Hi to all.

It is clear that the grape vine is more like a fast ivy and that information has leaked out into the Merlin ether.

As part of our relentless search for effectivness of the Class we want to be better at forward planning.  Part of this is knowing well in advance who will "lead" the Merlin Committee and who will take up the several posts on the Committee.  This is no mean task as former Chair s will attest.

At the recent awayday, I put forward a proposal for committee positions post AGM in July to take us forward to around 2010.  Technically, these are informal proposals as we cannot actually commit the post AGM Committee to anything. However, it does promote some clarity about our organisation.  

One of the key roles is, of course the Chair of the Association.  This is not an AGM appointment but a Committee appointment.

I believe the time is right to take a bold move and take advantage of the increasing number of younger Merlin sailors in the fleet  and demonstrate that the Merlins are progressive, desirable and amongst the best.  

The Committee agreed that we would propose Alex Jackson as the next Chair from around September 2008. (On the assumption that there is no coup at the AGM)  This will give Alex time to think about his challenge and openly talk to the membership about his personal vision.  Alex is not your usual potential Chair as he still has vibrant youth. Usually, Chairs are just vibrant!  Despite that youth he has been an active member of the Committee for several years and with the continuity of support from other Committee members (also proposed) will set the pace for Merlin Rockets amongst dinghies in the UK. Check him out in the latest magazine!  

OK, back to the USA and Russian Presidential nominations.

Steve Watson

Good intentions no doubt at all but please no more Blair type energetic no doubt but inexperience rulers anywhere. Grey hair - no hair even no teeth doesn't mean a lack of dynamism look at the Rolling Stones!

Isn't there enough DS marketing already....? I've already bought mine... Baah

Having listened into Alex's discussions with an Albacore sailor at Sailboat, I have no doubt that he has the neccessary patience and people skils for the post.

The Lark class has had a succession of 3 youngish chairmen all of whom have driven the class forward. They have continued on the committee and as they age and provide experience as ex-chairmen whilst still in their early 30s. The energy levels and ideas have been great for the class as have the professional skills they bring from their careers (marketting, project management and web design). I'm sure there are many of all ages that can contribute to the class on the committee and as chairmen /chairwomen of the future. If the committee see Alex as the right person for the role then I am sure he has proved his level of experience (savie) is more than adequate. He knows the boats (both ends), knows the sailors and may one day be able to hold his drink.

The role of chairman or leader of any sort is obviously critical to the success of any organisation but its not an issue of age, more an issue of a persons actual ability and desire to do the job and motivate the people supporting them to enjoy doing theirs.

Alex has proved that in bucket-loads given the huge commitment he already shows and I think the committee have made a great choice! 

Is that enough for a tenner Alex?

Only a fiver (have access to another thread here), Alex you really are tight!

Seriously now, Alex let me know a few weeks back and have to say am very proud of him! He loves the class and I think will do a excellent job. And lets face it he's not that young anymore (will hit 30 by the time the jobs done). He'll hate me for that...

The only down side is I'm only a club fleet captain, so now his subordinate.

Well done Alex

As an ex chairman you will not be surprised that I have a view:
Firstly I thoroughly endorse what Steve has said and I believe Alex would be an excellent choice.
Secondly, it was my view when I was chairman that the post should be for three years not two. Currently, the first year you are learning, the second, hopefully having got the hang of it and just starting contributing, you hand over.  A third year would let you consolidate.  I would have been prepared to have done a third year if the constitution allowed.

No idea if Alex would make a good Chairman or be as big a let down as Tony Blair, but I think congratulating him on his appoointment is like congratulating David Cameron on winning the next General Election, unless of coursr the Merlin Rocket Class is following the Russian Model.

Putting yourself up for chairman is a brave decision and one that should be congratulated even before it is made official.  Being chairman is a thankless task and there will always be those who know best, one thing this class does know is that Alex is committed and has the class interests at heart, anyone who puts themselves up for this position should be encouraged.

Alex certainly gets our full support and best of luck to him. It's certainly not a job for the faint-hearted - but that's part of the fun!

I've always liked a powerful man !

Alex - as (what I thought) was a youthful 37 year old when I took the job of Chairman I could not have asked for better support from past Chairma(e)n - sensible advice which recognised that the Class should evolve. 
JC (as ever) is right however a 3 year term is quite an 'ask' in this day and age - so perhaps a position of Vice Chairman is needed??
As for the Dalby 'endorsement' - this does worry me - however I am sure the 2008 Champs will be a resounding success and will lead to his nomination as the first MR Vice Chairman!!

Or perhaps Hon "Captains" as elder statesmen who get all the papers but without the onerous attendance at every commitee meeting not only retaining accumulated knowledge, but freeing up commitee places for new blood, a sort of "upper House".

A standard in clubs is to have Vice Commodore who is actually a chairman in waiting and being trained for the job and starting to take some of the duties and a Rear Commodore - the last chairman who is still there to pass on advice and help.

I have given in and decided to join this hilarious thread.

That use of the V-C title as suggested is pretty common.  I would suggest that the MROA consider adding it to the roster for occassions when there is a clear successor (as now) who has emerged before the Chair has served his term.

The N12s have a V-C (usually the Chair in waiting) and a title that is something like 'immediate past Chair' who does not usually attend meetings but is around whenever needed.  In practice the downside is that becoming V-C is a 4 year committment, 2 years as Vice and 2 years as Chair, the upside is as John C says it gives you time to learn the job and then do it properly.

Alex is not really that young (sorry Alex) and seems to me (as a past member of the MROA) an obvious candidate.  I am surprised he has not been asked before now.  Youth is only an issue if it is coupled with a lack of commitment/organisational skill/busy life of a student type issues.. and Alex clearly has none of those problems........ even if....

Antony

When everybody's a somebody then no ones anybody. I would surmise titles ot not it will be the same guys and gals who keep the class afloat and healthy.