2000 Rotary Convention Buenos Aires (Argentina)

IC Joe Phillips convened the AGM/Luncheon at the Claridge Hotel in Buenos Aires Argentina During the meeting IC Joe Phillips introduced a number of new IRRC appointments A great surprise was unveiled by our Commodore, when with the help of IVCmdre Ken Winters and IRCmdre Ferit Berin chartered the new Pio del Plata Fleet with Guillermo Arteta of Buenos Aires as its new Fleet Commodore. This was followed by a delicious Argentina Luncheon.

Fleet Commodore Guillermo Arteta receives Charter from IC Joe Phillips at the Annual General Meeting. The first IYFR Fleet in South America

The Australian Gold Coast Fleet and their Families joined the Auckland Fleet to enjoy the early stages of the America Cup Races. The Event was hosted by Fleet Cmdre Roy Dudgen and 1st Mate Barbara.

The Chartering of the Los Angeles Fleet took place at the Casa Escobar Restaurant International Joe Phillips together with IRRC Ken Allen presented the Charter at that meeting.

In the presence of International Commodore and 1st Mate Marda Joe chartered the Whitsunday Fleet Some 50 Iforian's plus guest attended this event and a delicious dinner was then served. At this meeting Comdre Joe was presented with a large ships clock together with a barometer. It is reported that the South West (Naples) Fleet held their first International Rally at Sirenland in Sorrento with visits to the Isle of Capri and Ischia great fellowship took place and it was considered to be a very successful rally. Other events reported was that a great cruise with three boats and 25 Rotarians and Families took place in Hong Kong. It was reported that a "Border Regatta" took place between Sweden and Norway where some 65 yachts participated in some very strong winds, but all went well and a great time was enjoyed by all.

Rear Cmdre Max Besenbruch acted as IC Joe Phillips ambassador when he travelled to Germany to attend the Annual Treffen Rally an annual sail in by all the German Fleets held at Fehmarn Island. At the banquet some 50 Iforians together with their mates gathered together to rendezvoused at Burgstakeen. The following day sailed to Lolland Island port of Rodbyhazn in 12 large yachts where they sailed some 40 nautical miles it took them some two and a half days sailing to return to base.

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of PIC Marty Lockney he was indeed one our most extravert and fun loving Commodores to have served our Fellowship. He served as our Commodore during the years of 1985-1987. They were really fun years under his command. He was a member of the Newport Harbour Fleet and his passing will bring much sadness to many Iforian's around the world.

The Hong Kong Fleet was chartered by IC Joe Phillips at the elegant Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club 27 members attended together with their District Governor IC Joe presented the Chsrter to Fleet Commodore Tom Shepherd and Steve DeKrey was appointed IRRC for that area. This is our first Fleet in China and certainly helps in increase Rotaries stature in the region.

It was reported that IC Joe Phillips along with the main Japanese Fleet flew from Osaka to Nagasaki to Charter the West Kyushu Fleet it was an elegant evening enjoyed by all those present.

It was also reported that a 70 year old Iforian Ikuo Kashina a member of the Rotary Club of Osaka recently completed a circumnavigation of the world in his Corasa S 42 Yacht. A feat every Iforian should be very proud of.

Notice should be taken that IC Joe visited during the year Fleet's in Europe North Region, Germany, Netherlands, New York, Lake Ontario, Great Lakes, Chicago, Lake Erie, Illinios, and those in Gt Britain.