a worthy winner, and was applauded by all, Phil Holliday (last year’s winner) presented the trophy to John at the lakeside presentation. Alex's win on the day took him in to 2nd place overall with Tobi having to settle for third, full results here. With lots of new boats and more and more “converts” as well as new skippers, the RG65 class is firmly established in UK an growing fast. Looking forward to 2018 and beyond. Thanks to all from your race secretary, Noel Donaldson (GBR 29)

Close racing from a small fleet lead to some drama at Scotland Farm on at the end of April with one race declared a dead heat between Mark D and Mike Partington. At the end of the day it appeared that John Tushingham and Mark were tied on points and inseparable on a count back. However after a very gentlemanly review of Rule A7 by John, Mark was awarded an extra half point for the tied race and Mark got the win, and the maximum score for the overall Travellers Series rankings, by the smallest or margins. Thank you to all Mick and all the team at Lincoln for putting on the event. Full results here. Some great photos on Mick Chamberlain's Flickr feed - here. Next up on the calendar is the RG65 UK National Championships 24th & 25th June at Birkenhead. It's not to early to get you entries in now, the NOR and details of how to enter are available at www.rg65.org.uk After 4 events and going in to the Nationals in June, the current standings in the competition for the 2017 Class Champion are: 1 John Tushingham 261 2 Mark D 242 3 Phil Holliday 228 4 Wayne Stobbs 189 5 Mike Parkington 152 6 Liz Tushingham 124 7 Noel Donaldson 124 We have had 28 sailors across the 4 events but John Tushingham's consistent results have given him a lead over Mark D and Phil Holliday . Missing the Keighley events has dropped Noel Donaldson back a few spots but with discards starting to count after the Nationals, expect to see this improve. Full results are here.

Hosts of the 2016 RG65 Nationals, Eastbourne and District model boat club have put up a link to JC Bories excellent video of the event. To watch it click . Eastbourne are hosting the first round of the 2017 Travellers series on the 4th March and the 2017 Nationals will be at Birkenhead on the 24/25th June.

After travelling back from the Marblehead Worlds to make last round of the 2016 Travellers series at Bournville in October, Phil Holiday from Datchet Water MYC was crowned 2016 Class Champion. Over the 8 scoring events of the series 69 skippers took part, ranging from national champions to 1st time competitors. In the end though it was consistency that paid off, with two of the top three places taking two discards out of a possible three. It was looking like a straight fight between Phil Holiday and Noel Donaldson but Mark Dicks showed good form at Bournville to end up splitting the two. The winner of the 2016 Nationals, John Tushingham, despite scoring well in the events he entered, didn't score enough to get better than 5th overall. The top ten is below with the full table attached Position Name Sail No Club Overall Points 1 Phil Holiday 66 Datchet Water 429 2 Mark Dicks 6 Clapham 416 3 Noel Donaldson 29 Watermead 397 4 Nigel Brown 55 Gosport 390 5 John Tushingham 51 Keighley 370 6 Wayne Stobbs 58 Portsmouth 266 7 Ken Binks 83 Eastbourne 254 8 Garry Box 103 Manor Park 234 9 Mike Parkington 697 Fleetwood 209 10 Roy Stevens 54 Tri-Services 197 A big thank you to all involved, both sailing and behind the scenes, in 2016 and here's looking forward to a strong series in 2017, including the 2017 National Championships in Birkenhead. The dates for the 2017 season and links to the reports from 2016 can be found on the Calender tab of the class website http://www.rg65.org.uk 2016TravellersSeriesRound8.pdf

14 skippers turned up at the Valley Parkway in Bournville for the final event in the 2016 Travellers series. The weather was mainly fair, even warm at times with a steadily strengthening but occasionally fluky breeze from the north. A course was set using the whole length of the lake with the usual Bournville puffs and holes providing some fun especially on the far side of the lake. The racing was close at times with the small size of the lake and the proximity of the boats allowing some very fine passes. Mark Dicks and (recently returned from the Marblehead Worlds) Phil Holliday traded first and second place over the 17 races with Mark coming out 4 points ahead to win the day. Nigel Brown managed to take third, one point ahead Wayne Stobbs. Full results below. This was also the concluding event for the UK class champion trophy and after some frantic calculations after the end of racing, Phil Holliday was declared the winner, with 429 points over the series, just ahead of Mark Dicks on 416. Congratulations to Mark and Phil and a big thanks to the crew from both Bournville and Watermead for providing a very agreeable days sailing and plenty of hot drinks when the sun went in. A special mention needs to go to Luke Johnson who was entering his first competition and his sister who was manning the starting tape and keeping the race team in order. Planning is already well under way for next years series, dates will be posted up here when confirmed.

Due to the building work that is going on at Watermead the final travelers series event has been moved to Bournville RSMBC and to make sure the skippers get a full day on the water it has also moved forward one day to Saturday 8th October. As the last event of the season, lets make an effort for a good turnout, it will be good to see some familiar faces from previous events as well as as well as some new ones from the Midlands Region. Bournville can provide some challenging sailing and expect close racing at all levels of the field. The NOR is attached, all entries to Noel Donaldson at race@rg65.org.uk or on the MYA online entry (when available) This race is also the decider for the 2016 Class Champion Trophy. After Round 7 at Datchet, Phil Holiday is in the lead having leapfrogged Noel Donaldson and Mark Dicks who were both absent. Nigel Brown also moved ahead of John Tushingham into 4 place. With Phil away on other sailing commitments in October it looks like it will be Noel and Mark fighting it out for the trophy at Bournville RG65_Open_Bournville_08_10_16.pdf

Twenty-two skippers entered this round six RG65 class, one day event at Two Islands, Milton Keynes. The weather was warm, dry and wind variable between 6-8 mph from the west / southwest. Race officer Peter Shepherd and his helpers from the local club did an excellent job setting the course keeping things in order in an efficient but always good humoured manner. A total of 17 races where completed sailing all 22 boats in one fleet. It is to the credit of all skippers that no major issues occurred throughout the day, all skippers sailed competitively but with skill and respect for the rules of sailing and respect for the other skippers sailing. Sailing was very close all day, Phil Holliday having the better morning but John Tushingham the better afternoon and finished in first place with Phil second and Noel Donaldson in third. The rest of the fleet where all very close behind. Everyone had an enjoyable day in very pleasant surroundings, and although the range of skills and experience was quite broad and the variety of boat designs very varied the sailing was very close throughout the day. Full results attached below. RG65 Travellers Aug13.pdf

There is still just time to get your entry in for the next Travellers series event at Two Islands MYC in Milton Keynes on the 16th. 15 skippers are already registered, including all the top contenders for the 2016 UK Class Champion Trophy. With the forecast predicting dry weather and 10-12 mph winds it should be a great days racing.

Just a quick reminder about the next event in the 2016 Travellers series at Two Islands Model Yacht Club in Milton Keynes, just two weeks away on the 13th August. Details below, book your entry now using the MYA online form here. For more information about Two Islands MYC, their website is here. Venue - Two Islands RYC, Lynmouth Cres, Furzton, MK4 1JP. Date - 13th August 2016 Times - Briefing 9:45 am, Start 10.00 am, End no race to start after 3:30pm Entry Fee - £4.00 Prizes - Overall Winner to third (depending on entry numbers), 1st placed DF65. RO: - Peter Shepherd, email peter.shepherd62@gmail.com Alt contact - Stephen Tomlinson, stephen@tomlinsonfamily.org.uk Entry via MYA-UK online entry system - closing date Friday 12th August

Glorious summer sunshine greeted the 20 skippers who had travelled to Birkenhead for Round 5 of this year’s travellers series for the RG65 class on Saturday the 23rd of July. With little in the way of wind at the 10.30 start time, PRO Bill Culshaw offered a slight delay to tweak the course and racing soon got underway in the lightest of A rig conditions. With many skippers within the fleet sailing new designs for the first time in this emerging class there was plenty of interest on how these would shape up against Nationals runner up John Tushingham from Keighley and local skipper Brad Gibson fresh back from events in the IOM and Marblehead class. From the outset it was Gibson who took charge of the day to go on and score a strong win by racings end at 4pm after 12 races were completed. John Tushingham remained steady for his second placing with Mark Dicks filling out the top 3 with some consistent scores. As can be seen in the results there were many skippers who recorded fine individual placings but lacked the required consistency to move that bit higher up the leader board. Of those skippers both Roy Stevens, Noel Donaldson, John Brierley and Victoria Gibson were often mixing it up at the front end. By and large, skippers enjoyed the at times testing light winds and roundly thanked the Birkenhead Radio Sailing Clubs race team. Attention now turns to Round 6 of this years RG65 series to be held at the Two Islands club at Milton Keynes on Saturday the 13th of August. Full results can be found here

Back to the sailing, the next round in the 2016 Travellers Series is to be held at Birkenhead on the 23rd July. Fresh from the nationals this is the last event before discards start to count for the 2016 RG65 UK Class Champion trophy. Can anybody match the consistency of Phil Holiday and Noel Donaldson who are currently at the top of the rankings? Briefing at 10:15, first race to start at 10:30. No race to start after 16:15 and any race in progress after 16:45 to be abandoned. Entries by MYA site or email to RO Graham Elliot - elliottyachts@hotmail.co.uk. Can we have all entries by Thurs 21st July please to allow the race team time to prepare. Entry fee £4 on the day. For directions and details of the club please see http://birkenheadrspc.co.uk/

Thank you to all who took the time to take part. The final result is: Option 1 - 5 Votes Option 2 - 122 Votes This will be passed on to the RG65 ICA so they can make our position known to the IRSA. More comments received at attached below. I object to IRSA hijacking the RG65 class in what appears to be a simple case of empire building. This class has worked well for many years as it is. If it's not broken why do they think it needs fixing. Whilst I don't agree with the IRSA imposing a new set of rules on the class without consultation (allegedly) I do feel that adopting the class would be a good way to go in the future. We don't have a strong class in this country, the nationals were propped up by a strong foreign entry and for a good, cheap kitchen table homebuild class I would be asking why this class is stagnant or even declining in this country. The proposed changes to the class rules are quit sensible and would have little effect to the class or scope of development. By becoming affiliated the class would not be obliged to hold World championships the racing format could still be as the owners want similar to the IOM's where we have both European and world champs as well as international competitions like the Malta open. My vote is on the basis of no prior communication with those affected. The proposal may well be good in the long run, but our NCA should have been consulted right at the beginning. Also, before we are to vote 'yes', we need to have had the negotiation on what this means. We're doing fine as we are! Who requested IRSA intervention ? Re. "World & championship". Does the IRSA own the copyright. If not , why can't the R. G. 65 call an event a "World Championship ? If the IRSA wishes to take an interest & I am sure if they ask politely they will be allowed to spectate. Should the R.G. 65 Association wish to avail themselves of IRSA expertise , the IRSA may, following invitation, wish to tender for the task.No doubt the R G Association will wish to set the parameters. The RG65 class has always appealed because of its relative simplicity, flexibility and low cost - particularly for newcomers. It allows you to develop and progress within the hobby as experience is gained in a less formal and friendly environment. Long may it remain this way! Don't get sucked in by them and keep it as is, there is nothing against calling the world champs "Global Champs" or World Series I don't like interference by others when not invited . But open minded if IRSA can be brought onboard to represent us when they are told and accept present adopted rules already in place , I'm concerned class will loose present control to anonymous body . I dont think we have anything to gain from joining WS/IRSA rules. Why change a good thing that has been going for a number of years !!!!!! Happy with current rules and representation, thanks. I'm not against being an international class, but the proposed restrictions are too much Can't vote for ISRA when the Technical Team Chairman has such conflicts of interest. Also the way the proposed rules for the A, 10R and M classes have been put together with whats looks like no input from the skippers or NCA's that actually sail the boats. Keep away from ISRA until they start to talk and listen to the skippers that sail the varying classes. Absolutely horrid behaviour from the IRSA. Although the IRSA has a high ended attitude and it could have been handled better, some of the proposals like proper sail measurement have been a concern of mine right from the outset of the class in the UK, and is why I'm not active in other than club competitions. The way in which the UK manages their affairs has also been a problem in the past, as you will recall! Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. At present I sail a DF 65 which has different rules to the RG 65. Due to this difference there is an argument that DF 65s would have to be excluded from an International Standard. Added to this DF 65s would not be competitive at RG 65 international events. I have come to sailing in the last year, previously from Full size Gliding and model gliding competition. RG65 is development class, and one I can afford to play in. (The IOM class is an expensive rip off, and I have already sold mine). Tell IRSA, we have a set of rules, if they want to play RG65 then use ours. Should RG65 be taken over and IRSA rules become too onerous, then some one will start RG66 development class!....where does it stop.... If the position described in your letter is a fair summation of what had been going on then any vote against 'rolling over' should be accompanied by a protest directly to this controlling body. The actions they appear to have taken are arrogant, presumptuous and counter productive. Consider the position of a club skipper who has just completed an RG65 scrupulously in accord with all the measurements he has been given. Consider his reaction when he is told the craft he has spent moths building is out of class. His response will undoubtedly be of the 'get stuffed' variety" and he will carry on sailing regardless. Not an unfamiliar situation when it comes to the uneasy relationship between people who want to enjoy a hobby and an over-officious elite.

Gerd, thank you for your comments. Unfortunately, unlike your experience in Germany, I don't think there is significant call in the UK for the class rules to be changed to meet the IRSA standards. This was not a requirement for affiliation to the MYA nor has it stopped the development of the class. Can I just remind people that it was Fredo who asked for this ballot even if he may initially have been supportive of the IRSAs plans. The main points of contention appear to be: 1) Changes to the basic rule set that restrict the open development nature of the class. 2) Comments for the IRSA TC along the lines of "there will be a 65cm International class whether the RG65 ICA want it or not". The ballot of UK RG65 NCA members currently stands at Option 1 - 1 Vote Option 2 - 47 Votes For a US/international take on this issue (both the US and Chilean NCAs are also holding ballots) please look at this thread on RCGroups http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2673977 Please vote if you have not already and and please make anybody you think may be eligible aware. Comments received with the UK votes so far are attached below --- Perhaps when IRSA are more diplomatic and approach us properly then a proper discussion can start. This would make more sense than them saying join us or else! Even at this stage it is hard to see what they can offer us. We can still hold international meetings if that's what members want. --- Down with IRSA, miserable bunch that they are! Long live the RG65 as we know it!! --- It is for the RG65 Class to decide on it future, not any other association or body to decide there future without consent. --- I object to anyone other than the invested owners (of any class) deciding or implementing change. I don't see most of the proposed changes as bad, but without consultation they can not be imposed without some open dialogue with owners. I believe that under the right conditions (as with IOMICA) that the RG65 would grow through joining IRSA and be seen as a class in its own right rather than a 'novelty' by many. International RG65 events in recent years have not been well supported and there seems little to no structure within the International and National associations. The class has allowed itself to be used for commercial purposes, only for many new owners to have split off to a splinter class and not return to RG65 racing knowing they are not on a level playing field, despite what was told. This split has hurt and reduced what was an emerging class here in the UK after initial growth to a state of treading water on both fronts. In short the RG65 class needs to stand up for itself and tell IRSA no to being overrun, but get its house in order if it wants to be a stand alone class and grow to more than a bit of fun on the side when we are all not racing our other boats. If we don't then IRSA will be its best form of survival, longevity and avenue for growth outside of the small pockets of nations it is currently in. If we want to go it alone, then there is a lot of work to be done to ensure those that step in and out won't dump it the minute the next fad comes along... --- This looks like an uncalled for and unnecessary land grab on a successful sailing authority by World Sailing/IRSA. --- I would support the RG65 becoming and IRSA International Class provided it was in conjunction with and input from the current RG65 Class Association skippers. --- If we want to be a truly recognised International class then I believe that we have to line up alongside the other International classes and come under IRSA guidance. Bringing the RG65 rules format into line with other classes I see as a totally logical and worthwhile move whilst proper measurement procedures can only be an advantage to the class and remove any possibility of errors in measurement causing embarrassment (or worse) at major events. --- This is Hobson choice for me really so I vote for the Devil I know! Particularly in light of their recent high handedness or IRSA with regard to the A, Marblehead and 10 Rater classes. There is a third option not given here which would be to maintain a dialogue with IRSA and try to influence the rule manufacture process within IRSA although ultimately this might not have any desired effect. Thank god IRSA hasn't turned it's attention to the Footy Class! --- Pay fees for no benefits - no thanks. --- I object to IRSA hijacking the RG65 class in what appears to be a simple case of empire building. This class has worked well for many years as it is. If it's not broken why do they think it needs fixing.

Please see the new topic with details on the UK NCA Ballot as well as the link to the voting form. As John says, please take the time to vote as this is important for the future of the class.

It has come to the notice of the RG65 International Class Association that the IRSA (The radio sailing arm of World Sailing, who govern the existing "International" classes) have turned their focus on the RG65 class and its rules with the intention of bringing the rules in line their standard format as well as changing some details in terms of measurement etc. Most of this has occurred without any formal approach to the existing RG65 bodies. As the UK RG65 NCA we need to ask all our members to read the message from Fredo Volmer (the Spanish RG65 NCA representative) about the dialog between the RG65 ICA and the IRSA (A draft of the proposed IRSA rules can be found in 160304.4 Mentges DE+IRSA to Fredo ICA.docx in the dropbox folder he links to) His message can be found Here Lester Gilbert has posted a response from the IRSA perspective on the MYA forum which goes a long way to explaining what the IRSA can do for the RG65 class without actually asking if the RG65 class wants to be part of the IRSA. His and other comments can be found Here The ICA has been asked for a vote on two options [1] - Accept WS/IRSA tutelage by becoming an IRSA International Class. IRSA has not explained or proposed to us what powers they would exercise. It is possible that they will assert full power to define our Rules and procedures, and that only IRSA affiliates will be able to participate in non local events. [2] - Reject IRSA's pretention and stay to our own Rules (with due updating when due), continue with our own Activities Schedule, and act according to our established uses and procedures. We need your votes so we can make the UK position on this matter know to the RG65 ICA and the IRSA If you are purely a DF65 sailor, you might think that these changes wouldn't affect you, but if you wanted to sail in an RG65 regatta in the future it could affect the eligibility of you and your boat to race. It is important that everybody make their opinion known. These votes are needed by 25th June at the latest so our response can be sent to the RG65 ICA. Link to voting form here. IRSA Ballot. Please take the time to read all the information and vote as this could affect the way the class is run in future.

The IRSA from an RG65 perspective. Lester, thanks for your input, but there is another perspective on this: Q: Has the RG65 class spread worldwide without the help of the IRSA? A: Yes, currently spreading out from its original South American heartlands northwards and into Europe with established and growing fleets in the UK and US (both affiliated to their national authorities) much of this by word of mouth and getting boats on the water. Q: Has the RG65 Class held successful international events without the need to use the IRSA held "World Championships" banner? A: Yes, several times over the last few years in both South America and Europe. Q: Does the RG65 rule need re writing? A: Very probably but for the best results these changes should come from within the RG65 community in response to issues that occur in the building and racing on these boats. Q: Does the RG65 class need a third party imposing restrictions on it rule set? A: As it has been successfully in use for many years already without things like a draft restriction it is arguable how much these impositions would actually benefit the class. Q: Should the RG65 Class be approaching the IRSA if they want these changes rather than the other way round? A: One would have thought so, it does appear that the IRSA has decided it "wants" a 65cm class rather than the RG65 class wanting to be an IRSA class. Comments like "IRSA would not want to use the RG65 name and logo if the class objected - some alternative name e.g. International 665 Class would be used instead. On the other hand, if the RG65 class is happy then the IRSA class could be the International RG65 Class" don't help with this impression. Q: Does the RG65 class want affiliation with the IRSA at the moment? A: It has been decided to give the members and representatives of the current National Class Associations a vote on deciding this. Regards Matt

A reminder from the team at Eastbourne to those who have not yet entered for the RG65 Nationals on the 4th and 5th of June to please do so. The entry currently stands at 23 including several from overseas, entry list and form here. Remember, this events also counts toward the 2016 Traveller series. Also, would those UK entries who have entered and not yet paid, please confirm their entry with payment – no pay no play! Payment methods are shown on the NOR available at the 2016 Nationals page at http://www.rg65.org.uk.

Report by Birkenhead Race Team A cool morning greeted skippers from across the UK as they arrived for Round 2 of the RG65 class traveller’s series with a swirling wind across the lake providing some pre race angst in the car park. Fortunately by the time of race one the predicted NNW wind funnelled down the lake, albeit with a few light patches to get things underway. For the 26 boats of varying design, including a good contingent of Dragons A rigs were chosen for the 2 seeding races with Ken Binks first to post a win in race one and Brad Gibson following suit in seeding 2. With fleets now sorted, the racing proper got under way where the front runners of Gibson, Binks, Dave Potter, Noel Donaldson and Mark Dicks enjoyed some hard fought races. Just of the front group there were some great tussles between skippers looking to consistently avoid the ‘drop to B bubble’. As the day progressed the wind straightened and strengthened further allowing PRO Bill Culshaw to square up the course for some fast paced racing with these small yet nimble well tuned yachts showing just what they are capable of at the top of the A & B rig ranges. When our 4.15pm finish came around, a full 10 races of 2 heats had been completed without protest or problem skippers retired to the Birkenhead clubhouse to reflect on a great days racing where all agreed more of the same would be most welcome. As for the scores, it was Brad Gibson who went on to record a strong win, from the fast and ever improving Dave Potter, with Phil Holliday edging out Noel Donaldson for the final podium place. Skippers roundly thanked the Birkenhead race team of Bill Culshaw, Judith Baldwin, Victoria Gibson, Martin Roberts and Jack Turner for a great days racing. Full results here: http://www.rg65.org.uk/news/travellersseriesround2-reportandresults Attention now turns to the next round of this year’s Travellers series to be held on Saturday the 21st of May at Lincoln MYC. All details on upcoming events can be found on the RG65 Class owner’s association website at http://www.rg65.org.uk

The RG65 open meeting at Yeovil/Woodspring planned for the 1st May has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. However Round 2 at Birkenhead on the 16th April has already attracted 17 skippers and a strong entry is expected as always at Lincoln for Round 4 on Saturday 21st May. More details this will be posted soon. All good preparation for the Nationals at Eastbourne on the 4th/5th June. More information on the 2016 Nationals Page

The NOR for the 2016 RG65 National Championships has been posted by Eastbourne & District MYC and the online entry form is now available on their website. For more details see the 2016 Nationals page on the RG65 website. After the successful 2015 Nationals, there should be another good turnout for the 2016 MYA RG65 National Championships at Eastbourne over the weekend of the 4th & 5th of June 2016. The popular venue should boost numbers further for the class. The score from this event will also count towards the 2016 Travellers Series and the RG65 UK Class Champion trophy.