Jolanda Protocol:
In May 2006 the fleet representatives from seven countries met at the Hotel Jolanda in Portofino and decided to create an international association.
The decisions taken at this meeting are outlined in the Jolanda protocol.
INTERNATIONAL 12 FOOT DINGHY CLASS ASSOCIATION
Meeting of Fleet Representatives from
Italy, Holland, Germany, Turkey, Japan, Spain, Austria
on 18th May 2006 in Hotel Jolanda, Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino, Italy
J O L A N D A   P R O T O C O L
     Renzo Santini, ItalyPieter Bleeker, HollandRifat Edin, Turkey  
Giuseppe La Scala, ItalyJan de Vreede, HollandOsamu Noda, Japan
Giorgio Pizzarello, ItalyGeja van Ommen, HollandTakashi Hada, Japan
Paola Martinelli, ItalyDuuk Dudok van Heel, HollandHideo Meda, Japan
Werner Plath, GermanyLia van Heel, HollandAlberto Benchimol Lopez, Spain
Hildegard Plath, GermanyLeen van Willigen, HollandDolores Mulla’ Barroso, Spain
Peer Stemmler, GermanyBob van der Pol, HollandHerbert Mittermayr, Austria
Jan Stemmler, GemanyTonny Surendonk, Holland 
Karl-Hans Osada, GermanyIneke Schoenmaker, Holland 

  • Introduction
    For the first time in the history of the 12-Foot Dinghy One-Design Class, fleet representatives from seven countries met to discuss the following important topics of mutual interest:
    • How to promote, develop and organise international activity.
    • How boats from different countries can compete on an equal footing.
    • Can the class regain its international ISAF status?

  • Situation
    • Our class is raced enthusiastically in several European countries and in Japan.
    • Its popularity is increasing and the class is experiencing a surge of interest.
    • Today, the worldwide active fleet comprises some 220 grp and wooden boats in Italy, 260 wooden boats in Holland, 40 wooden and grp boats in Germany, 50 grp and wooden boats in Japan and 12 wooden boats in Turkey. In addition, International Twelves are sailed in Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland and in other European countries.
    • The builders of our boat are numerous and active. Boatyards in France and Lithuania are entering the market. In recent years no fewer than 40 new boats have been launched annually.
    • In some countries competitive sailing is more popular than in others. The fleets, particularly those in the Netherlands, feel the need to compete in international regattas.
    • We acknowledge that there are technical obstacles to overcome in establishing common Construction and Measurement Regulations. (E.g.: the measured sail area).
    • The Twelve Foot Dinghy lost its international status in 1964.

  • Objective
    • The International 12 Foot Dinghy Class Association has been founded to pave the way for tomorrow’s internationalisation of the Class.
    • The Association’s Board Members, Technical Committee and location are to be established.
    • The Association should have its own logo, flag and website.
    • The Construction and Measurement Rules used in each country are to be analysed comparatively with the aim of establishing a common set of rules as quickly as possible.
    • International participation in racing events is to be proactively encouraged.
    • Sponsors will be sought to mutual benefit.
    • Incentives and support to assist newcomers to join the class shall be granted worldwide.

  • Conclusion
    This meeting acknowledges that the values of 12 footers transcend national boundaries: passion and care, emotion and sociability, tradition and open mindedness, competitiveness and friendship, fun and fair play. Whether sailing offshore or going ashore. These are the characteristics of 12 footers that make the class both universal and unique. The International Association has been formed to safeguard these valuable assets.

    Long live the “Dinghy Spirit”!