PBSC - Club Boat Rules.pdf - [email protected]

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Palm Beach Sailing Club – Club Boat Rules Use of any Palm Beach Sailing Club (“PBSC”) boat is subject to the all PBSC Bylaws and policies, and the rules outlined herein. Sailing – and boating in general – includes a certain degree of risk. The following rules have been established in part to reduce that risk, but risk cannot be entirely eliminated. You are ultimately responsible for yourself, your crew, and the boat. Check-Out 1. There are three categories of club boats. Each requires a separate check-out. a. Cat-rigged (single-sail) boats. Sunfish, Laser and Hobie Wave. b. Sloops (main & jib). Flying Scot, Flying Junior (FJ), 420. c. Keelboats. J/22, Sonar. NOTE that cat-rigged boats and sloops (with the exception of the Flying Scot) are collectively referred to as “beach boats.” 2. Use of any boat is subject to the club member (“Member”) demonstrating to the Sailing Director, instructors, Fleet Captain, or their designee that they can rig and sail the boat(s). 3. Only after this check-out is a member authorized (“authorized member”) to use the designated club boat(s). Use 1. Authorized members must have a credit card on file before using any club boat. 2. Use of any boat is subject to availability. 3. Lessons have priority. Authorized members must check with the Sailing Director if they wish to use a boat during periods of scheduled instruction. 4. Due to limited availability and the need for a support boat, keelboats must be reserved in advance. 5. Boats may be used from 8AM to 30 minutes before sunset. Time of sunset is determined by the NOAA ESRL Sunrise/Sunset Calculator (see https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/sunrise.html) for Miami, FL. 6. Club boats shall be used only in the Lake Worth Lagoon, between the FPL power plant to the north and, Currie Park to the south. Safety 1. Members are expected to exercise good seamanship at all times. 2. An authorized member must be on board at all times. 3. The authorized member must file a float plan with the office when they leave with the club boat and notify the office when they return. 4. Every person aboard a club boat must be wearing a USCG approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD, a.k.a., life jacket) at all times. Members must have their own PFD. 5. The authorized member should carry a marine VHF radio. a) Channel 16 is the safety and hailing frequency, monitored by the USCG, Palm Beach County Sheriff, and other boaters. b) Channel 69 is monitored by the club (when open). c) Channel 14 is monitored by the Port of Palm Beach and the local pilots. Authorized Member _____ Palm Beach Sailing Club – Club Boat Rules 6. Weather conditions must be conducive to sailing. Prior to launching, the authorized member shall check tides, currents, wind speeds and predicted weather. Note that conditions can change quickly. Members should be prepared to act accordingly. 7. No club boat may be used if wind speeds exceed 15 knots sustained. Wind speed is determined by the NOAA National Data Buoy Center Station LKWF1 – 8722670 – Lake Worth Pier, FL (https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=lkwf1) and the Rybovich Superyacht Marina weather station (https://www.windfinder.com/tide/rybovich-superyacht-marina). In the event of a conflict or question, consult the Sailing Director, instructors, Fleet Captain, or their designee. 8. A tow rope must be carried on all boats during use and returned to sailing locker after usage. In the event a tow is necessary, the tow rope will be tied to the base of mast at deck level with a bowline knot. 9. The authorized member must report to the Sailing Director, Fleet Captain or the vessel’s Boatswain any damage to the boat or repairs that may be needed. 10.The authorized member may be held responsible for any damage or costs due to inappropriate use or irresponsible seamanship as determined by the Fleet Captain. This includes, but is not limited, to repair or replacement of parts, towing, etc. Prohibitions 1. Use of any alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) before sailing or on a club boat is prohibited. 2. Smoking is prohibited on club boats. Exceptions 1. Exceptions to these rules may be granted by the Sailing Director or Fleet Captain on a case-by- case basis, or on a blanket basis for special events, such as regattas. 2. All exceptions granted must be in writing, with the reasons therefore. Violations 1. Violations of any Bylaw, policy or club boat rule may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to the loss of boat use privileges and/or action under Article XII of the Bylaws. I understand and agree to abide by these rules. Member Name _______________________________________________________________ Member Signature ____________________________________________________________ Date ___________________________ Witnessed By ________________________________________________________________ Authorized Member _____