The 2003 open forum took place in Kilifi, Kenya during the World Championships 2003.

An overview of what had been discussed at the Council meeting was provided:

• 3 rule changes had been introduced in February 2003 (introduction of Mylar sails, reduction in the mast tip weight, and tacktick compasses)
• Tom Egli (FI Technical Rep) was looking into the use of carbon, in particular carbon fittings, poles & tiller extensions). Carbon spars were under review as a longterm project only at this stage.
• We will resubmit the proposal to ISAF that sailmakers be allowed to measure their own sails.
• We will submit a proposal to ISAF so that the length of time an amateur builder has to retain his boat is extended from 6 to 12 months.
• How can we attract more boats to international events?
• Summary of the next few venues:
  - 2003 Europeans Shetlands
  - 2004 World's Adelaide, Australia
  - 2004 Europeans Slovenia
  - 2005 World's To be decided
  
• Now have a European website, and assistance is still required with the FI website.

The following additional matters were raised as part of the Open Forum:

1. Race Formats

We discussed the possibility of running multiple starts on shorter courses as a means of making the racing closer. This was not acceptable to the forum. The general consensus was that all boats should race at the same time, but that maybe alternative formats could be tried in an International week, as long as competitors knew about this in advance.

2. Worlds & Europeans

The point was raised as to whether we should hold a European Championships in the same year that a World's was being held in Europe, or whether the first week should be run as an International Week alone.

This will be put to NCA's to gauge their opinion.

3. Carbon

Should we trial carbon tillers and extensions (or even stocks) in low key national events as we did with Mylar sails? These would be cheaper to send internationally and would be an enhancement to the boat. Everybody would have to have the opportunity to be able to make the change as and when they upgrade.

This will be put to the NCA's to gauge their opinion.

4. Rule change dates

It was felt that rule changes should be introduced at 31 March whenever possible, as this date caused least disruption with the sailing seasons throughout the world.

5. Fireball Design Changes

The consensus was that any changes to the Fireball should be performance-enhancing.

6. Measurement

FI committed to looking into purchasing electronic scales that could be used to weigh boats at world championships. This would overcome any problems of scales being incorrectly calibrated or insufficient for the job in hand.

Boats should be weighed wherever possible without ropes, and the NOR should include information regarding the measurement to be carried out. The boats could then be prepared prior to transportation for measurement to save time at a regatta.

7. Lay Days

The general view was that 2 laydays during a World's was excessive. Only 1 layday would be included in World championships in future, but 2 days between the first and second week.

8. Attendance at World events

The low attendance at the Kenyan World's was attributed to several causes (security concerns, cost). It was nevertheless noted that there were no Australian boats present, which was especially concerning given the next World Championships was to be held in Australia.

FI and the organising NCA of each event were tasked with trying to encourage boats from as many countries as possible to attend and to make it easier for people to attend, either through sponsorship from container companies, travel agents, through charter boats or cheap accommodation etc.

It was proposed that a questionnaire be sent to find out why people do not attend international championships.

With this in mind, Jim Turner agreed to contact P&O Nedloyd regarding container sponsorship, and Richard Wagstaff agreed to provide a drawing for the container frames.

Thanks to everybody who attended the Open Forum and participated in the discussion. The only way you can encourage the class to move in the direction you want it to is to let us know your views. FI is following up on all of the points discussed and will feed back on these matters in due course.

Penny Gibbs, Commodore, Fireball International