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A MESSAGE FROM ISMA PRESIDENT ELECT LOUIS HECKLY

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Dear sailor friends, dear Six Metre enthusiasts,

I have been advised last Thursday from our Executive Secretary that you elected me to the difficult task of succeeding our friend Sir Robert at the head of ISMA.

I would like to thank you warmly with this short message.

I will do my best to keep our Class what it has always been: a Development Class, driven by fierce racers motivated by a spirit of friendliness, courtesy, and sportsmanship.  I keep in mind that this election was close and I have already taken the liberty of offering Ossi to help me in the task, as Mauricio Sanchez-Bella quite rightly suggested in his message from the Spanish Fleet.

I have no doubt that the “situation” is improving, and that we can meet again in Sanxenxo in September.  We must take the lead and register our boats as soon as possible – Dix Août is already registered.  The facilities that the Spaniards are giving us must be taken into account, especially since our International championships will take place in Europe until 2023, which could decide those who come from far to leave their Six Metre there until the World Championships in Cowes.

While waiting for the AGM in September, I will do my best to bring together and re-motivate the French and Italian fleets, so that they join us as soon as possible.

To quote one of my crew: “It has been a long time since a Maharajah had been elected to head ISMA.”

I look forward to seeing you all on the water.

Until then, take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
Louis Heckly
18 May 2021

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SANXENXO PREPARES FOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

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The team at the Real Club Nautico Sanxenxo is forging ahead with their preparations for the postponed 2020 International 6 Metre European Championship which will take place from 10 to 18 September off Sanxenxo, Spain.

A special event website has now been launched which carries all the information you will need to participate. The Notice of Race and sailing programme have been published and entry is now open. The site also carries information for assistance with accommodation, travel, boat logistics, etc, etc. To find out more please visit https://6mreuropeans2021.com/en/home

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RIP Rees Martin

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It is with great sadness that we report the death of past BISMA Secretary Rees Martin, who died suddenly on Saturday 20th February 2021. Rees was a true bon vivant and a great raconteur with an extraordinary technical knowledge of and love for classic yachts and traditional boat building. 

He owned the 1989 Pelle Peterson designed 6 Metre GBR102 “Bear” for many years, racing regularly with the British fleet and taking on the role of BISMA secretary from 2004 to 2010. 

During his time as BISMA Secretary, Rees played a key role in helping to tidy up the 6 Metre Class Rule, culminating in the publication of an updated Rule in 2007. That issue was the first to introduce Appendix A to the Rule, which allowed older boats a route to getting a valid certificate. Rees also led the organising team for the 2007 World Championship and was involved in supporting other major UK 6 Metre events including the 2014 European Championship in Falmouth, and he continued to provide advice and support to the class throughout his life.

In recent years Rees had very much enjoyed racing “Alert”, his delightful and beautifully maintained Tumlare which was been built in 1935. He played a key role in creating the popular Cowes Classics Week Regatta and provided advice and support to classic yacht sailors, builders and regatta organisers around the world. He was also Vice Chairman of the Association of Yachting Historians.

Away from sailing Rees had extensive connections in the art world having run a specialist art shipping company for many years. He leaves behind his wife Penelope and son Harry and our thoughts and prayers are with them and his family and friends at this difficult time.