Welcome to the BOSS class Summer newsletter.

Its been a dissapointing year for the BOSS this year in terms of turnout at events with double figures rarely being achieved. This has not prevented some excellent racing and social participation for those that have turned up. My thanks to those that did appear this year, please do not give up. We all need to think about what is it that we all want next year and try to set about improving the numbers. Any thoughts please? After talking to some of you, it would seem that the two remaining events of the year at Weston on the solent, for all those unsure of its location, (near to Lee on Solent) on the 30th September/1st Oct
and at Datchet, 21st/22nd October will be well supported. This will provide an opportunity for all of you with questions to raise them. The AGM will be at Datchet and this will see the subject of the Masthead kite being raised and a decision being made on how we put this matter to bed. The more of you that come the easier this will be.

The New Rig

As you will all be aware this is a very important issue that needs resolving as soon as possible. A kite design has now be formulated which fits both masts. I am assured that the second set of spreaders necessary on the old mast is only a formality and easy to fit. The cost of the Spreader kit is about £ 100.00 and the new spinnaker £ 700.00. There are fors and againsts with any proposal such as this. However one thing that is certain is that the boat is not getting any newer and an oppportunity to boost its appeal with a masthead kite should be taken seriously. It is the designers belief that the boat should have originally been conceived with a masthead kite. This may have strengthened its bid for Olympic selection after being the Reserve choice in 1996. One thing is for sure the new kite makes the performance downwind electrifing with little more effort. It will sail faster and deeper than a 49er in some conditions!

Voting

The committee have decided to put this issue to vote as soon as possible and if numbers allow take a vote at the agm at Datchet.

A message from Graham Eeles

For the last few years I have been working behind the scenes for White Formula/Topper. Time for a change. So here we go, over the last few years the Boss has lost its direction, we all know the Boss is a very good boat, the changes that have been made have improved the performance and handling. The mast head spinnaker and the modification kit to fit the old mast have both been formalised. The performance gain is tremendous but still easy to use. If you are interested in having a go with the new kite give me a ring. The new mast has also been sorted after some final modifications. If you are still having problems with the internal spinnaker please contact me.The immediate intention is to step up the marketing and promotion of the Boss, with myself taking the lead working very closely with the association. To this end I have held meetings with Martin Fry (Managing Director of Topper), hopefully by the time you have read this the situation should be confirmed. If you have any suggestions that could benefit the class and the Boss please contact me on the numbers below. In the meantime I am open for business- spares, sails, repairs, or just a chat.

Phone number: 01206 306393
Mobile: 0973 268416
E-mail: grahamj@geeles.fsnet.co.uk

Membership Renewal

Please renew your membership next year. We are a small association with limited funds but the future of the boat and its attraction along with residual values depends on your continued support. Perhaps you can get your crews to join the class as well along with anyone else you know of who has a Boss but is not a member of the association. Membership enables them to compete in Boss events. The more membership we have the more we can do to promote the class. This is in everybody's interests. Please could you direct queries to Jerry Ibberson at Wadsley Grove, Worrall Road, Sheffield, S6 4BE

Finally if you were not aware of the class contacts, here they are:

See you at Datchet

Tim Cunliffe
tim.cunliffe@h2ok.co.uk