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ePaper created 2014-06-11, 13:05:34 | version 1.30.01
34 InAugust1971amotionwaspassedtohavealistof scantlingsdrawnup. Inshipbuilding,thescantlingreferstothecollectivedimensions of the various parts,particularly the framing and structural supports. Nonetheless there were controversial meetings of theAssociation, continuouslyattemptingtoaddressthechallengesoftheonedesignconcept.Withnoprecedenttouseasguidance,theownerscontinually found themselves navigating in uncharted waters. Common sense and reference to Rule 1 entitled“Intent”usually provided the basis for problem resolution. EventheStewart34mainsailinsigniapresentedachallenge. Acopywassenttothesailmakerstoavoidinaccuraciesandtheywereadvised of thecorrectusage. Further,itcouldonlybeusedonAssociation-approvedboats. HoodNZLtd.heldcopiestobeappliedonnewsails. By mid 1973 Ken Allen and Ian Littler had taken over the role of measurers.Bob Stewart was approached regarding the production of fibreglassStewart34s,withperhapsabooklettobeproducedcoveringthehistory,rules,scantlings,etc.,andencouraging“constructionof topstandard.” Themast,itsweight,theheightandlengthof thespreaders,thesizeandshapeof therudderandthesizeandweightof the sails were still debated,with a new sail plan being drawn up by Stewart in 1974. At a Stewart 34 Owner’s Association meeting in April 1977 the following resolution was passed unanimously: “Mr. Ian Fish, or a Company he will form, be granted the sole rights for five years to build fibreglass Stewart 34’s, provided they conform to the plans (rounded cabin edges and other minor alterations to suit fibreglass excepted) and to Lloyd’s specification for glass boats of this size using either a new measured plug or an existing boat as a plug,probably Princess”. They also specified that the total weight of the new fibreglass boats be no less than the existing timber boats. This was difficult,as none of the weights for the boats was known!To be safe,and also for strength,the boats were built heavier than needed and received M.O.W. (Ministry of Work) certification. Noteveryonehowever,washappywiththeideaof includingfibreglassboatsinthefleet. TraditionalboatbuilderMinkyGoodman,who had been a class measurer for some time, resigned from the Association over this issue. Diehard wooden boat enthusiasts can still be heard to grumble“Glass is arse,wood is good”or“If God would have wanted fibreglass boats,he would have made fibreglass trees.” Over the years,the Stewart 34Association,its Constitution and the Class Rules have evolved to meet the needs of the owners,as well as to maintain the strength of the Stewart 34 class. The turbulence of the 70’s and 80’s, stirred up by one-design concerns and the challenges posed by the contentious issues relating to the Citizen Watch Match Racing Series, gradually calmed as the Stewart fleet went into“semi-retirement.” The focus shifted back to club and class racing as well as local cruising Through the 90’s and the 00’s the Stewart Association has continued to enjoy strong leadership under Presidents Ron Calwell, Bill Falconer, Rod Harris, Kevin Purcell and Kurt Boyle, and Secretaries Christine Webb, Chris Lancaster, Jan Divers, Linda King, and Mike Adeane, all of whom keeping a firm hand on the tiller. Their flexibility and foresight has allowed the Association to remain a strong and viable entity, changing course to meet the ever-shifting needs and lifestyles of the membership while working to keep the Stewart class strong within the New Zealand yachting arena. As of this writing, the Stewart Association was viable both financially and from a membership standpoint. New blood continues to be attracted to the class for the same reasons that were apparent in the early years of the class. With supportive sponsors and members, and a classic yacht design that has transcended the ages, we anticipate the Stewart association will thrive for many years to come. Stewart 34 Owners Association Finances The financial health of the StewartAssociation has always been a source of pride for the membership. All the offices in the Association are voluntary, and since it was formed in 1963, fifteen different people have served as its Treasurer. Most of the time,theTreasurers also took on the equally challenging job of Secretary. While many other sporting associations have at one time or other experienced some financial improprieties that have cost them dearly, not once has there been the slightest suggestion that the Stewart Association’s finances have been treated by the Treasurer in anything but the most ethical fashion.