The new sailing season for most of us has started.
As stated in our June newsletter, we intend to provide a series of periodic updates and communication pieces with the Sabre community across all States.
The following is a communication on behalf of SSAA by President, Russell Rooney to Australian Sailing. The letter has been acknowledged by AS. Dear Australian Sailing (by email)
Attention:
Ben Houston: CEO Australia ben.houston@sailing.org.au
Andy Fethers: Regional Manager WA andy.fethers@sailing.org.au
Ian Leeson: Regional Manager SA ian.leeson@sailing.org.au
Gavin Wall: Regional Manager Vic gavin.wall@sailing.org.au
Glen Stanaway: Regional Manager Tas glen.stanaway@sailing.org.au
Emma Short: International Measurement emma.short@sailing.org.au
RE: SABRE SAILING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (SSAA) - UPDATE
As the nationally elected office bearers of the Sabre Class of Australia (SSAA) we consider it
prudent, beneficial and an obligation of our role to bring to your attention the status of important
developments and initiatives that are underway within the Sabre Class.
Some of these developments may already be known to various employees of Australian Sailing
however we believe it valuable and constructive that we provide some clarity and observations of
the recent developments so that the parties can be best informed as to the information that may
exist in the sailing community.
The Sabre Sailing Class has in recent times witnessed the advent of the ‘Shark Sail’ out of Western Australia. A separate sailing group known as the Western Australian Shark Group (WASG) have developed a larger square topped sail. This has been undertaken regionally and in isolation from the existing Sabre executives and community. This is both at a National and at a State level. This WASG Group have been actively promoting this sailing association as a new class, known as the Shark Dinghy Group. For the record the Shark Sailing Dinghy is a Sabre with a Sabre hull, foils, spars, and hardware. The only difference being the sail that is flown.
Our intention has been to work collaboratively and transparently with the WASG to beneficially
conclude these matters and it is the SSAA’s intention to contact the group to better understand
their intent and approach re the sail, and whether they wish this design to be formally evaluated
for consideration as a development sail for the Sabre Class. Previously communication between
the parties has been problematic and fractured however we believe that there is now an intent for the parties to engage.
Class Strategic Initiatives (Sail Development Programme)
It is commonly understood that any successful organisation will need to evaluate its appeal and
relevance in the market and market and respond to external dynamics and market conditions. The Sabre Class is no different. Given that the Sabre Sail has not changed since its inception in 1974, the SSAA has elected to undertake a series of Class initiatives to ensure that the Sabre class remains relevant, appealing and cost effective. All such class initiatives will be evaluated under a full evaluation process and in a transparent, independent and impartial manner.
Of these initiatives, a critical one, is the Sail Development Programme. We have elected to
undertake a full Sabre sail evaluation programme. This will be undertaken by appointed subject
matter experts (SME) in consultation with key relevant stakeholders and sailmakers to determine
whether the Sabre Sail requires modification, improvement and modernisation. To the extent
possible, we intend to involve the WASG in this evaluation process. We have developed a Sail
Evaluation Process and a Brief for this process and will be keeping our Sabre Sailing community
informed of the process as it evolves.
Process and Pathway Forward
It is considered that the sail evaluation programme will require several months to complete. The
current status of the programme is that the formation of an evaluation panel of subject matter
experts (SME) has been appointed, initial workshops have been conducted, and sail prototypes
will be developed over the next few months, with testing to commence in the spring sailing season.
Hopefully there will be no need to communicate further on the matters contained in this letter but
we trust that this correspondence provides some appropriate background and context to the
significant issue that is currently being managed in the Sabre sailing community.
We consider that with a well-managed and transparent process we will be able to develop a
programme that yields a positive outcome for the class and we avoid the issues that have befallen other classes when class development and change has occurred. Previously this appears to have mostly occurred due to well-intended intentions being poorly managed resulting in undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.
Rule 69 and Zero Tolerance
Without elaborating on the details, there have been several previous interactions including state
AGMs between the Sabre Sailing Association of Western Australia (SSAWA) and the WASG that
have resulted in vitriolic and spiteful outcomes. We have formally communicated to the WASG our express desire and requirement for this to cease. Additionally, as the national body we have
formally expressed our requisite to demonstrate and enforce a Zero Tolerance approach to any
behaviours that we believe bring sailing or Sabres into disrepute. We have made this statement to all parties including all members of the Sabre community. We write to convey our specific intent to communicate directly with Australian Sailing to enforce any such breaches of behavioural standards that are non-compliant to the standards as set by the National sailing authorities, bring sailing into disrepute, or contravene good standards.
The SSAA intends to conduct its affairs into this matter with integrity, impartiality and professionally. Further we will do so in accordance with the General Principles of the Constitution of both the SSAA and the Constitution of Australian Sailing, including Australian Sailing Limited policy COM.17.2017 which outlines Conduct of Rule 69 investigations and hearings.
We trust this communication is received in its intended manner in that we intend to work
transparently and diligently as a volunteer group with a complete commitment to the sustainable
health of both Sabre sailing and Australian Sailing in general. We believe it important to convey to Australian Sailing the critical developments that are ongoing in the class and we will inform you of any material impacts or changes going forward.
Yours in Sailing
Russell Rooney
SSAA President
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