(Please read Jez's last posting on previous Vintage thread)
 
With reference to this posting I have gone back to the minutes of a formal meeting held at Cookham in 2013. At this meeting it was minuted that the 30 Year Rule Will BE 'FROZEN' IN 1986. I apologize for my previous error and need to clearly define the vintage age as being up to boat no. 3391. 
 
Jez's problem is now resolved but his thread was very interesting and with considerable merit, so if this, now, presents an owner with a similar dilema/contradiction please post on here and I will get back to you.
 
Ben Marshall 
 
 
 
 
 

Ben,
 
The Vintage and Classic definitions are MROA defined categories, they were discussed and agreed at a Committee meeting at the end of last season, and published in the Year Book. The meeting at Cookham you refer to was not binding, and having also checked the minutes, 1986 was suggested as a 'possible', not a 'definite' year.  
 
As such, the cut off point of 1985, which equates to sail numbers 3357 and below remains valid for Vintage category. As has been made clear in other posts, this is up for review at the end of this season (in fact, at a committee meeting in November), and we will take suggestions and advice towards this. [For what it's worth, we are well aware of the opinions surrounding the newer end of the Classic categorisation.]
 
As De May series coordinator, you are able to accept certain exceptions into the series - Luka was the first case like this, and Jeremy's boat could be another such example, but the Classic and Vintage definitions are fixed until the committee approves a change.
I hope this is clear.
 
All the best,
 
Tim 

Except that you allow Luka to sail in the series!!!, Yes an old design but built relatively recently

Rob,
 
Yes, precisely because her owner applied for (and was granted) the required dispensation to race in the De May series. I know I'm biased, but it is all in the Year Book! (Page 35 in this case)
 
Tim 

Tim, 
 
Is this review by the committee in November limited to the De May series or will it cover all the older boat classifications and categories?
 
Regards,

Dave
 
 

Hi Dave,
 
I think both - we said we would run with the Classic Tiller as is for this season and see how it went. We've now done that, and had a quite a large number of views and have the attendance records, so I guess it'll all be up for discussion.
 
Regards,
 
Tim 

 Hi All,
 
Yes - we have always been committed to reviewing how the various changes have worked this season.  Also the Classic mini-series.  These will all be discussed at the committee meeting in November.  Just about to post the final results for the classic mini series.  Some interesting analysis is being conducted by Tim in preparation.
 
Fran

Oh dear, dear me ! I shouldn't post this stuff after a pint and several glasses of wine but there we are.... and here we go !
Tim - SORRY ! I know, if all fails, READ the instructions !!!! I am thankful that I was positive and didn't 'slag' anyone off !
 
Back to being precise and positive ! 1) I am not the Vintage co ordinator, just Mervyn's unofficial 'dogs body' and sort of secretary. 2) Page 35 of 2015 rule book states that vintage boats will be boats awarded a certificate BEFORE 1985 ! IE no. 3357.  These two are actually a contradiction and perhaps the November meeting could tidy up the definition as currently, this could mean  - during 1984 (I have no preference. I just need clear definitions)  An owner could be very pedantic about the current wording. 3) The Cookham meeting allowed the Vintage sub-committee (Mervyn Allen, Pat Blake and Ben Marshall) to consider applications for dispensation but this was with specific regard to 'New Build' boats. The only application to date has been from Stuart Jenkins re Luka. This was approved and Luka was given a 2% penalty for 'newness' and thus, has been welcomed to race in the de May Series. For those not aware, Luka 3560, was built in 1999, 'in the likeness' of a Passing Cloud design.
So! Back to being positive ....... and Jez. First of all Tim, I agree with you, that in the absence of any other restrictions, the Vintage sub committee could consider applications for dispensation, other than just 'new build' boats although I have not discussed this with Mervyn nor Pat and assuming that the definition gets tidied up to include boats awarded a certificate during 1985. Best of luck with the November meeting !
Ben Marshall