MINUTES OF GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

March 5, 2013

A regular meeting of the General Committee of Lantau Boat Club Limited was held at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club on March 5, 2013. A quorum was established and the Commodore called the meeting to order at 19:40.

Members present: James Branch, Commodore
Chris Fraser, Secretary
Don Nettleton, Treasurer
Martin Kidgell, Beachmaster
Bob Wilson, Rowing Section
Joost Ameye, Paddling Section

1. Appointment of Finance Committee

The Commodore moved (a) to establish a Finance Committee to administer the financial affairs of Lantau Boat Club Limited and (b) to appoint Andrew Donald Nettleton (LBC Treasurer), Ulrike Weckler, and Merry Sugiarto to the Finance Committee. Motion carried.

2. Commencement of Business

The Commodore moved that the date of commencement of business of Lantau Boat Club Limited be February 2, 2013. Motion carried.

3. Financial Year

The Commodore moved that the first financial year of Lantau Boat Club Limited be February 2, 2013, to March 31, 2014. Motion carried.

4. Lantau Boat Club Limited Bank Account

The Commodore moved to open a business bank account with HSBC in the name of Lantau Boat Club Limited and to appoint Andrew Donald Nettleton, Ulrike Weckler, and Merry Sugiarto as signatories of the account. Motion carried.

5. Transfer of Funds and Closing of Lantau Boat Club Society Account

The Commodore moved to transfer all funds from the account of the Lantau Boat Club society to the account of Lantau Boat Club Limited and to close the Society's account. Motion carried.

6. Limit of Signatory Authority

The Commodore moved to grant each individual signatory of the Lantau Boat Club Limited bank account discretionary authority to act on behalf of the club to withdraw, transfer, or write drafts for funds in amounts up to a limit of HK $10,000. Withdrawals, transfers, or cheques greater than this amount will require the signature of any two of the three signatories. Motion carried.

7. On-Line Banking

The Commodore moved to apply for on-line banking facility, the first primary user to be Andrew Donald Nettleton, the second primary use to be Merry Sugiarto. The transaction limit for on-line banking is to be HK $10,000.  Motion carried.

8. Administrative Contractor

The Commodore moved to retain administrative assistance from an independent contractor who will provide services to the Club part-time on an hourly basis. The contractor will invoice the Club monthly and be paid at an initial hourly rate of HK $130, with a cap of a maximum of $5000 per month. The contractor will be retained for an initial probationary period of three months, after which the contract may be extended if both sides agree. Motion carried.

9. Appointment of Administrative Contractor

The Commodore moved to retain Ms. Cindy Chung as the Club's Administrative Contractor. Motion carried.

10. Legal Advice

The Secretary moved to delegate authority to the Commodore, Secretary, and Treasurer to jointly retain a local law firm to obtain legal advice concerning Lantau Boat Club Limited's compliance with the companies ordinance, revisions to the Articles, or other matters whenever they judge it in the Club's best interest to do so. Motion carried.

11. Section Committees

The Secretary moved to delegate authority to the Sailing, Paddling, and Rowing sections to each elect their own organizing committee to manage their activities. In accordance with Article 11.4 of the Articles of Lantau Boat Club Limited, the Chair of each section's committee need not be that section's representative to the General Committee. Motion carried.

12. Membership Committee

The Beachmaster moved to appoint the Secretary to be the sole member of the Membership Committee, which is authorized to approve new membership applications. Motion carried.

13. Rowing Representative

Bob Wilson announced that, because of other pressing watersports commitments, he will resign presently as Rowing Representative to the General Committee. The Committee expects to appoint Jonny Rodda as his replacement.

The meeting adjourned at 21:03.

Respectfully submitted,

Chris Fraser
Secretary

On Saturday Ulrike won gold in the Women's Individual 2000m 50-59 age group, knocking 25 seconds off the HK record! Colin and Nigel also did well, taking silver and bronze medal in the Men's Individual 2000m 30-39 age group.

On Sunday our Women’s 4 x 500m Relay Team of Anna, Grace, Marianne & Ulrike won bronze and qualified for the President's Cup later in the afternoon by finishing in the top 10 women's relay teams (out of 17 teams). Considering that Ulrike had a tough race the day before and Marianne & Grace ran a 10k race in the morning, they graciously declined participation and conceded their spot to another team! Our Men's 4 x 500m Relay Team of Liam, Jonny, Nigel & Colin narrowly missed a bronze medal, finishing 4th in their race against tough competition.

The good news is that we now have a full year ahead of us to prepare for the next Indoor Rowing Champs to defend records and improve technique & times. 

For detailed results click here:  16 Mar 2013 - Day 1  &  17 Mar 2013 - Day 2

A copy of the souvenir program can be found here:  Souvenir Program

Updated Hong Kong Indoor Records:  Coming Soon

WELL DONE to all!

Bob Wilson 

Members using the tops throughout the winter have found them reliably warm and dry. When tightened, the cuffs and waist let in almost no water. The neck lets in very little.

Rooster Sailing has a detailed information page for this product here.

The tops look like the above but have an LBC logo on the sleeve. Available in sizes XS (only one left!), S, M, L, and XL.

To purchase one of these high-quality tops manufactured by Rooster Sailing, complete the order form on this page, and we will arrange a time for you to pick up the top.

Regrettably, increasing tensions between my role at work and the requirements of the club now that it is incorporated have left me with no option but to resign as Commodore. I had thought that these tensions could be resolved but unfortunately the solution would be too onerous for myself, the Club, and my employers. Had I known that these matters were intractable earlier, I would not have accepted nomination as Commodore for the coming year.

I have enjoyed serving the Club and hope that, as it enters its new chapter and celebrates its 30th anniversary, it will continue to grow and be successful. For the time being, James Branch, our Vice Commodore, will serve as Commodore. I look forward to seeing you all on the water in the coming months.

With best,

Andy
 

The shirt design is shown below:

The shirts are available in men's and women's cuts. Men's sizes are S, M, L, and XL. Women's sizes are 8, 10, 12, and 14.

To order, please complete the order form on this page, and a General Committee member will arrange a time for you to pick up your shirts, probably at the clubhouse on weekends.

If you did not receive a renewal notice by email, please contact the Secretary (secretary@lantauboatclub.com).

MINUTES OF Initial GENERAL MEETING

February 2, 2013

The initial general meeting of the Lantau Boat Club Limited was held at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club on February 2, 2013. A quorum was established and the Commodore called the meeting to order at 16:32.

Members present:

Andrew Keith, Commodore
Christopher Fraser, Secretary
Andrew Nettleton, Treasurer
Martin Kidgell, Beachmaster
James Ford, Sailing Chair
Joost Ameye, Paddling Chair
Robert Wilson, Rowing Chair

Other members: Christoph Merz, Merry Sugiarto, David Filshie, Finn Steen, Simon & Anne Ludlow, Justin Reynolds, Kenneth Dubinsky, Ulrike Weckler, Marianne Kolding, Erez Kleinman, Jonny Rodda, Karen Rodda, Len Buechi, Friedrich von der Luehe, Richard Carrey, Mike Cowell, Josh Whitworth, Marc Holm, Ross Taylor, Flora Chi, John Rempel, Philippe Crompton-Roberts, Cindy Chung

1. Approval of Minutes

The Secretary moved to approve the minutes of the previous AGM of the Lantau Boat Club society, held February 25, 2012, with one emendation. The phrasing of item 9, a motion "to transfer to Lantau Boat Club, the new limited company, all assets belonging to Lantau Boat Club as a society" is emended to read "to transfer to Lantau Boat Club, the new limited company, all assets, liabilities, responsibilities, obligations, and membership belonging to Lantau Boat Club as a society." The motion to approve the minutes with the emendation carried unanimously.

2. Commodore’s report

The Commodore reported that the Club currently has 231 Full Members, of which 52 have associated spouse or junior members. This is an increase of 17% over February 2012. The majority of members are DB residents. We have 71 registered sailboats, of which two are to be removed after April 1.

The process of incorporating LBC as a company limited by guarantee has been completed as of December 3, 2012. All full members of LBC are members of the limited company and so have limited liability with respect to LBC and its activities. The Commodore thanked Chris Fraser and Bob Wilson for their extensive work planning and carrying out the incorporation process. The Paddling and Rowing sections of the Club, which were formerly independent subsidiary clubs, have voted to merge fully with LBC. The Treasurers of the three sections have been working to streamline the Club’s financial management and will complete their work soon.

Many improvements were made to our facilities and beach management in 2012-2013. Two remaining issues to be resolved are the erosion problem around the clubhouse and security problems arising from non-members using LBC premises for social gatherings on weekend evenings. We are working with City Management on both issues. On behalf of the Club, the Commodore thanked Martin Kidgell and James Branch for their effective work in facilities management over the year.

The Club held three successful regattas this year, in each of our major water sports. The sailors had visits by world and Australian catamaran sailing champions. One of our F18 teams won the annual Around The Island Race. Two of our rowing crews captured gold at the first HK coastal rowing championships. Our paddlers have become a force to be reckoned with in HK paddling. Two members are mounting a campaign to represent HK in catamaran sailing at the 2016 Olympics.

The Club brought in much cutting-edge equipment in the past year. The paddlers have a new Unlimited OC6, while the sailors have brought in a fleet of five Nacra F16s, and the rowers have plans to purchase several new boats. These are all signs of a vibrant and growing club.
The Commodore remarked that going forward as a unified club will only confer more benefits on all of us, as we will be able to support each other’s activities so as to become Hong Kong’s top water sports club.

The Commodore closed by expressing thanks to the General Committee for their work throughout the year: Chris Fraser, Don Nettleton, Bob Wilson, Martin Kidgell, James Branch, James Ford, Joost Ameye, and Alexandra Nitsch.

3. Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer submitted a detailed report covering LBC accounts and the Sailing Section activities. A full statement of accounts is available for members' inspection. LBC started the 2011-2012 financial year with $703,653 and at present has $468,067. The bulk of club income is received in March. The Club anticipates returning a surplus of around $5000 by the end of the financial year. Major extraordinary expenses included a boat rack, new air-conditioning, and a new refrigerator. The Club will also assume the Rowing Section's loan balance of $104,000 from the purchase of four coastal rowing boats along with oars and trolleys in October 2011. The net cost to the Club of the Asian Open Regatta was $27,000. General running costs have increased, partly because the Club now pays for services that were previously covered by City Management, such as landscaping. The cost of running the Club is around $200,000 per year.

4. Sailing Chair's Report

James Ford reported that the Sailing Section was very active in 2012-13, having organized five club racing series throughout the year, the annual regatta, the Cheung Chau Challenge, a social sail to Sunshine Island, and a joint F18 racing series with the HKF18CA. The Club thanks Christoph Merz, Race Officer, for his work organizing the club racing series and Joe Shieh, Regatta Chair, for organizing the regatta. LBC did not sponsor a training week this year, because Brian Phipps visited LBC for training in January 2012 and Nacra HK, a regatta sponsor, held a training week in November. Brian Phipps is already scheduled to visit for training again in 2013. The Club plans to offer a youth training course this year and possibly a "train the trainer" program.  

5. Paddling Chair's Report

Joost Ameye reported that the Paddling Section has grown from 20 members in 2008 to 50 last year and now 70, roughly the maximum that the Club can accommodate. The Paddling Section owns five OC6s, four Bradleys and one Unlimited. In 2013, the Club plans to buy one more of each type of boat. The section has about $100,000 in its account and between sponsorship and increasing the equipment to $1500 will be able to afford new boats. The Club's competitive performance this year was excellent: the men were 2nd in the ATIR and Around Lamma race, the women won the Lamma race and were 2nd in the ATIR, and the mixed team won the DB Dragonboat races. The Paddling Section has grown from a purely recreational club in 2008 to the no. 2 ranked competitive paddling club in Hong Kong. The Paddling Section plans to hold its main invitational event, the Lantau Classic, again this year. The Classic has proved popular among paddlers throughout HK because of its unique mix of events, including island races, mid-distance races, and sprints.

6. Rowing Chair's Report

Bob Wilson reported that membership in the Rowing Section has grown to 39, and members are highly active, club boats having been used by individuals 1011 times in 2012–2013. The Rowing Section has introduced a convenient new online boat booking service, which promises to make use of club boats more convenient. LBC rowers participated in several HK-wide competitive events this year, including the Round Lamma Race, the Po Toi Race and the Around the Island Race, culminating in two gold medals at the 1st HK Coastal Rowing Championships in January, a truly impressive result for a club that is just two years old and has had its coastal boats for only 15 months.

7. Authority to Appoint Auditor

The Commodore moved to delegate authority to the General Committee to appoint an auditor for Lantau Boat Club Ltd at an appropriate time during the 2013–2014 financial year. Motion carried unanimously.

8. Administration Fee

The Commodore moved to institute an annual administration fee of $250 to be paid by all Full Members to fund employment of an administrative officer to assist the Treasurer, Secretary, and Beachmaster in managing the day-to-day operations of the Club. Motion carried.

9. Boat Parking Fee

The Commodore moved to increase the annual boat parking fee for sailboats from $2000 to $2500. The increase of $500 will be used to fund sailing activities, primarily the annual regatta. Motion carried.

10. Resolution to Augment Composition of General Committee

The Commodore moved, in accordance with Article 11.1, to augment the composition of the General Committee to include one representative of the Rowing Section of the Club and one representative of the Paddling Section of the Club, the two representatives to be elected at the Annual General Meeting. These two representatives replace the representatives of the subsidiary clubs devoted to paddling and to rowing, which will cease to exist during the 2013–2014 year. The motion carried unanimously.

11. Election of 2013–2014 General Committee

The following officers and other members were all elected unanimously. 

Commodore: Andrew Keith
Vice Commodore: James Branch
Secretary: Christopher Fraser
Treasurer: Andrew Nettleton
Beachmaster: Martin Kidgell
Sailing Chair: James Ford
Paddling Chair: Joost Ameye
Rowing Chair: Robert Wilson

Brandon Viuhkola's offer to serve as Deputy Beachmaster was accepted with thanks.

12. Club Open Day

Richard Carrey moved that the Club organize an annual trisectional Open Day at which visitors and members of the different sections have the opportunity to try the various water sports supported by the Club. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 17:35.

Respectfully submitted,

Chris Fraser
Secretary

On behalf of the GC, I want to express special thanks to two members who are stepping down this year. For two years now, Christoph Merz has been a superb race officer for the sailing section, who has really rejuvenated our club racing program. Joe Shieh has been a tireless and effective regatta chair, both in 2011 and again in 2012. We're grateful to both of them for their contributions to the club.

An exciting development is that with the incorporation of the club, our subsidiary paddling and rowing clubs have voted to merge fully with LBC, so that we will now be one club with three sections, sailing, paddling, and rowing.

As we come into the Chinese New Year season, let me wish all members Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Andy Keith
Commodore

MINUTES OF GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

Jan 23, 2013

A regular meeting of the General Committee of the Lantau Boat Club was held at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club on Jan 23, 2013. A quorum was established and the Commodore called the meeting to order at 19:40.

Members present: Andy Keith, Commodore
Alexandra Nitsch, Vice Commodore
Chris Fraser, Secretary
Don Nettleton, Treasurer
Martin Kidgell, Beachmaster
Bob Wilson, LIRC Chairman
John Williams, LIOCC Secretary

Regrets: James Ford, Sailing Chair

1. Commodore’s Welcome

The Commodore welcomed the Committee to the first meeting of 2013.

2. Approval of Minutes

The GC approved the minutes of the previous committee meeting (Nov 14, 2012), which were circulated and posted on the website in December.

3. Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer reported on the progress of the transfer of LBC's assets as a registered society to the newly formed Lantau Boat Club Limited. The Treasurers of the three sections have discussed unified accounting procedures and will open four linked bank accounts, one for LBC Ltd and one for each of the three sections of the club.

Action: Treasurers of each section

4. Bookkeeping and auditing

The Committee considered an estimate for bookkeeping services and concluded that LBC does not need to employ a year-round bookkeeping firm. The club does need to appoint an auditor to handle its final accounts each year. The Committee will ask the members in general meeting to delegate to it the authority to appoint an auditor.

5. Fee Payment System

LBC's current fee payment system is cumbersome and allows untraceable payments by ATM. The Treasurers will look into the possibility of managing all club payments through a payment system such as as Paypal.

6. Part-time Administrative Employee

The Committee intends to hire a part-time administrative employee to assist in managing club administration. Initially the post will be part-time, paid by the hour. The Commodore has draft a job description.

7. boat services contractor

The Committee will draw up a formal contract and regularized fee schedule to govern its dealings with the support and safety boat contractor.

Action: Commodore, Secretary

8. 2013–2014 Fees

To maintain a balanced budget, cover the cost of employing an administrative assistant, and fund the annual sailing regatta, the Committee will propose to institute an annual administration fee of $250 to be paid by all Full Members and an increase of $500 in the annual sailboat parking fee.

9. Nominations for 2013–2014 Offices

The following have been nominated for club offices for 2013-14:

Commodore: Andy Keith
Vice Commodore: James Branch
Secretary: Chris Fraser
Treasurer: Don Nettleton
Beachmaster: Martin Kidgell and Ross Taylor

10. Beach Erosion

The Beachmaster has consulted with City Management about the serious erosion problem by the clubhouse and will arrange for a tractor or bulldozer to replace the sand in the area.

Action: Beachmaster

11. Surplus Equipment

The Beachmaster will donate the surplus undersized regatta shirts to a children's organization.

12. Rowing Section Equipment Loan

The Committee voted unanimously, with Robert Wilson abstaining, to directly pay off the balance (approximately $104,000) of the loan from Robert Wilson and Ulrike Weckler previously made to the rowing section for the purchase of boats and oars.

13. Privacy Ordinance

To comply with Hong Kong's revised privacy laws, beginning in 2013 LBC will include a condition in its membership form asking members to grant permission to use their personal information for the conduct of club business.

14. Notice Board

The Beachmaster will install a notice board at the clubhouse for the club's and members' use. Notices posted on the board must be relevant to club activities or club business.

15. Club Colors and Logo

The Committee proposes that a unified color scheme and club logo be adopted across the three sections of the Club for use in club uniforms and gear. The colors will be any combination of the blue shade used in LBC website, the red of the Hong Kong flag, and the yellow used previously in rowing section shirts. (Pantone codes to be provided later.) The font will be Seagull. The club will seek to develop a new logo. In the meantime, the maritime signal flags for "LBC" will be used.

16. Next Meeting

The meeting adjourned at 21:50. The Committee will next meet in March or April 2013.

Respectfully submitted,

Chris Fraser
Secretary

Conditions were challenging on the 6.5k course, with a strong wind from the east and good swells – just perfect for coastal rowing! 

During the first heat of the morning, Kush & Andrea were well on course to qualify for the Men’s Double Scull finals, after a good start and holding a strong position behind one of the the RHKYC doubles and the CU crew. Unfortunately - half-way through the race - one of their oars broke and they had to abandon. We wish them all the best for their next event!

Our Coxed Men’s Quad with Colin, Nigel, Stepan, Martin & Cox Anna were in the second heat of the morning and came in 2^nd, but unfortunately missed qualification for the Finals due to a time penalty for a false start – when the strong wind blew them over the start line. Their finish time of 39’ – if repeated or slightly improved during the finals - would have secured them a 2^nd or 3^rd overall finish in their category.

At the strike of noon, Marianne and Stephanie were in a straight final with four other Women’s Double Scull crews. They were cheered on from the Club house terrace when coming along the final straight, winning the gold medal in 44’59”, nearly one minute ahead of the 2^nd finisher from HKU.

Shortly after the finish of the Women’s Scull finals, another reason for big cheers from the club house, when Jonny crossed the finish line in the Men’s Single sculls to take the Gold Medal in 50’08”, nearly 7 minutes in front of the 2^nd placed boat. Being well ahead of his competitors, he had decided to slightly extend his route within Deep Water Bay, to make this enjoyable moment last even longer.

By the end of the Race 4, Jonny and all of us had good reason to be immensely proud of Karen, who competed in the Women’s Single scull category, in rough conditions and having to race against Sheryl from the RHKYC, who had represented her club at the last Club World Coastal Rowing Championships in Italy. Karen came in 2^nd in a very good time of 1h 06’03”.

The Prize Giving Ceremony was held in the presence of Mike Tanner, Chairman of the Hong Kong China Rowing Association HKCRA and Events Commission Chairman & Executive Committee Member of FISA, the International Rowing Federation. It was a great pleasure for Bob, President of HKCRA and Chairman of LIRC, to hand out the medals. 

Overall, a great event – and we would like to thank the Hong Kong China Rowing Association, the Hong Kong Coastal Rowing Committee, all the umpires, race marshals, safety boats and other volunteers, and especially the RHKYC, for organising and hosting this “Premiere” event.

Thanks also to all LIRC family members who came along to support our rowers. 

All our coastal boats, which have been made available to participating crews at the championship, have returned safely to DB, with the expert help of Awah.

Hong Kong’s paddling and coastal rowing clubs are currently consolidating their 2013 race calendar and we will be looking forward to participating in upcoming coastal rowing events, regattas, championships and excursions – for both the honours and the fun (and the celebrations following afterwards...)!

WELL DONE !

Ulrike Weckler

Secretary

Lantau Island Rowing Club / LBC’s Rowing Section

Results Table – Click here

Notice to competitors including course map – Click here