SCIRA Board of Governors Report

Message from Commodore Martin Bermudez

Dear all;
Three months after the start of this new Board of Governors’ duties, I am nothing but grateful to a team who has been meeting periodically and working tirelessly to achieve the objectives set for these next few months.

The aim of this statement is to update everyone on the most recent and relevant news in order to ensure that members of the Class receive as much information as possible on the plans and actions outlined for the near future of the SCIRA.

Analysis of accounts

Yannick Laumans, treasurer of the Class, has carried out a thorough study of the association’s accounts to subsequently write up the report we share annually hereunder.

Dear Members;
As Treasurer of SCIRA, I’m writing to provide you with an update on our financial status for 2024 and share a forecast for 2025. Transparency in our finances is crucial, I believe it’s important for you to understand how your membership fees and other contributions are being used to support our organization and its activities.

2024 Actuals
Here’s a summary of our last year financial situation:

INCOME
Membership Fees: $ 46 000/42 % – This is in line with the previous years. However, although similar, it is worthwhile to note that the number of juniors have increased against the seniors.

Royalties: $ 45 000/42 % – Royalties refer to revenues generated from the sale of sails. This figure has increased by 100% compared to the previous year, however it should be noted that this figure is subject to yearly seasonal fluctuations.

Numbers: $ 8 500/8 % – Numbers refer to revenues generated from the sale of new hulls. I reiterate the note about the royalties.

Merchandise: $ 3 500 /3.5 % – This figure was lower than the previous one. The outcome is dependent on sales at events when someone has merchandise available to sell.

Total Income: $ 109 000

EXPENSES
Management fees: $ 48 000/50 % – A monthly fee for the governance of the class, in accordance with previous years. Database maintenance: $ 9 500/10 % – This cost includes the second part of the launch of the new database, also monthly management of the database.

Coaching/promotion fees: $ 5 500/6 % – These costs cover the support of clinics and media assistance at major events. Travel expenses: $ 8 500/9 % – Expenses incurred are in relation to the board’s travel expenses.

Website: $ 7 000 – This includes costs for the general news and governance website, Snipe.org. It also includes costs for the different major event websites.

Bank services: $ 4 500/ 5 % – Digital payments are subject to a percentage fee, which accumulate all together to a significant amount.

Total Expenses: $ 95 500

NET RESULT (Income – Expenses): $ 13 500/12.5 % – We closed the year 2024 with a positive result.

2025 Forecast and key assumptions
Based on our current financial standing and assumptions for next year, we project the following for 2025:
Projected Income:
We calculate the revenue assumption on the average of the last 3 years.
Membership fees and royalties are unchanged in 2025.

Projected Expenses:
We face some major challenges when it comes to communication and management.
Communication: We need to improve our communication to stay attractive to new and current members. This will mean more expenses. Our expenditures on communication were extremely low. We foresee to put more resources into this.
Management fees: Long-term, we want to reduce management fees. The agreement for this year was locked in, and we need to foresee for a handover period for a successor. So, this year’s admin costs are going to be higher than usual.
Projected Net Result: Given the challenges we’re facing and our healthy cash balance, we’re aiming to end the year close to neutral. It’s not a must to end the year in positive.
Looking Ahead In the long term, we intend to decrease the reserve fund in a controlled and responsible manner. Our objective is also have less dominant management fees in our balance sheet. We want to have financial figures that are more in relation to the mission of the class and of the board its strategies.
Your membership support is essential. I would like to encourage you to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to discuss these figures further.

Yannick Laumans
Treasurer, SCIRA

Executive Director

Jerelyn Biehl has been in charge of the Class for over thirty years. Her effort and professionalism in doing so are honestly remarkable; the unquestionable evolution and development of the SCIRA over said time would not have been possible if not for her passion and constant hard work. I am extremely grateful to her, for having been such an essential part of the many Boards she has worked with and led.

At the beginning of 2025 I received a letter in which Jerelyn communicated to me the decision she had come to of not having her contract renewed at the end of the year. Ever since, the Board has been working on finding a replacement; we will start the interviewing process so that the final candidate is able to join the team soon and the transition is as smooth as possible. Jerelyn, I wish you a well-deserved retirement. Thank you for everything.

Rules Proposals

All proposals for the modification of our Class’ rules received within the established time-frame, prior to the 1st of March, have been sent over to Antonio Bari, president of the Technical Committee, who, together with his team, will be evaluating their viability so that the Board can take timely decisions on them.
You can read all the proposals on the Snipe Website as well as submit your comments.