5:23 AM Wed 19 Oct 2011 GMT
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'Race Director Russell Embleton (left) with visiting aces Sheikh Hasan bin Jabor Al-Thani and multiple worlc champion Steve Curtis. - OSC AGM'
Reg Blunt
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The annual general meeting of the Australian Power Boat Association's Offshore Council, comprising the Offshore Superboat Championships (OSC), has resulted in minimal changes to the council's office bearers.
Adam Gilbert was returned as OSC President as was Vice-President Simon Isherwood.
Office bearers who did not seek re-election were replaced by equally experienced and enthusiastic members.
Russell Embleton, who last year held two positions, Secretary-Treasurer and Race Director, chose to stand down as Secretary -Treasurer, but was unanimously re-elected as Race Director.
Paul Fowlds, who last year served as the Queensland representative on the council, has taken on the Secretary-Treasurer role, his former spot now filled by experienced campaigner Graham Fraser.
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Graham Fraser, formerly 400hp representative, now takes on responsibilty of the state as Queensland rep. - OSC AMG - Andy Newman Florida Keys News Bureau
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Conn Saloumidis, who last year served as 600hp representative, has now been named NSW representative, how former role now filled by Antony De Fina, who also assumes the post of Victorian representative.
Representatives for the classes contesting the OSC comprise Maritimo Team owner Bill Barry-Cotter (Class 1), Mark Gilbert (525hp), De Fina (600hp) and Mark Taylor (400hp).
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Bill Barry-Cotter, re-elected as Class 1 representative at the AGM of the Offshore Superboat Championships. - OSC AMG - Andy Newman Florida Keys News Bureau
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Prior to the election of office bearers for the 2011/12 season, there were varied discussions at the meeting concerning future race venues.
The committee has been instructed to follow up on invitations to race in South Australia and Westers Australia.
Sadly, it appears there will be no Victorian venues for next season, but every effort will be made to re-schedule Victorian events for the 2013 race calendar.
It was also suggested a greater effort be made to turn race meetings into all-weekend events, featuring the 'muscle car' show and country music concert arranged by Conn Saloumidis at the opening round in Newcastle earlier this year.
Members paid tribute to 'the fantastic effort' from Race Director Russell Embleton.
Generally, the meeting was described as 'positive', with an increase in competing boat numbers forecast for next season.
by Bob Wonders
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Maatsuyker Island, TAS
