Rules and Regulations

Rules & Regulations

* ALWAYS WEAR A LIFE VEST *

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Before you jump in a boat and start sailing/paddling away, we'd like Club members to familiarize themselves with these rules and regulations. They're here for your safety... but we still want you to have FUN!

Index:

o                                VIMS Sail and Paddle Club Requirements and Policies for use of any Club boat

o                                Procedure for checking out a Club boat (after completion of Club training requirements)

o                                Criteria for use of specific boats

§                                 Laser / Windsurfers

§                                 Canoes

22 January 2004

VIMS Sail and Paddle Club Requirements and Policies for use of any Club boat:

1. Requirements:

Current Club membership. Guest privileges may be extended to guests of Club members provided that guests are accompanied by club members while using the boats

To skipper the O'day: Completion of a Coast Guard Safety and Small Boat Handling course OR valid recent (within 5 years) Coast Guard Sailboat certification certificate/card is required for individuals skippering the O'Day

For individuals wishing to check-out and skipper the sailboats or windsurfers, completion of skills check-out session with a club officer familiar with the particular boat. Additional sessions may be required for individuals at the discretion of club officers prior to individuals soloing.

2. The Club requires that anyone using any club boat or windsurfer wear an appropriate U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times.

3. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Club boats. The club recommends abstinence from alcoholic beverages prior to using any Club boat and encourages members to exercise responsible decision making with regard to consumption of alcoholic beverages and boat use.

4. Boats should only be used during appropriate weather conditions. Members are encouraged to check weather forecasts and conditions prior to leaving the beach and to be attentive to changing weather conditions while on the water. What are appropriate conditions?

5. William and Mary undergraduate Club members are not allowed unrestricted access to the O'day. They will coordinate their boating with a VIMS Club member even when certified as an O'day skipper.

6. The Club adheres to all federal, state, and coast Guard safety and small boat handling policies.

7. The Sail and Paddle Club reserves the right to revoke boat use privileges subsequent to incompetence, negligence, abuse, or policy violations.

8. Waivers should be signed and returned to a club officer before any boat use. Get them from a club officer.

Procedure for checking out a Club boat (after completion of Club training requirements):

1. Check the schedule for the boat in the sail locker ahead of time to see if the boat is available. Sign up for the desired day.

2. Find a partner to boat with (some of the more advanced boats require at least a crew of two, with three recommended). Let someone know when you are leaving, which boat you are taking, where you are planning on going, and when (approximately) you will check back in with them. Leave the name of the contact person on the notebook in the sail locker.

3. Check the tide and current tables and wind conditions: Wind Forecast, Actual Wind, Tide Tables.

4. Assemble the appropriate gear and safety equipment from the sail locker. Rig the boat.

5. SAIL/PADDLE!

6. Rinse gear with freshwater if possible, dry, return to appropriate storage area. Check back in with friend who you talked with prior to leaving.

7. Leave an e-mail message for the boat caretaker if there has been any damage or boat- related problems.

Criteria for use of specific boats:

Laser / Windsurfer:

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Laser check-out consists of a successful demonstration of the following skills in the presence of a club officer: rigging the boat, tacking, jibing, running, recovery from irons, capsize initiation and recovery, man-overboard recovery, and return to VIMS.

The Club recommends a crew of two for the Laser.

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Prior to skippering any advanced sailboat (e.g. Hobie, O'Day), individuals must have completed the Laser check-out

The name and phone number of a contact person who is either affiliated with VIMS or a Sail and Paddle Club member MUST be left in the notebook in the sail locker with the date and the general sailing area. The contact person must be provided with a list of Emergency Club Contact numbers.

Upon returning to the beach, Club members are responsible for calling their contact person to let them know they have returned safely. If the contact person does not receive a call from the Club member within a reasonable time period of the member's estimated time of return, it is the contact person's responsibility to call the person(s) on the Emergency Club Contact list with whom the member spoke prior to 3pm on Friday.

Club windsurfers shall be used and launched from the VIMS boat basin beach ONLY unless specific written arrangements are made ahead of time with Club officers, the Club advisor, and the VIMS safety officer.If you want to take the windsurfing boards on a weekend trip, you must sign them out on the notebook in the sail locker by the preceding Wednesday.

Any equipment problems or failures should be reported to a Club officer as quickly as possible.

Canoes:

o                                Canoe check-out consists of a successful demonstration of paddling and turning skills in the presence of a club officer.

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o                                Paddlers are reminded to stay with the boat in the event of a swamping or capsize.

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o                                The Club recommends a crew of two for all canoes.

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o                                Canoes shall be used and launched from VIMS ONLY unless specific written arrangements are made ahead of time with Club officers, the Club advisor, and the VIMS safety officer.

Ignore this picture: Canoes are now stored at Geddings House beach

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