Musto Skiff Class launches its 21st annual Class Survey
by International Musto Skiff Class Association 23 Dec 14:03 UTC
Fleet racing at Worlds © Michael Oliver
The International Musto Skiff Class Association (IMSCA) has launched its 21st Annual Class Survey, inviting its class members and the wider sailing community to share feedback on their class activities over 2024.
This year, class members will vote on a proposed change to Class Rules to remove the use of speedpucks in organised events, as well as electing new committee members who are standing for the 2025 season.
The survey, which opened today, is free to participate in and will be open for six weeks, closing on Sunday 2nd February 2025. Active Musto Skiff sailors and Life Members of the class are invited to participate, and as in previous years, sailors from the wider sailing community who are interested in the Musto Skiff class are also encouraged to take part with tailored questions such as how the class can attract new sailors and where they find information about Musto Skiff activities.
Each year, the survey includes an additional section for its current members, which acts as the online International AGM for the election of committee members and for voting on international class matters.
The survey has been commissioned by the Musto Skiff International Committee and is now live and accessible via the online platform here.
Speedpuck use at organised class events
For this latest survey, current class members will have the opportunity to vote on whether speedpucks should be allowed under Class Rules.
At present, Class Rule C.5.1(2) allows the use of speedpucks during major regattas such as World Championships and National Championships. However, in recent years, there has been some debate regarding the use of speedpucks at class events.
This point was raised once again at the Skipper's Meeting during the 2024 World Championships. In addition, the 2023 Annual Class Survey revealed that 88% stated 'NO' to using a Speedpuck during organised class events and just 12% stated 'YES' to using a Speedpuck.
This has prompted the International Committee to open Class Rule C.5.1(2) for review and ask all class members to vote on this point.
Committee changes for the 2025 season
After two terms as International Chairman, Danny Boatman has confirmed his intention to step down from his position as of 1st February 2025 due to work and family commitments. Danny has held the role for two years, replacing Andy Tarboton who stepped down as Chairman in December 2022.
Following the close of the upcoming ACO 14th Musto Skiff World Championships in Sydney, South African sailor Brennan Robinson will assume the Chairman Role. Danny will then remain on the International Committee in the temporary role of Vice Chairman to support Brennan as a new committee member.
After taking on the role of International Class Membership Secretary to oversee the member activities, as well as successfully managing the logistics of shipping 21 boats to Sydney on behalf of the European sailors, David Annan has formally joined the International Committee team. He is now standing for election for the 2025 Season. This will see the committee team grow to six active members.
For Country Representatives standing for the upcoming sailing season, all members remain unchanged except for the RSA representative. South African sailor, Euan Hurter will step into the role as a new standing for 2025. This change will take effect when current RSA representative, Brennan Robinson, moves into his new role as Chairman.
Class members are reminded that the additional section for them to continue to the AGM is only available to view upon submitting the main survey. The URL link can be found on the Exit Page. Upon selecting this link, class members will be connected to the AGM to complete their survey submission.
How to participate in the IMSCA 2024 Annual Class Survey
Whether you sail a Musto Skiff, or you are simply a sailor that is interested in the class, you are encouraged to participate and share what you want to see from the class in 2025 and beyond.
The 2024 Annual Class Survey is now open and typically takes no more than 10 minutes to complete, including the AGM section (which is for current class members only).
To participate, visit here
The survey will be open for 6 weeks and will close at 12pm (GMT) on Sunday 2nd February 2025. A report with key highlights will be shared by the class association in early 2025.
Previous IMSCA Annual Class Survey reports can be found on the class website here