SANDWICH BAY SAILING & WATER SKI-ING CLUB

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR FOR CLUB MEMBERS October 2016

GENERAL INFORMATION

01 Buoyancy Aids: The wearing of a buoyancy aid/life jacket is compulsory for all juniors (under 16 years of age) whenever they go afloat. It is recommended that all water users wear buoyancy aids.

02 Insurance: Your boat must be insured against third party claims for a minimum of £2,000,000 and is mandatory. This figure is reviewed annually in consultation with the Royal Yachting Association (R.Y.A.) recommendation and our insurance underwriters.

03 Weather Forecast:

Dover Coastguard 01304 210008 Enquiries welcome regarding weather, sea state and tides.

04 Emergencies: Dial 999 and ask for POLICE, COASTGUARD, FIRE, AMBULANCE.

05 Information: When going afloat alone let someone know your time of leaving, approximate period away, and time of return. Alternatively call Dover Coastguard (as above) and give the information. Be aware of the weather forecast and the time of high water. If sailing alone, go in such a direction that the tide will bring you home and make sure someone on shore knows where you are and your estimated time of return.

06 Tides: The tide flows north for approximately 2 hours before and 4 hours after high water. Warning: At spring tides (when H/W is near midday and midnight) the tidal stream can be 3 knots or more.

07 Rule of the sea: Although it is well known that racing is conducted under the IRYU Rules, it should not be forgotten that ‘All vessels on the high seas’ are subject to the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea. Insurance companies may take recourse to these Rules to decide liability. As far as sailing craft are concerned ,the most relevant rules:-

Rule 17. When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, to avoid risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows: When both have the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other. When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the other .vessel, which has it to leeward.

Rule 24a .Every vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

SLIPWAY

08 In order to facilitate the safe and harmonious use of the Club’s facilities and the water in the immediate vicinity of the slipway by both sailors, water skiers, fishermen and swimmers alike, the Committee recommend that the following Codes of Practice be followed:-

09 No boats to be parked within 5 metres either side of the top of the slipway, to allow turning of those launching.

10 No boats to be parked on the slipway. All rigging and refuelling must be done elsewhere.

11 The slipway is for the launching and recovery of boats and is dangerous. Adults and children must therefore keep well clear. No persons allowed to ride on boats and/or trailers when being winched on the ramp.

12 All trailers to be parked on the southern side (Deal) of the ramp when boats are at sea. Dinghy launching trolleys and windsurfer wheels may be left on the beach ( having due regard to beach users)

13 When coming in, please make sure that the slipway is clear of boats and persons at the water edge.

14 The winch is not to be used by children under 16 unless supervised by an adult. Members should not use the winch unless they are conversant with its operation and have had instruction on its use… it is a dangerous piece of machinery if incorrectly used. Place the warning cone informing the public of cable obstruction when the winch is in use. Turn of relay switch at rear of winch when hand control is left unattended. If in any doubt please ask.

15 Cars are allowed on the slipway only in an emergency, and only if the winch is not in operation.

16 Boats only to be parked temporarily each side of the ramp for cleaning etc. Please leave access to the slipway at all times. Use of the hose and water is available adjacent to the winch area, but members are reminded that the Club are on meter and due diligence regarding the unnecessary wasting of water is requested.

17 No cars may be parked inside the gate on the beach head. After unhitching your boat please park on the land outside the Club. Last member leaving the beach please lock winch box, return key to garage and close and lock the garage door. Close and lock the beach gate.

FLAG HUT

18 The Flag Hut houses a First Aid Kit and VHF radio which should only be used by members qualified to do so.

19 When dinghy racing is in progress the Race Officer and his/her assistants man the look out. Non-participating members are requested to keep clear of the area and ensure that organiser’s view seaward is not blocked by irresponsible parking of boats and or vehicles in front of the flag hut.

20 When leaving the building members must remove flags from the flagpole, shut all windows and balcony door, turn off the radio and lighting where applicable and secure the staircase door with padlock.

In the event of inclement weather members are welcome to use the lower section of the Flag Hut. However kindly leave the area as you would expect to find it….and take your rubbish away with you.

POWER CRAFT/ WATER SKIERS

21 A driver and an observer must be in the speed boat when towing skiers or using inflatable water toys etc. When using the Club banana all juniors (under 16) must wear a helmet. It is strongly advised that adults should also wear a helmet. Do also check that your insurance policy covers the towing of inflatable toys, many have exclusion paragraphs.

22 Ski boats are requested not to launch or land on the slipway 15 minutes before or after any dinghy race.

23 The use of jack plugs or emergency engine cut outs are strongly recommended.

24 In the interest of safety it is recommended that skiers wear wet suits and buoyancy aid protection whilst skiing.

25 It is strongly recommended that people riding inflatable toys also wear wet suits and buoyancy aids.

26 Ski boats should pick up and drop skiers from the southern side of the ramp, approaching and leaving in a clockwise direction (entering from Deal and leaving northwards towards the River). The designated area will be extended offshore for anchoring and sailors and swimmers are asked to keep clear of the area as far as possible.

27 When dinghy racing is in session, skiers must keep outside the distance mark , except when taking off.(This ruling may be relaxed at the discretion of the Race Officer if bad weather conditions prevail).At all times please give due consideration to all sailing craft, especially when they are racing.

28 Skiers must avoid the public beaches to the north of the Club and are asked to keep well away from the shore when going north towards the River. The residents and beach users are entitled to their peace and quiet.

29 It is recommended that craft carry an anchor with chain and at least 60ft warp and a paddle .A suitable compass is useful in the event of heavy mist descending while at sea.

30 The use of Jet skis must be approved by the Committee. Only members who have been active in the Club for a minimum of 2 years, with a boat, will be considered. No more than 6 jet skis to be allowed in the Club. Jet skis are to operate in the area to the south of the Club past the marker post.

SAILING CRAFT

31 In the event of capsize you should be able to right your vessel and resume sailing. Never leave your boat and ensure that the buoyancy of your dinghy is completely adequate (when full of water it should float, still supporting the weight of your crew).

32 Learn how to right a dinghy and if you do not know ask for instruction and practice the procedure.

33 All essential gear such as the rudder, centreboard and paddle should be firmly attached to the boat.

CLUBHOUSE & BOATPARK

34 Members are entitled to use the facilities of the Clubhouse. However, do ensure you leave the building as you would expect to find it. Take your rubbish away with you… we do not employ cleaners! No children under 14 years old should play in the Club House unless accompanied or supervised by an adult.

35 Members must ensure that the Clubhouse is secure and if you are the last to leave, or go afloat, please check that all windows and doors are closed and that the main door is DOUBLE LOCKED.

If you have used the showers please turn off the heater switch in the galley and switch off all lights (with the exception of the security light by the double door to the toilets).

36 Members with boats, trailers and launching trollies may park in the Club Boat Park, having first obtained permission from the Committee by completing the requisite form. You will be allocated a pitch number exclusively for your use and which is reviewed on an annual basis. You are responsible for keeping the area cut and tidy. A plan and list of boats parked is displayed on the Club notice board.

37 Members leave their boats and equipment entirely at their own risk and you are advised to lock trailers and engines (where applicable) against theft. Sailing craft should remove masts during winter and tie down hulls as necessary. Rigging, sails and miscellaneous equipment may be kept in the locked shed, suitably labelled.

38 Use of hose and water is available at rear of the Clubhouse and members are reminded that that the Club is on meter and due diligence regarding the unnecessary wasting of water is requested.

39 Any vessels found apparently abandoned, neglected and unused will be removed at the discretion of the Committee and in accordance with Club rules.

CLUB PROPERTY

40 The Club has dinghies, buoyancy aids and wet suits for members ‘use. These may be used with permission of a committee member and providing all necessary care regarding safety is met. If in doubt, seek advice first. Please be sure to return all equipment to the designated area washed and cleaned as necessary, ready for the next person to use.

41 In the Clubhouse there is a table tennis tables with accessories and numerous toys and books for the younger family members use. Anyone found to be damaging or vandalising Club property may put their membership in jeopardy.

CAMPING AND CARAVAN ON CLUB PROPERTY

42 Although camping is prohibited by Sandwich Bay Estates, the Club does have dispensation for members to camp on Club property at certain times. Permission must be authorised by the Committee prior to your stay and details will be entered in the Camping Record Book, kept in the Clubhouse. Please do not abuse this facility or the Club may lose the right by Dover District Council in allowing members this privileged facility.

43 Members and/or their guests camp and use the Club’s facilities entirely at their own risk. A small charge may be levied to non-members camping as guests at organised events, at the discretion of the Committee.

MEMBERS BOAT AND EQUIPMENT MARKING

44 All boats stored at or launched from the Club slipway must carry dated identification as issued by the Club. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure they have a sticker and anyone found without may be precluded from launching until a number is issued. Ski and fishing boats must have this sticker displayed on the hull. Sailing craft, dependant on design, to display either at base of mast or on the hull. This is to facilitate the identification of boats when on the water and trailers and respective equipment stored in the boat park.

45 Adhesive identification discs are supplied free to paid up members. In the event if subscriptions falling into arrears, the sticker becomes invalid and the Committee reserves the right to remove or deface the disc.

Your Club Committee strives to constantly adapt, improve and if necessary alter these Codes, especially in the light of experience and possible views expressed by members. If you feel that atopic is not covered to your satisfaction, please bring it to the notice of a Committee member (list on notice board) and it will be duly discussed at the next available meeting. In the meantime cooperation by all members in adopting these Codes of Behaviour will be appreciated, making the Club a safe and happy environment for all families to enjoy.

The Commodore October 2016