After a massive 755 mail out to registered Starling owners, the results have been tabulated. (see Ballot 2009 results.) At the closing date of 18 December 56 ballot papers were received by the GBC. The administrative rule changes in Cluster 1 were supported by 100% of voters. The technical rule changes in Cluster 2 were supported with a range of results ranging from 98.1% to 59.2%. Class rules require ballot support in excess of 66.6% from voters. Consequently all the proposed technical rule changes with the exception of the carbon mast received sufficient support to become class rules on 1 Jan 2010.  

The proposal to allow the use of carbon masts in conjunction with the existing aluminums mast , whilst supported by over half the voters, failed to achieve the two thirds majority required. Development of the carbon mast will continue. Overseas interest in the class and the need to provide a robust modern rig continues, so a two piece carbon section targeting 60-65kg sailors remains the objective, Testing of the three MK II carbon masts showed a slightly firmer mast than is probably ideal. Southern Spars have agreed to develop a MK III marginally softer mast to better suit the target sailor weight. Some very good feedback was received from the sailors and parents involved in the testing programme and for this the class administrators and Southern Spars engineers were very grateful. The GBC remains confident a carbon mast closely replicating the existing rig will be the final result.

Brian Peet,

GBC Starling Administration.