The real Danny is back
Guys, you really have got wound up over this one - a few FACTS might be in order
First - Gary's boat has been scrutineered at many events and DOES comply with the rules! I believe it is a SIGMA with specially raised sides in order to comply with OMRA rules, which were not an original Sigma design.
Second - the "freeboard" rule - "All boats (excuding 'specialised designs' such as Tunnel Hulls and Ribs) must have at least 50mm (2 inches) of freeboard, this being the measurement of the maximum distance between the chine rail and deck" was proposed at the 2005 OMRA AGM by John Hand, seconded by Ian Hayward - voting - 29 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstained.
Third - I have heard NO talk (from any of the OMRA officers) of Gary's Sigma being retrospectively 'banned'! A LOT of OMRA members would have something to say if an existing, democratically voted rule was changed without either an AGM or SGM proposal being made. OMRA carefully consider and debate each proposal for a rule change and do NOT then change them 'on a whim'.
To read these some of the previous posts seems to give the impression that OMRA is run by a committee of "faceless" people who come up with rules of their own choosing! Nothing could be further from the truth. I have been a member of OMRA for a number of years but have not held any "authoritive" position other than 'ordinary member'. The officers are fellow model boat racers who have volunteered to help the group by taking on administrative tasks. They do not make rules but are frequently asked to clarify an interpretation or to give judgement if a certain point is not clearly defined.
I have attended every OMRA AGM for the past few years and out of a membership of around 150, usually about 30 attend. This gives a reasonable cross section with many diverse views. The room at Alconbury Rugby Club will hold more and it would be good to see as many OMRA members as possible attend (especially the new ones). You can have your say, propose rule changes (7 days written notice to the secretary required) and vote on other's proposals. You will also be able to witness the presentation of the Championship trophies to their worthy winners and even get advance notice of next years calender!
As for sponsorship - this was discussed at great length at the 2006 AGM. I personally supported it and spoke of the fact that we ALL receive "sponsorship" in one form or another (mine is from my wife, who lets me spend OUR money on boats!). A sponsored racer has to make a greater commitment in that, not only do they have to attend all the races, but have to do well - otherwise the sponsorship is short-lived. A model producer also has to do well - otherwise no one will buy their boats and they don't eat! They also have to develop the next generation (before someone else does) which can make getting good results with a new design difficult! It's not a JOB that I would like, I much prefer the more relaxed way of doing it as a hobby - there is no pressure to do well at every race (fortunate in my case!)
The Windermere confrontation was disgraceful, there will no doubt be much more heard about this at the AGM. There is NEVER any excuse for physical violence or even threats!
I have no doubt that, if the rules remain the same, Dave may well be receiving a few more orders for the "OMRA compliant" Sigma, just as he will probably be making the lower version for Circuit racers and World Championship contenders.
As there's no such thing as bad publicity, I think that this thread MAY have been raised on heresay rather than facts! One up to Dave, I think
Danny
Author
Topic: A few OMRA members trying to ban the Sigma?????? (Read 10381 times)