The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

US Sailing's Women's Sailing Committee and the National Women's Sailing Association formed an agreement to work together to strengthen the role and number of women in sailing. The Women's Sailing Committee serves as a forum for all issues of importance to competitive and elite-competitive women and junior women sailors.

Also, Paralympian Paul Callahan (Newport, RI) was named a US Sailing Vice President. Callahan currently serves on a number of committees, including Sailors with Special Needs, Olympic Sailing and the Olympic Sailing Executive Committees.

President Dave Rosekrans thanked the 210 volunteers and delegates who helped make the meeting a success. "I was extremely pleased with the enthusiasm that energized every meeting-from the Board room to hallway gatherings."

During the meeting, the Board of Directors approved the 2002 budget that provides for investment spending of approximately $275,000 in connection with Operation Hullspeed and other priority goals. "While we are in uncertain economic times," said Rosekrans, "the Board is committed to completing these projects in a timely, but well-controlled and prudent manner." These priorities include the installation of a fully integrated financial and membership management system that will allow for future growth and help the organization better deliver extraordinary member services consistently.

Another step forward was the Board's adoption of the C.R.E.W. Member Agreement. "This partnership agreement between the professional staff and volunteers helps establish clear, mutual expectations and will further our pursuit of peak performance," said Rosekrans. A copy of this agreement can be found at http://www.ussailing.org/images/crew.gif.

A number of awards were given during the AGM Awards Dinner. Andy Kostanecki accepted the Herreshoff Trophy for his long-time support of US SAILING and the Olympic Sailing Committee. Rolex Watch U.S.A. was presented with the President's Industry Award. Lt. General Robert Taber was presented with the President's Award for his work with Safety at Sea. Richmond Yacht Club's Del Olson and Tim Knowles accepted the St. Petersburg Yacht Club Trophy for Race Management for their work during the 2001 Byte North American Championship. Complete details and photographs are available on the US SAILING website, www.ussailing.org.

Other highlights: For the first time, US Sailing provided an all-day Technology Training, providing an opportunity to volunteers to learn more about some of the US Sailing website's key features. The US Sailing Board agreed to recommendations on creating a 2002 Directory and an end-of-year "state of the association" communication to the membership. Jim Teeters of the Offshore Committee gave a demonstration of the web-based Toolbox/Ratings Plus; more information about Offshore activities is available at www.ussailing.org/offshore.

The announcement was also made that the U.S. Disabled Team will now be managed by the Olympic Sailing Committee and disabled sailors are fully represented in the Olympic Sailing Committee. The Paralympic classes have also been included in the prestigious Miami Olympic Classes Regatta.

For a complete update of committee minutes visit the US Sailing website at www.ussailing.org.