11 September 2003

I was recently sent a copy of "SAS Bulletin No.8/ 2003" by Zeekoe Vlei Yacht Club of which I am a member. This was a six-page document, which appeared to be issued by the SAS office. This was a very good example of how NOT to communicate. There was no author stated - not even the name of the sub-committee that was responsible. I also feel that every communication from any organisation should give the address of that body: ie street, postal, email, tel. and fax, so that if appropriate a response is facilitated.

The circular states that boats must be registered before they can be inspected for "a Certificate of Fitness".

In March I bought a Laser and duly sent in the measurement certificate to SAS to have the registration changed into my name and paid the transfer fee and the Laser class membership fee. On April 24 I received a letter from Jayne Downing of SAS confirming my registration as the owner of Laser 80724 in the "National Register".

Why do I now have to do this again? As far as I am concerned I am "registered". My measurement certificate confirms that my boat conforms to the class rules and I presume that this means that it is "Fit" for the purpose for which it was intended. After all this is a piece of equipment that has been deemed suitable for Olympic competition.

I am reasonably sure that given the above circumstances I will not have to re-register at a fee of R60 but why did the circular not say that?

It looks as if the committee, which drafted the circular, did not do their homework.

Stephen Flesch