Dear National Secretaries,
Further to the 2023 IFA AGM in Csopak, the Executive Committee has met and discussed various issues raised.
GOVERNANCE
The class is currently realigning its management structure, and the IFA Executive has confirmed that current Class Secretary, Robert Deaves, will assume the role of Executive Director with immediate effect.
As many of you are aware Paul McKenzie has held the post of Finance and Membership Secretariat since 2019, a position which is not described in our Constitution. However, in effect Paul primarily looked after the role of Treasurer for the IFA.
The IFA Executive has agreed to appoint a new Honorary Treasurer, and more details will follow in due course as it works through a role transition to the arrangements outlined in the IFA Constitution. The Secretariat position will cease to operate from 1 July 2023 and subsequently all matters should only go through the Executive Director, though there will of course be a phased transition.
The Executive would like to thank Paul for his valued contribution, the management of the IFA finances and his passion for the class, in particular his support of the U23/Silver Cup programme.
THE FUTURE
With respect to the latter point and our U23 sailors I am sure all Finn sailors have a view on the criticality of younger sailors joining us in the Finn class. Whatever your definition of young is, critical to our sustainability is to be able to attract new blood - whether this is U23, U30 or U40.
The Executive is resolved to focus on this in the next twelve months and develop a strategy that will take us forward. We look forward to engaging with you and listening to your views.
In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying the European summer and getting plenty of time for Finn sailing.
Rob McMillan
IFA President
27 June 2023
