I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and are looking forward to the 2012 season.

There has been lots of discussion, both good and bad about the move to an Epoxy construction much of this without one thread of evidence, just people airing opinions. There are as many opinions as there are people, all with slightly different views and I am pleased that we are all able to express our opinions openly. What I can't condone is those people who

• do not understand the relationship between the Association and Hartleys
• are not willing to join the Association
• have very little real interest in the Class

It is probably worth re-iterating the role of Hartleys and the Association. Hartley Boats are the copyright holders for the Supernova and as such have the authority to develop the class measurements in whichever way they deem best.

The objects of the Association are

• to promote and further the interests of the Supernova Class and to represent the interests of owners of Supernovas
• to keep members informed of developments concerning the class and any proposals concerning class rules
• to organise the British Open Championships and to co-ordinate the programme for other races for the class in the British Isles
• to promulgate information on technical development within the Supernova Class.

However, I am pleased to say that Hartleys and the Committee work closely together in making decisions about the future for the Class and always try to put the long term interest of the class as a priority. I am currently in detailed discussions about the class measurement rules and hope to have a new set published in the near future. I would like to thank Cliff Milliner for his work on re-drafting the Measurement rules.

Having now seen and sailed an epoxy boat I am absolutely convinced that we are going down the right route. I'd like to try and quash some of the rumours by stating a few FACTS

• all new boats are being built to the same weight, after discussion with the builders we have agreed that this will be 48K with no fittings (that equates to approx 50k with standard fittings but without foils)
• results so far would indicate there may be a small improvement in performance, however it has to be in the right hands, the main difference still being the person on the tiller,
• the balance of the boat is different and the standard settings may need to be reviewed to get the best from the new boats
• the original Mk2's are still selling (I am sure some people will be getting themselves a bargain)

I am sure that discussions will continue for some time to come but I would ask all of you to think carefully about how, what you discuss, reflects on the Association and how the class is viewed.

With the Winters only a couple of weeks away it's time for you to shake off the dust and get back on the water, this season as always we have a fantastic programme with 3 new venues

Scammonden Water SC which is close to Huddersfield located in lovely scenery and can usually be relied on for a good breeze. This open is on the Sunday following the Training and Open days at Bolton SC, why not make it a full weekend in the sunny North.

Hill Head SC at the end of Southampton Water this will be the season's first opportunity to get back into sea sailing, it is a weekend open and camping is available at the club if required. We are expecting a very warm welcome from Ian and Kerry Morgan's home club.

Carsington SC is based on a large reservoir close to Derby and is the home club for Hartley's. Note that this is a Sunday event, as is Bartley, so hopefully we won't get too many people turning up a day early.

For the National Championships this year we are heading back to Llandudno, a fantastic sailing venue but also great for all the family. The event this year is being held Friday 13th to Sunday 15th July which is during the school holidays so worth getting accommodation booked early. I really hope many of you can make this event, last time there our hosts were excellent on and off the water and we are expecting the same welcome this year, its an event not to miss, please encourage friends and competitors to come along.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Winter Championship at Blithfield on Sunday 12th February.

Good Sailing

Paul