FORTH CRUISING CLUB
CLUB RULES
Club Rules sit alongside the Constitution for the day to day running of the Club
- Facilities
- Conduct of members
- Conduct of guests and visitors
- Damage to Club property
- Complaints
- Outstanding Fees and Charges
- Abandoned Property (including Boats)
- Clubhouse
- Workshop
- Club Boat
- Harbours & Moorings
- Pontoons
- Hard Standing
- Boat/Trailer/Cradle Parking and Storage
- Craning
- Racing
- Bar
- Website
- Revision History – latest: AGM 2018
1 Facilities
1.1 Members will have access to all Club premises and facilities with the exception of the office, storeroom and bar within the clubhouse, access to which is reserved for use by the Committee. The Bar Manager will also have access to the bar.
1.2 Access to the clubhouse and workshop is by coded locks with combinations given to fully paid up members. The codes will be changed annually by Committee decision and at any other such time as the Committee deems appropriate.
1.3 The keys for access to the garden shed and starter’s box will be kept adjacent to the clubhouse notice board. The keys must be returned after use.
1.4 Security of Club premises and facilities is the responsibility of all members. The last member to leave Club premises must ensure they are left secure.
1.5 Contact numbers for all Committee members will be displayed on the Club notice board in the clubhouse and website. A list of boat owning members and their contact details will also be displayed on the notice board in the clubhouse.
1.6 The general tidiness of Club premises and facilities will be the responsibility of all members. Any perceived misuse by a member should be challenged and/or brought to the attention of a Committee member.
1.7 Any member perceiving a problem with any of the Club facilities should bring it to the attention of any Committee member. If he/she is unable to resolve the issue he/she will pass it to the appropriate Committee member. If there is still no resolution the matter will revert to the Committee.
1.8 Friends of members are welcome to make use of the Club facilities when accompanied by a Club member, but anyone who makes more than casual use of the facilities will be expected to apply for membership.
1.9 Visiting members of other yachting or sailing clubs who arrive by sea are welcome to use facilities for the period of their visit. Such visitors are expected to treat the facilities with respect and to take account of Club Rules where these are made known to them.
1.10 Smoking within all enclosed Club Premises, ie clubhouse, workshop, starter’s box and garden shed, is prohibited by law and any abuse of this rule by any member should be challenged and reported to a Committee member.
1.11 Dog fouling is prohibited on Club premises and owners should be challenged if witnessed.
2 Conduct of members
2.1 Any member’s conduct which, in the opinion of the Committee, is either unworthy or otherwise injurious to the interests of the Club will render the member liable to disciplinary action by the Committee as defined by the Constitution. This may include expulsion or non-renewal of membership. Before taking such disciplinary action the Committee will call upon the member for an explanation of their conduct.
2.2 Members will be responsible for the conduct and safety of their children (ie under the age of 18) in or upon Club Premises.
3 Conduct of guests and visitors
3.1 Any guest or visitor whose conduct, in the opinion of the Committee or a member of the Committee, is either unworthy or otherwise injurious to the interests of the Club may be requested to leave the Club premises immediately. The member responsible for the guest may also be liable to disciplinary action by the Committee.
4 Damage to Club Property
4.1 A member or guest will not knowingly remove, destroy or damage any property of the Club. Any such damage will be reported to the Committee and the member will be required to make restitution for the same if called upon to do so by the Committee.
5 Complaints
5.1 Complaints relating to the management of the Club are to be addressed in writing to the Secretary for the Committee’s consideration at its next meeting.
5.2 Complaints relating to any other aspects of the Club (premises, facilities other members etc) can be raised with any Committee member who will try to resolve it. If unable to do so the Committee member will bring it to the attention of the appropriate Committee member for their action. If the complainant is not fully satisfied the complaint should be made in writing by the member to the Secretary for the Committee’s consideration at its next meeting.
6 Outstanding Fees and Charges
6.1 If at any time fees or charges payable to the Club by any member or former member are outstanding for 3 or more months the following will apply:
- The Club will at all times have a lien over members’ or former members’ property located on or in Club premises in respect of all or any monies due to the Club, whether in respect of arrears of subscriptions or otherwise.
- The Committee will be entitled to sell any property located on or in Club premises belonging to the member or former member upon giving them one month’s formal notice in writing, by registered post, at their address as shown in the Club files. The Club reserves the right to charge for storage for any property located on or in Club premises belonging to the member or former member, at a rate decided by the Committee, until such time as the owner collects the same and pays any storage fee or the property is sold or disposed of.
- Any monies due to the Club (whether by way of arrears of subscription or otherwise) will be deducted from the net proceeds of sale before remitting the balance (if any) to the member or former member. Alternatively, any property, which in the opinion of the Committee cannot be sold, may be disposed of in any manner the Committee (acting reasonably) may think fit and any expenses incurred recovered from the member or former member. Any arrears of subscription or otherwise will be deemed as a debt owing to the Club by the member or former member.
- Written evidence will be maintained by the Committee and made available to show that all reasonable steps have been taken to trace a member or former member. When and if the member’s or former member’s property is sold and if the Club is unable to account to the member or former member for the net balance of the proceeds of sale, then any balance of the proceeds of sale will be placed upon an interest bearing account and retained for a period of 6 years against the eventuality of a claim by the owner within the said period. If no claim is made within the said 6 year period, the funds will revert to the Club.
7 Abandoned Property (including Boats)
7.1 The Committee is to be advised of any member’s or former member’s property which is deemed to be derelict/deserted/abandoned/hazardous. If required, the Committee will decide the appropriate action.
7.2 Derelict/deserted/abandoned/hazardous property remaining on the Club premises is to be removed by the member or former member within 14 days following receipt of a written request from the Committee. If the property is not removed at the expiry of the said 14 day period, then the Committee is entitled to move the property to any part of the Club premises it deems appropriate. The Club will not be liable for any loss or damage sustained in the moving of such property. Thereafter the rules for the recovery of Outstanding Fees and Charges will come into effect.
8 Clubhouse
8.1 Wet sailing clothes and soiled working clothes and boots are not to be worn in the Club lounge.
8.2 The Clubhouse door on Brucehaven Road is an emergency fire exit and an entrance/exit for less able members. Keys for such access will be made available on request to the Committee. RC (Clubhouse) will manage and record the issues/returns of these.
8.3 RC (Clubhouse) will hold keys to the office, storeroom and bar and record the issues/returns to/ from the Committee and Bar Manager.
8.4 The Clubhouse lounge may be used by members for private functions at the discretion of the Committee. An appropriate notice will be posted in advance on the Club notice board.
8.5 Animals are not permitted in the Clubhouse except those giving assistance to the disabled.
9 Workshop
9.1 Light craft, inflatables, masts, spars, oars and other gear belonging to members may be kept or repaired in the workshop at the discretion of the RC (P&M) and should be clearly marked with the owner’s name.
9.2 All inflatable dinghies will be removed from the workshop for the period between Club Crane out and Crane in. All non Club owned ladders will be removed for the period between Club Crane in and Crane out – the Committee has discretion to make an exception for less able members.
10 Club Boat
10.1 Each use of the Club boat must be authorised by RC (Club Boat).
10.2 Operation of the Club boat is restricted to the following:
- RC (Club Boat)
- Any member who has a minimum of the RYA level 2 power boat qualification.
- Any member who has been suitably trained and qualified by RC (Club Boat).
10.3 In an emergency the Club boat can be used by any qualified Club member without prior authorisation by RC (Club Boat).
10.4 A list of all authorised coxswains will be placed on the Clubhouse notice board.
11 Harbours & Moorings
11.1 Sailing is not permitted in the Club’s harbours (except in the case of an emergency on return to port).
11.2 Physical location/layout of moorings will be set by RC (P&M) in line with the Club’s current mooring policy.
11.3 All boats in subcategories 1 and 2 will be registered with the Club via a Boat Registration Form. All registrations will be renewed at the start of the Club financial year.
11.4 The Boat Registration Form will include any application for a mooring for subcategory 1 members. Moorings will be allocated by the RC (P&M) for each sailing season and will be published prior to Club Crane in. There are no Club moorings for fixed fin keel boats within either harbour.
11.5 Responsibility for the supply and maintenance of ground tackle (ie chains etc) lies with the boat owner. The specifications for new/replacement chains are as follows:
Craft up to 22 ft LOA – min 10 mm new wearing to 6 mm min
Craft 23 ft to 30 ft LOA – min 12 mm new wearing to 8 mm min
Craft 31ft LOA plus – min 16 mm new wearing to 12 mm min
11.6 RC (P&M) will carry out random checks of moorings throughout the sailing season to ensure compliance with specifications.
11.7 Ground tackle will form a ‘V’ at bow and stern, right up to the waterline for connection to strops. (The purpose of this is to hold the craft within its 4 sinker ‘box’ at all positions of wind and tide). The stern ‘V’ chain can be split if the boat has a cleat at each aft quarter.
11.8 Responsibility for the suitability (ie fitness for purpose) and the integrity of the complete mooring lies wholly with the boat owner. This includes all strops, chains, shackles and the mooring sinkers. This equipment is to be regularly checked by the boat owner and RC (P&M) notified if a replacement/more suitable sinker is thought to be required. Bow mooring strops must be protected from chafe.
11.9 RC (P&M) has the right to re-allocate any mooring not taken up by mid-June.
11.10 All boats whilst within the boundary of the Club premises, or while participating in Club events, are to be insured to at least third party (minimum £2 million). Details of the insurer, policy reference number and expiry date will be submitted annually to RC (P&M) on the Club’s Boat Registration Form.
11.11 There is no automatic right to a mooring if a member ‘upsizes’ his boat during the sailing season. This is to be discussed and approved by the RC (P&M) who will determine the current mooring’s suitability or the possibility of re-location.
11.12 There is no automatic right to a mooring if a boat changes hands during the sailing season. RC (P&M) is to be informed of any boat sale by the vendor.
11.13 If the sale of a boat is to a non member RC (P&M) will inform the Committee who will decide if the boat is to be subject to mooring charges until its removal. If the buyer applies and is accepted as a member of the Club RC (P&M) will attempt to allocate a mooring. At all times the boat must be adequately insured and details provided in writing to RC (P&M).
12 Use of Pontoons and Capernaum Pier
12.1 The North and South pontoons at Capernaum have a maximum stay limit of two days in any seven days for short term maintenance, visitors, catching the tide and loading/unloading. Members are to contact RC (P&M) if extended time limits on pontoons are envisaged.
12.2 The Middle pontoon at Capernaum is restricted to loading/unloading but may be used by visitors or for emergencies if the other pontoons are in use.
12.3 Pontoons at Limekilns Pier are solely for the use of mooring dinghies and are not to be used, under any circumstances, for any other craft to either come alongside or moor. Dinghy moorings will be set up in line with the Club’s physical location/layout policy.
12.4 Pontoons at Capernaum are not to be used as an alternative mooring as they are not designed for this purpose.
12.5 Pontoons at Capernaum are not to be used if inclement weather is forecast (especially a southerly gale) as damage to boats and pontoons may be incurred.
12.6 Use of the pier head at Capernaum is restricted to loading/unloading and also visiting yachts that cannot use the pontoons.
12.7 The harbour wall at Capernaum (other than the pier head) can be used for the temporary tying up of boats by both members and visitors. Any boat tied up on the harbour wall is to be monitored closely by the owner and is at the owner’s risk. Permanent mooring alongside the harbour wall is not permitted.
13 Hard Standing
13.1 The location of craft and equipment (laid-up or otherwise) on the pier is at the discretion of the RC (P&M).
13.2 Use of slipways is for members only and any use by non-members should be challenged.
13.3 In the interests of keeping facilities tidy all members are required to remove as much gear as possible during the sailing season, ie trailers, blocks, cradles etc.
13.4 Use of davits is restricted to members 12 years or over unless supervised by an adult.
13.5 Electricity is provided in the workshop and via 3 power plinths for the use of members and visitors at no charge. All cables/connectors exposed to weather must meet full waterproof specifications and excludes the use of “waterproofed” 13 amp square pin plugs/sockets. For safety reasons power cables must be disconnected when unsupervised. An exception can be made for battery charging with the prior approval of RC (P&M). Unsupervised and/or unapproved connections will be disconnected.
13.6 Boat repair/maintenance operations are not to impact on others. Specific care is to be taken when carrying out operations such as power washing, grit/sand blasting etc. In the case of grit/sand blasting if adequate protection is not in place RC (P&M) may stop the operation.
13.7 Owners must ensure cradles/trailers are safe and fit for purpose at all times. RC (P&M) has the right to refuse the use of any cradle/trailer deemed by RC (P&M) to be unfit to support its designated boat. To avoid boats being denied crane out owners must ensure cradles/trailers are fit for purpose in sufficient time for alternative arrangements/repairs to be made.
14 Boat/Trailer/Cradle Parking and Storage
14.1 Only boat owning members can keep boats/trailers and cradles on Club premises. Boats/trailers/cradles etc left on Club premises by former members or members who do not comply with Club rules will be treated as Abandoned.
14.2 Club membership does not guarantee the right to boat/trailer/cradle parking or storage. It may be necessary for RC (P&M) to generate a waiting list pending a space becoming available. The Club is NOT a boat storage facility.
14.3 Administration of boat/trailer/cradle parking or storage and possible waiting lists is the responsibility of RC (P&M) who will exercise due judgement to provide and maintain both parking assignments and the best utilisation of available space within Club premises and workshop store.
14.4 Sailing dinghies can be kept on Club premises for the full 12 months in positions allocated by RC (P&M). Unoccupied trailers and cradles may be stored during the Club’s sailing season (between Club Crane in and Crane out) at the discretion of the RC (P&M).
14.5 Boats that are normally kept afloat between Club Crane in and Crane out may be parked within Club premises between Club Crane out and Crane in.
14.6 The hard standing is not intended for storage of inactive, normally moored, boats during the Club sailing season (between Club Crane in and Crane out). Boats are allowed to sit out one Club sailing season on the hard standing and if not launched at the following Club Crane in must be removed by their owner within 14 days unless prior approval has been given by the Committee for a second Club sailing season parked on the hard standing. This approval must be sought by their owner in writing before the Club Crane in and will only be given in extenuating circumstances.
14.7 At the end of the Committee’s approved extended period of a second Club sailing season parked on the hard standing, RC (P&M) will make a recommendation to the Committee on whether or not use of the space assigned is terminated. The Committee will make the final decision taking into consideration any further extenuating circumstances. If no further extension is approved the member will be given formal notice to remove their boat within 14 days.
14.8 Members who fail to comply with these rules and/or Committee decisions, or fail to comply with a notice to remove their boat, will be subject to a parking penalty which will be 150% of the parking charges plus administration costs for the same type / length of boat as if it were kept onshore at Port Edgar. The penalty will take effect from the expiry of the 14 day period of notice. Failure to pay a penalty fee may result in the boat being treated under the Abandoned Property rule.
14.9 Boat parking approval is not transferrable on the sale of a boat. If the sale is to a non member the vendor must inform RC (P&M) of the sale. RC (P&M) will inform the Committee and it may be that the boat will be subject to parking charges until its removal. At all times the boat must be adequately insured and details be provided in writing to RC (P&M).
14.10 If for any reason a boat is not to be launched at Club Crane in the Club can move the boat, at no cost to the member, to a more suitable position. RC (P&M) will consult with the boat owner prior to any move.
15 Craning
15.1 The Club will organise yearly Crane in/Crane out weekends. Dates will be set by the Committee following a recommendation by RC (P&M). RC (P&M) will inform the membership of these dates together with associated information.
15.2 The Club will not be responsible for any damage to boats during any craning operation and as such members are advised to remove all sails, sail covers, dodgers, spray hoods and any other vulnerable equipment prior to craning.
15.3 Access to Club premises during craning will be controlled by RC (P&M) and his designated team.
15.4 The lifting/swinging area will be cordoned off to all those not involved in the operations, including members of the public.
15.5 Only those working as part of RC (P&M)’s team are allowed in the proximity of the crane and must wear hard hats and high visibility vests.
15.6 For any Crane in/Crane out not organised by the Club, the following additional criteria will apply:
- Any crane will be fully insured for all third party risks.
- The crane or other lifting vehicle will be of sufficient capacity and swing to undertake the operation.
- The date selected will not be a day when a Club event is on the calendar, ie Race/Cruise start or finish, or any other main event.
- Weekends should be avoided when the Club is liable to be busy.
- RC (P&M) is to be informed of the proposed date as soon as possible. A response will be made indicating whether the date chosen is suitable, or not.
- Failure to conform to these procedures may result in the lift being stopped and the crane turned away as the Club has a duty of care to all those on its premises, Club members or otherwise.
16 Racing
16.1 All racing will be governed by the Club’s General Sailing Instructions as approved by the Committee and published on the Club Website which includes:
- All Club trophy and Club races will be governed by the rules as defined in the current edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) as published by the RYA and by the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
- A boat and her owner will compete in compliance with recognised principles of sportsmanship and fair play.
17 Bar
17.1 The Bar Manager, delegated by the Committee, will control bar stock and liaise with the Treasurer with regard to till receipts.
17.2 The Bar Manager will set bar prices with the Committee’s approval.
17.3 The Club is licensed for the sale of alcohol to be consumed only within the clubhouse and garden. No alcohol sold within the Club can be consumed elsewhere on Club premises.
17.4 The Committee will have the authority to set the hours during which the bar will be open for the sale of alcohol within the provisions of the hours granted by the local licensing authority as permitted by the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.
17.5 The Club will relinquish its licence to operate a bar if the number of full voting members falls below 25.
17.6 The bar will be kept locked at all times unless opened and overseen by a Committee member or the Bar Manager.
17.7 Club members (aged 18 and over) are only authorised to serve alcohol following completion of the appropriate training; and the record of this training will be kept within the bar area and available for inspection by the appropriate authorities. A copy of the Age Verification Policy Staff Declaration will be attached to the individual training records in accordance with the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Act 2010.
17.8 No person will be supplied with alcohol from the bar unless that person is aged 18 and over and
- a member of the Club; or
- there at the invitation of a member of the Club and accompanied by that member; or
- a member of another Club which meets the requirements of Section 125(1) of Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.
17.9 No persons under the age of 18 will be allowed to consume alcohol within the Club premises.
17.10 The Club will operate an Age Verification Policy. If a person seeking to buy alcohol appears to be less than 25 years of age the Club will require the production of an acceptable proof of age document. The following documents are acceptable for proof of age purposes:
- passport
- European Union photo card driving licence
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- photographic identity card bearing the national Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) hologram
- national identity card issued by a European Union member state (other than the United Kingdom), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- Biometric Immigration Document
17.11 Where a person is present on the Club premises at the invitation of a member and is supplied with alcohol, a record book kept within the bar area must be completed with the following:
- the date
- the name and address of the person
- the name of the member accompanying the person.
17.12 When the bar is open persons aged 17 and under will be allowed in the Club lounge only in the company of an adult member or at the discretion of the Committee. They are excluded from the bar servery area and the kitchen at such times.
17.13 The bar will be closed and locked by either a Committee member or the Bar Manager, and left clean and tidy.
17.14 No member will have any personal interest in the sale of alcohol within the Club or in the profits arising from such sale except as they accrue to the Club as a whole.
18 Website
18.1 The Website will be managed by a Webmaster, a post delegated by the Committee. The Webmaster will manage the website on behalf of the Committee and be the primary means of updating members on current matters.
18.2 The Webmaster can add news, information, web links and photographs etc from a variety of sources, including members. Materials relating to the running of the Club can only be added with the Committee’s authority.
18.3 Administration of the Club website is restricted to the Webmaster who can delegate access to other authorised administrators if required.
19 Revision History
19.1 Adopted at AGM 2013
19.2 Three year review – Paras 11.3, 11.4, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.7, 13.7 SGM 2016
19.3 Para 12.3, AGM 2018
Forth Cruising Club 