Club Handbook
MILTON KEYNES SAILING CLUB: A BRIEF HISTORY
LOCATION:
Milton Keynes Sailing Club was formed in 1978, with the objective of promoting the sport of sailing, and primarily for people living or having connections within the City of Milton Keynes. However, members are now accepted from a wide area. The Club initially sailed on Willen Lake in Milton Keynes until, in 1990, the management of the lake and park was taken over and run as a commercial enterprise. The doubling of fees and lack of accommodation resulted in members voting to suspend sailing until the new lake at Caldecotte was available. This was to take until 1993 to materialise, but was worth the wait. Caldecotte lake (South) is a balancing lake of about 70 acres, to the South of Milton Keynes, near Bletchley. The lake is well orientated to the prevailing winds, and is designated only for use by bona fide Watersports Clubs.
FACILITIES:
Early in 1993, an excellent Clubhouse was built by the Commission for New Towns, with changing rooms/showers, social area, storage etc., and Club sailing re-started on 1st September, 1993. Initially this building was shared with De Montfort University (who held the Lease from the Milton Keynes Parks Trust) and the Milton Keynes Canoe Club. Late in 1995 a Rowing Club was formed. In June 2001, De Montfort University withdrew from their Lease and, following protracted negotiations, the Club took over the Lease in July, 2002. In connection with taking on the Lease, the Club became a Company Limited by Guarantee in October, 2001.
ACTIVITIES:
MKSC sails all year round and meets at the lake every Sunday, also Wednesday evenings and Saturdays in Summer. Racing takes place on Sundays throughout the year, for points Series and trophies. At present, racing is in a mixed Handicap fleet. Non-scoring, or fun races are also held from time to time, affording the opportunity for beginners to gain experience. Wednesday is a general Club evening in Summer, and lectures, training, and special events are held at various times during the year, together with a number of social occasions. Details of these are published in the Club Newsletter, on the website, or on the Noticeboards.
TRAINING:
The Club is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association, is an RYA Recognised Teaching establishment, and has a number of qualified Instructors among its membership. Training can be offered for members, from complete beginners to the more experienced wishing to improve their sailing. Junior members are particularly encouraged.
CLUB BOATS:
ln addition to having its own Rescue and Committee boats, at present the Club has five Pico dinghies, two Toppers, two Omega dinghies, two Wayfarers, and a Laser single-handed dinghy. When not in use for training, the boats may be used by members provided they can sail to a minimum of a Level 2 standard. Note that Omegas are not for general use by members.
CLASSES:
Any class of dinghy (less than 17 feet long) can be accepted. Lake Regulations do not permit any multi-hulls or keelboats to use the lake, except for the specially designed craft for disabled members. No powered craft are permitted on the lake (except Rescue craft).
OUTLINE STRUCTURE OF THE CLUB
The Annual General Meeting of the Club is held during the month of May. It is at this meeting that the nominations for Club Officers and Management Committee are considered and voted on. Sub-committees are formed as and when necessary to coordinate and manage specific activities’, for example, the Sailing sub-committee and the Social sub-committee.
The Constitution defines the structure of the Club and the form in which the Club is organised. This, in turn, will govern the nature and character of the Club and makes explicit such questions as the objects of the Club and a whole range of administrative and procedural matters. The Constitution includes sections on membership and registration, the Officers, Committee members and powers of management, Club funds and finances, general meetings, and dissolution of the Club. The Club Rules contain information on classes of membership, voting rights, conduct of members, berthing of boats, and limitation of liability.
RACE OFFICER AND OTHER DUTIES
The success of the Club relies on the contribution made by each and every member. All work that is carried out on behalf of the Club is voluntary. Each member accepts, on joining, that they will be required to contribute to the running of the Club by undertaking a number of duties. These duties are not particularly onerous and should not occur very frequently. The most important duties are those of Race Officer, his assistant, and Rescue boat crew. Other areas where support is always required is on working parties.
Duty Committee member
The Duty Committee member ensures: that the gates and Clubhouse are opened up in good time for racing, and is responsible for the premises being properly secured at the end of the day. He/she also opens all internal cupboards, equipment store, compound, kitchen, etc. is responsible for signing out Club boats; and helps advise visitors or new members.
Race Officer and Race Management
The Race Officer (or Officer of the Day) ensures that the day’s racing activities are organised. Five or six members of the Club are selected on a Rota basis to officiate in the day’s proceedings. The Race Officer will, whenever possible, be a regular or experienced racing person. His assistant does not necessarily require any racing experience. The Safety boat coxswain and crew will be selected from the section of the membership which has successfully completed a Powerboat course.
Race Officer duties
The Race Officer should arrive at the lake in good time for the first race (usually 10.30 start), and earlier if an Open Meeting is programmed. If possible, check the weather forecast before leaving home. Hoist the Club flag on the main flagpole. Decide whether to have a shore or Committee boat start and collect necessary equipment from the cupboards. There is a wind speed and direction indicator in the Clubhouse. If necessary, ask advice from an experienced racing sailor.
Safety Boat Coxswain
The Safety boat driver provides a rescue service during the racing and also between the races for the purpose of maintaining safety at the Club. He assists the Race Officer with the laying of courses (moving marks, if necessary) and maintains radio contact with the shore or committee boat. He should also notify the Duty Committee member of any damage or problems with the engines or boats, and the state of the fuel tanks at the end of the day. In the interests of fuel economy, and when not carrying out operations for the Race Officer, the Safety boat should normally be moored on the South pontoon and held on stand-by.
Catering
One or more persons are rostered for ‘galley duty’ each week, to serve teas, coffees, toasted sandwiches, etc. They should preferably arrive by about 10.30 a.m. to allow time for making sandwiches etc. Home made cakes are always welcome! This is a great way of getting to know other Club members.
Work Days
From time to time certain routine tasks will become necessary – grass cutting, compound tidying, small repairs, refurbishing buoys, etc. Occasionally a work party will be organised (normally at the start of a race day or on a Saturday) to tackle the areas or items needing attention. Workers usually get a free lunch!
Training
The Club usually runs two Level 2 Courses during the year, leading to the RYA Certificate. Powerboat courses are also available from time to time. Club boats; when not specifically in use for training, the boats are available for general use by members on the following conditions:
If not under instruction, the member must either hold an RYA Level 2 Certificate, or be capable of sailing to that standard.
Members are asked to undertake to cover either the cost of repair OR the excess on the insurance should an incident occur involving damage.
Any deficiency or damage must be reported to the Duty Committee Officer.
After use, the boat must be berthed correctly, and the equipment stowed in its right place.
Safety
ALWAYS wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket while on or near the water. During the winter season (November to the end of March) the Lake Regulations require that you wear either a Wet or Dry suit; however, they may often be required during the British summer! A body can lose heat very quickly if immersed in water for relatively short periods of time, so always ensure that you are suitably attired.
Insurance
All boats using the lake must comply with such conditions regarding insurance, safety and buoyancy, as described in the Club Rules and Constitution, and the Lake Regulations.
Safety boat cover
A Safety boat will normally be present during the times of Club racing. The Safety boat is driven by Club members who have completed a training course in Powerboat handling, with an assistant crew member.
Club Constitution
Milton Keynes Sailing Club, Caldecotte South Lake, Milton Keynes, MK7 8BH, Registered No. 4267379
NAME:
1.1. The name of the Club shall be “The Milton Keynes Sailing Club Limited”, a company limited by guarantee.
1.2. In accordance with the provisions of Table C of the Companies Act 1985, the Club hereby adopts and incorporates into this Constitution the statutory standard form of Articles of Association for a company limited by guarantee, subject to any amendment resulting from the following clauses.
1.3. The Burgee of the Club shall be the Milton Keynes symbol (black) on a gold (yellow) background.
OBJECTS:
2.1 The object and main purpose of the club is to provide facilities for, promote and encourage participation in, the sport of sailing, including the provision of facilities for competition and the training and instruction of its members.
2.2 To provide a means whereby people, regardless of age, sex, colour, physical or mental disability/ability, religious or political beliefs, may enjoy and support sailing and to provide that membership is open to the whole community without discrimination.
2.3 To provide a common meeting ground for persons who are interested in sailing and, in particular, to secure the right to sail on a suitable area of water and provide or secure suitable premises for the use of members of the Club.
MEMBERSHIP:
3.1 Membership is available to any person, whether a boat owner or not, who wishes to support the objects of the Club.
3.1.1 Classes of membership available are as from time to time decided by the Management Committee and as stated in the Rules of the Club.
3.2 The Management Committee may appoint such Honorary Members as it may from time to time think fit. The number of such members is not to exceed six at any one time.
3.3 The Management Committee may also, from time to time, appoint Life Members.
3.4 The Management Committee may from time to time invite ex-sailing members to become Associate members.
3.5 Every candidate for membership subject to election shall be proposed and seconded by an existing member of the Club who is entitled to vote, one of whom shall be a member of the Management Committee of the Club.
3.6 In the absence of any challenge or dissent from any existing member who is entitled to vote, which must be notified in writing to the Honorary Secretary and subject to the approval of the Management Committee, by simple majority the candidate will be deemed to have been duly elected.
3.7 The candidate’s name and address and any other particulars that the Management Committee may reasonably require must be provided to the Membership Administrator.
3.8 The Management Committee may decline any proposal for membership should it feel the need to do so.
3.9 Every member shall furnish the Honorary Secretary with an up-to-date address which shall be recorded in the Register of Members and any Notice, communication or such like sent to such address shall be deemed to have been duly delivered.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
There shall be a minimum of two Directors of the Company
THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
The Officers of the Club, comprising of:
(a) Commodore
(b) Vice Commodore
(c) Rear Commodore
(d) Hon. Secretary
(e) Hon. Treasurer
5.1.2. One member of the Executive Committee responsible for Business
Management and Strategic Planning.
5.1.3. A number of other voting members of the Club as determined by the
committee and stated in the Notice of AGM.
5.1.4. One non-voting Youth Representative will be entitled to join the Management
Committee, if nominated. The rules in section 6 for an election will apply if more than one Youth Representative nomination is received.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
6.1 Officers and Management Committee members shall be elected to the Committee at the Annual General Meeting in each year and in accordance with the Rules of the Club.
6.2 Candidates for election shall be voting members of the Club whose nominations are proposed and seconded by voting members of the Club and received by the Honorary Secretary no later than seven days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.
6.3 An election for Officers and Management Committee members shall be held when there is more than one nominated candidate for any post. Otherwise, where there is only one nominee for a post, the nominee will be appointed without an election.
6.4 Should a post not be filled at the Annual General Meeting or, if a vacancy occurs by death, expulsion or resignation, whether among the Officers or Management Committee members of the Club, the Management Committee may co-opt a voting member to fill the vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting.
6.5 The Management Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting shall hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting.
6.6 Following retirement a Commodore may serve as an ex-officio member of the Management Committee in the year immediately following his retirement if invited so to do by the Management Committee.
MANAGEMENT:
7.1 The Management Committee shall manage the detailed day-to-day affairs of the Club in accordance with the Constitution and Rules of the Club and shall have power to expend funds of the Club as they think fit.
7.2 The Management Committee shall make or repeal rules for the management of the detailed day-to-day affairs of the Club, as they feel necessary from time to time.
7.3 The Management Committee may appoint such sub-Committees as may be found to be necessary. At least one member of the Management Committee shall be a member of every sub-Committee appointed by the Management Committee.
7.4 Any person or sub-committee authorised by the Management Committee to act as Agent for the Club or its members, shall enter into contracts or other obligations only so far as expressly authorised in writing by the Management Committee.
7.5 In pursuance of the authority vested in the Management Committee by the members of the Club, members of the Management Committee or any sub-committee appointed by the Management Committee are hereby indemnified by the members of the Club against any liabilities that they may have individually or collectively properly incurred on behalf of the Club irrespective of howsoever such liability may arise.
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
8.1 Membership charges for each class of membership, together with any charges in relation to the use of the Boat Storage Compound, shall be payable on acceptance to membership.
8.2 Thereafter all annual membership charges and charges in relation to the use of the Boat Storage Compound shall be payable on the first day of April in each year.
8.3 Membership charges for each class of membership and charges in relation to the use of the Boat Storage Compound shall be such as the Management Committee may from time to time prescribe.
8.4 The criteria for the determination of all membership charges and charges in relation to the Boat Storage Compound are as set out in the Rules of the Club.
NON-PAYMENT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS:
9.1 Any person who has not paid his or her subscription, for any class, within one calendar month of the due date, shall forfeit their membership of the Club.
9.2 Any person allowing his or her membership of the Club to lapse shall be required to re-join at the full rate.
FINANCE:
10.1 It shall be the responsibility of the Honorary Treasurer to keep a complete and accurate account of the Club’s finances and cause all returns that may be required by law in relation to such accounts to be rendered at the due time.
10.2 At the Annual General Meeting in each year there shall be appointed a person to examine and independently review the Accounts of the Company.
10.3 In the event of the person appointed being unwilling or unable to act, the Management Committee shall appoint a substitute.
GENERAL MEETINGS:
11.1 The Management Committee may convene General Meetings at which all members may attend with guests at the discretion of the Management Committee.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS:
12.1 Once a year during the month of May, the Management Committee shall convene an Annual General Meeting. The business to be considered shall include:
12.1.1 The Annual Reports of the Club
12.1.2 The financial Statement of the Club
12.1.3 The election of Officers and Management Committee members
12.1.4 The appointment of an Examiner for the Accounts
12.1.5 Making recommendations to the Management Committee
12.1.6 Proposals to amend the Constitution; and
12.1.7 Any other business properly raised by members.
12.2 The Honorary Secretary shall give at least fourteen days clear notice in writing/email to the members of the Club of the time, date, and place of the Annual General Meeting and the Agenda thereof.
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS:
13.1 The Management Committee may, on giving at least fourteen days notice by post convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club for any specific business, the nature of which shall be stated in the Notice convening the Meeting, and the discussion at the Meeting shall be confined to that subject only.
13.2 The Management Committee shall similarly call an Extraordinary General Meeting at the written request of twenty voting members.
RULES OF PROCEDURE AT ALL MEETINGS:
14.1 The Commodore, or the Commodore’s nominee, will Chair all meetings other than sub-committee meetings and meetings of the Executive Committee.
14.2 In the absence of the Commodore or the Commodore’s nominee, a Chairperson shall be elected from the members present at any meeting and entitled to vote thereat.
14.3 Voting shall be in accordance with the Rules of the Club.
14.4 All questions arising at any Meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of those present and entitled to vote thereat (except for amending the Constitution).
14.5 No member may exercise more than one vote, notwithstanding that he or she may have been appointed to represent two or more interests.
14.6 In the case of any equality of votes, the Meeting Chairperson shall have a second deciding vote.
14.7 A minimum number of two Directors shall form a quorum at meetings of the Executive Committee.
14.8 A minimum number of five members shall form a quorum at meetings of the Management Committee.
14.9 A minimum number of fifteen voting members shall form a quorum at all General Meetings.
14.10 The Management Committee and all sub-Committees shall keep Minutes of all meetings.
AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION:
15.1 It shall be necessary to have a two-thirds majority of the members present at any General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting who are entitled to vote to amend the Constitution.
DISSOLUTION OF THE CLUB:
16.1 If, at an Extraordinary General Meeting called for that purpose the Club shall pass, by a majority comprising not less than two thirds of the members present who are entitled to vote, a resolution to dissolve the Club, the Management Committee or, failing them, the Directors shall take steps forthwith to convert into money all the property of the Club and out of the proceeds they shall discharge all the debts and liabilities of the Club and the expenses of the conversion of the property.
16.2 After the said conversion of the property by the Management Committee, or the Directors as the case may be, an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club shall be convened by them to pass the final Accounts of the Club and to determine, subject to paragraph 16.3 below, to whom any surplus money or property shall be given or transferred, and to dissolve the Club.
16.3 If the final account as passed by the Meeting shows that there remains, after the satisfaction of the debts and liabilities of the Club and the said expenses, any money or property, the net assets shall be given or transferred to either the purposes of another Community Amateur Sports Club within the scheme and/or the purposes of the Sport’s governing body for use in community related sport and/or the purpose of a Charity, as shall be determined by a resolution passed by a simple majority of those members present and entitled to vote.
16.4 The Chairperson of the Meeting shall then declare the Club to be dissolved.
Club Rules
1. MEMBERSHIP
1.1 There shall be the following categories of membership with power to vote at general meetings of the Club as follows:
FAMILY MEMBER: shall include one or two parents and all children under eighteen years of age. The family unit shall have one vote per adult member.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER: shall be a person over the age of eighteen years and shall have one vote.
SENIOR CITIZEN: shall be a member over the age of 60 and shall have one vote.
SOCIAL MEMBER: shall include one or two parents and shall have one vote.
JUNIOR MEMBER: shall be a person under the age of 18 years and undertaking full-time education. Junior members do not have a vote.
STUDENT MEMBER: shall be a person over the age of 18 years and undertaking full time education. Student members do not have a vote.
TEMPORARY WINTER MEMBERSHIP and ONE-DAY TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP: These categories have no voting rights.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER: This category is open only to ex-sailing members by invitation of the Management Committee and is entitled to one vote.
HONORARY MEMBER: This category is by appointment of the Management Committee and has one vote. The number of such members is not to exceed 6 at any one time.
LIFE MEMBERS: Are appointed by the Management Committee and have one vote.
GROUP OR AFFILIATED MEMBERSHIP: This category is open to members of a recognised organisation. One adult member of a group is entitled to a vote.
1.2 The present rights and privileges of each category of membership shall be as follows:-
A FAMILY MEMBER, his/her partner and all children under the age of 18 shall have full use of all the club facilities subject only to Rule 10.1.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS and SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERS shall have full use of all club facilities.
A JUNIOR MEMBER shall have the full use of all club facilities subject only to Rule 10.1.
A STUDENT MEMBER shall have full use of all club facilities.
LIFE MEMBERS and HONORARY MEMBERS shall have full use of all club facilities.
ASSOCIATE and NON-SAILING (Social) MEMBERS shall have full use of the Clubhouse facilities.
TEMPORARY MEMBERS (which expression may include members of another RYA recognised Club or organisation) shall have full use of the club facilities but:-
(a) shall have no right to enter club races or regattas unless specifically authorised by the Management Committee
(b) shall have no right to introduce visitors to the club or the facilities thereof
(c) shall have no right to take any part in the management of the club
(d) are deemed to have notice of and impliedly undertake to comply with the club Rules, current Byelaws and Regulations as if he or she were a member of the club and so far as the said Rules, Byelaws and Regulations may be deemed to apply to such Temporary Member
(e) shall be liable to be expelled from the club premises or to be prohibited from using the club facilities if, in the opinion of the Honorary Secretary or Management Committee, he or she shall not have reasonably complied with the above conditions.
1.3 The Management Committee shall have power to change. add, or delete any category of membership as it may in its absolute discretion from time to time think fit.
1.4 Annual subscriptions for each category of membership shall be as the Management Committee may from time to time decide.
2. Conduct of Members
2.1 Every member upon joining the Club undertakes to adhere to the provisions of the Constitution and to comply with the Rules of the Club and any member who, in the opinion of a majority of the full elected Committee, has refused or neglected to comply with the Constitution or Rules of the Club or otherwise has acted in a manner injurious to the interests of the Club, shall be liable for suspension or expulsion at the discretion of the Committee, but not before the member has been given the opportunity to offer an explanation for such conduct. A Resolution to expel a member shall be carried by a simple majority vote by those members of the Management Committee present and voting on the Resolution.
2.2 A member shall not knowingly remove, injure, destroy or damage any property of the Club and shall make restitution for the same if called upon to do so by the Management Committee or by the Honorary Secretary upon the instructions of the Committee.
2.3 A member shall settle any indebtedness for refreshment or otherwise before leaving the club premises, or in accordance with any byelaw relating to the settlement of such indebtedness.
3. Guests
Full members shall enter the names of all guests in the Visitors’ Book. Not more than four guests may be introduced in any one day and the same guest may not be introduced more than six times in any calendar year. The member introducing guests shall be responsible for settling their liabilities. The guest will have the same access to facilities as the introducing member.
4. Lake Regulations
Members must abide by the Lake Regulations governing the use of Caldecotte South lake, a copy of which is displayed in the clubhouse.
5. Safety
5.1 Members and their guests or visitors, are responsible for their own safety when sailing or otherwise using the premises or facilities. Personal buoyancy is obligatory under the Lake Regulations at all times when sailing or on the jetties, but members, their guests or visitors, must also satisfy themselves that their equipment, skill and experience are adequate to meet the prevailing conditions. There is no general provision of powered safety boat cover. This is primarily for racing, specific training, or special events.
5.2 Members are strongly recommended not to use the lake unless a powered safety boat is manned, or at least two craft, having agreed to support each other, are in use on the water at the time. If a member decides to use the water on their own, they do so entirely at their own risk.
6. Insurance
All members’ craft using the lake shall display a current membership number and shall have public liability insurance cover for third party claims for a minimum of £2,000,000 per claim. Owners must affirm to this effect before using the lake.
7. Limitation of Liability
Members of the club and their guests or visitors use the premises, moorings and jetties, as well as boats and other facilities of the Club, entirely at their own risk and by implication agree to and accept the following limitation of liability:-
7.1 The Club will not accept liability for any damage or loss of property belonging to members, their guests, or visitors to the Club.
The Club will not accept any liability for personal injury sustained by members, their guests or visitors, arising out of the use of Club boats, the premises or any part of MKSC. or while participating in any race or activity organised by the Club, whether or not such damage or injury could have been attributed to or was occasioned by the neglect, default or negligence of any of the Club Officers, Management Committee, or servants of the Club.
Before inviting any guests or visitors on to the premises or to participate in events organised by the Club. Members will draw their attention to this rule and the general regulations.
7.2 Vehicles parked on any part of the Club premises are parked entirely at owners’ own risk.
8. Junior and Disabled members
All disabled members, and parents and guardians, are warned that the Club cannot exercise supervision and control for the disabled or for children, except under circumstances organised specifically for these groups.
Children in the Clubhouse and on Club grounds must. for their own safety, be under the supervision of an adult.
9. Control of Animals
Animals should not be brought into the Clubhouse. Dogs must be kept under proper control outside, and not allowed to foul areas frequented by lake users.
10. Purchase and Supply of Excisable Goods
10.1 The purchase for the club of excisable goods and the supply of the same upon club premises shall be exclusively and solely under the control of the Management Committee, or of a special sub- Committee appointed by the Management Committee.
Intoxicating liquor may only be sold for consumption on the club premises to persons over the age of eighteen who are entitled to the use of the club premises in pursuance of the Rules, Byelaws and Regulations for the time being in force. No Junior member under the age of eighteen may purchase or attempt to purchase intoxicating liquor within the club premises nor may a Junior member under the age of eighteen purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco or cigarettes within the club premises.
10.2 Subject to the requirements of the Licensing authorities, the Management Committee shall cause the club bar to be opened at convenient times (and such times shall be prominently exhibited in the club premises) for the sale of excisable goods to persons who are entitled to the use of the premises of the club in pursuance of these rules (except Junior members as aforesaid) PROVIDED THAT visitors’ names and addresses and the name of their introducer shall have been entered in the Visitor’s Book upon entry to club premises.
10.3 No person shall take a commission, percentage or other such payment in connection with the purchase of excisable goods for the club. Any profit deriving from the sale of such goods shall (after deduction of the costs of providing such goods for the benefit of the club) be applied to the provision of additional amenities or the purchase of property to be held in trust for the benefit of the club.
10.4 Proper accounts of all purchases and receipts shall be kept and presented at the Annual General Meeting in each year and such information as the Honorary Secretary or Honorary Treasurer or auditors may require shall be furnished to enable any statutory return or statement and the payment of excise or other tax to be made.
11. Compound and Berthing
11.1 All craft are berthed at members’ own risk.
11.2 Every member owning a suitable boat shall register with the club before bringing the boat on to the club premises. Any change of boat or circumstances must be notified to the Honorary Secretary or Membership Administrator at the earliest opportunity.
11.3 The Management Committee reserve the right to inspect and buoyancy test any boat brought to the club. Compound space may be refused if the boat is not in a seaworthy condition.
11.4 Berths shall be charged for annually at rates which the Management Committee shall from time to time determine.
11.5 All members shall remove their boats and gear from the water and rigging areas at the end of sailing. Boats must be secured in the berths allocated to them. Any boat which, in the opinion of the Management Committee, is not securely berthed may be secured or removed to another part of the premises without the Committee being responsible for any loss or damage, however caused.
11.6 If at any time any berthing fees or facility fees payable to the Club by any member or former member shall be three months or more in arrears:-
(a) The Management Committee shall be entitled to move the boat to any other part of the premises without being liable for any loss of or damage to the boat howsoever caused.
(b) The Management Committee shall be entitled upon giving one month’s notice in writing to the member or former member, at his last known address shown in the Register of members, to sell the boat and to deduct any monies due to the club (whether by arrears of subscription, berthing or facility fees or otherwise) from the net proceeds of sale before accounting for the balance (if any) to the member or former member.
(c) Alternatively, any boat which, in the opinion of the Management Committee cannot be sold, upon such notice as aforesaid, may be disposed of in any manner the Management Committee think fit and the expenses recovered from the member or former member. Any arrears as aforesaid shall be deemed to be a debt owing to the Club by the member or former member.
Further, the Club shall at all times have a lien over the members’ or former members boats parked on the club’s premises in respect of all monies due to the Club, whether in respect of arrears of berthing fees or subscription or otherwise. Where a member is in arrears with the payment of monies owed to the Club by at least six months, the Club may in any event take possession of the member’s boat.
Evidence shall be retained by the Management Committee to show that all reasonable steps have been taken to trace the member or former member and, if a boat is sold under these circumstances, the proceeds of sale, after the deduction of indebtedness by the member or former member to the club shall be placed on Bank deposit account and retained for a period of six years against the eventuality of a claim by the proven owner.
Sailing Instructions
GENERAL
The Club accepts no responsibility for any loss or injury to competitors or guests, however caused.
Wet or dry suits must be worn by all sailors and rescue boat crews from 1st November to 31st March inclusive.
Lake Regulations must be observed. A copy of the Regulations is displayed in the Clubhouse.
RULES
Racing will be governed by: the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), the prescriptions of the RYA, the rules of the relevant Class Association, except as any of these are changed by these Instructions. Racing is designated Category A.
ENTRIES
The Race organisers shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, death or personal injury howsoever caused to the owner/person in charge or crew as a result of their taking part in the race or races. Moreover, every owner/person in charge warrants the suitability of the boat for the race or races.
All competitors shall have insurance cover with a minimum of £2 million third party indemnity and a declaration regarding this cover shall be signed by each competitor before taking part.
For club racing, this has been covered by the declaration on the membership form
Adequate personal buoyancy shall be worn by all crew Members at all times when afloat or on the pontoons and flag “Y” will not be flown. This changes RRS 40.
After each race (or races sailed back to back), a declaration shall be signed by each helm within 30 minutes of the last boat in their class finishing, by signing the appropriate race sheet. The time limit may be extended by the Race Officer. Any competitor that has not signed the race sheet(s) will be deemed to have retired.
NOTICES TO COMPETITORS
Notices to competitors will be posted on or close to the Race Board.
CHANGES TO SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Any changes to the Sailing Instructions will be posted at least 30 minutes before the scheduled warning signal of any race.
SIGNALS MADE ASHORE
Signals made ashore will be displayed on the Clubhouse flagpole.
SCHEDULE OF RACES
The schedule of races, the classes to race and the order and times of warning signals are set out in the relevant series programme. Open meetings will be as prescribed in the Notice of Race or as set on the day.
RACING AREA
As Indicated on the official Race Board, competitors are required to keep clear of the bird sanctuaries at the North and South ends of the lake as shown on this board.
THE COURSE
The Course will be as defined on the Race Board and/or at the briefing, together with the approximate location of the start and finishing lines and other relevant race Information.
A Course board will also be displayed In front of the Clubhouse showing the numbered sequence and the direction in which the course buoys are to be rounded, together with the number of laps to be sailed. In the event of a course change before the warning signal, the new course will be displayed on this board.
THE START / FINISH
Committee Boat Starts and Finishes
The starting line will be between the mast displaying an orange flag on the Race Committee boat and a starting mark (normally a pink buoy).
Boats whose preparatory signal has not been made shall keep clear of the starting area and of all boats whose preparatory signal has been made.
Races will be started using Rule 26, System 1. with classes starting at 5 minute Intervals, in the order to be notified on the day.
For races sailed using the RYA Portsmouth Yardstick handicap system the “Class” flag displayed at the 5 minute warning signal shall be replaced with the red/white H flag, indicating a handicap fleet.
The finishing line will be between the mast of the Committee boat flying a blue flag and a nearby mark of the course or a buoy.
Any boat crossing the finishing line after the lead boat, irrespective of whether or not the shorten course flag has been displayed for the lead boat, will have their time taken and be deemed to have finished IF and ONLY IF the finish line is the same as the start line.
Clubhouse Starts and Finishes
The starting line will be between the flagpole and an outer distance mark (normally a pink buoy), however, all boats must sail through a gate between an inner distance mark and the outer distance mark. Note that the inner distance mark may not be exactly on the start line defined above. The Inner distance mark should be at least three boat widths away from the end of the pontoon.
As 9. a. (ii).
As 9. a. (iii).
As 9. a. (iv).
The finishing line will be between the flagpole and an outer distance mark (normally a pink buoy).
As 9. a. (vi).
CHANGE OF COURSE AFTER THE START
As RRS 33, except no compass bearing will be Indicated nor any indication given as to whether the leg will be shortened or lengthened.
SHORTENING COURSE
A shortened race may be finished at the finish line at the end of a lap or between a mark or buoy being approached by the leading boat and the Committee boat or the Clubhouse flagpole. The Race Officer may decide that slower classes of boats will sail less laps and adjust their times accordingly; this method will normally only be used for Club races. As per 9. a. & b. (vi), “average lapping” slower boats can ONLY be done if the start and finish lines are the same.
PURSUIT RACE
Starting: Each class shall start at the designated time calculated from the current club PY number, which may have been revised by the ‘Club’ from the RYA number and made available to the race officer.
Finishing: A sound signal will be made one hour after the first class start. At this signal all boats in the race shall hold their current position whilst continuing to sail the course. In the event that a position between two or more boats is unclear then each boat shall sail toward the centre of the course for that particular leg (defined by an imaginary line between the mark already rounded and the next mark of the course). The lead boat will be the one ahead as the boats cross. If the race officer still cannot tell then the boats shall continue to sail until they have rounded the next mark.
This system is not perfect in recording finishing positions. Therefore, in the event that positions are disputed, the boats concerned will be given the opportunity to resolve their final positions and inform the race officer. If an amicable agreement is not reached then the Race Officers decision will be final.
HANDICAPS
For the 10:30 and 11:00 morning races; a boat’s handicap will be adjusted after every race. An adjustment in handicap number is not grounds for redress, this changes RRS 62.
The PM handicap race shall be sailed on the basis of the Portsmouth Yardstick. These numbers may be modified from time to time by the ‘Club’.
SCORING
The Low Point Scoring System Rule A2 will apply. The number of races to count will be determined by the Sailing Committee for each Series. The number of races to count for an Open Meeting will be as stated on the Notice of Race.
TIME LIMIT
A boat that has not finished within 45 minutes after the first boat in her class will be scored DNF. This changes Rule 35.
PROTESTS
Protests shall be written on forms available from the Race Officer and shall be delivered there within 30 minutes after the last boat’s finishing time. Protests will be heard as soon as possible after the race.
REPLICA SAILS AND OTHER RIGGING/FITTINGS
Replica sails and other rigging or fittings, that can be shown to be from a reputable supplier and sold to be equivalent to the original One-Design sail are permitted at all events and open meetings EXCEPT those open meetings sponsored by the class association of the boat being sailed where the “Class” rules shall take precedence.
e.g. i) Rooster/Pinnell & Bax Laser sails are permitted in all events EXCEPT a Laser class open meeting.
e.g. ii) Rooster RS300 sails are permitted in all events EXCEPT an RS300 class open meeting.
CLUB SERIES RACING
The number of races to count in a Series shall be reduced from the standard of N/2 + 1 races to count; to a number decided by the committee.
As an initial starting point this will be N/4 + 1. The value, if adjusted from this figure, will be notified to the membership.
General Regulations for Lake & Facilities, Caldecotte South
Lake Restrictions
1.1 The number of craft on the water shall not exceed 100 at any one time.
1.2 No craft shall enter the nature conservation areas as shown on the attached map.
1.3 No craft shall be permitted on the lake after dusk unless authorised by MKSC.
1.4 No sailing craft shall pass under the bridge unless authorised by MKSC.
1.5 Swimming, as an independent activity, is not allowed. During courses or as part of an organised event swimmers must be supervised with safety cover.
1.6 No powered craft, except authorised Club rescue or work craft are allowed to use the lake.
1.7 No fixed keel, cabin or multi-hulled craft are permitted to use the lake unless authorised by MKSC.
1.8 Consideration should be given to anglers fishing from the West bank of the lake and craft are requested to leave an adequate distance between themselves and the shoreline when there are people fishing.
Safety Regulations
2.1 Members are strongly recommended not to use the lake unless a powered rescue boat is manned, or at least two craft, having agreed to support each other, are in use on the water at the time. If a member of MKSC or licensed Club decides to use the water on their own, they do so entirely at their own risk. It is recommended that a message about their intention to sail is left with family or friends.
2.2 The Milton Keynes Sailing Club reserves the right to inspect the buoyancy and condition of all craft if it is suspected that they are not up to the required standard and in the event of the required safety level or condition not being met, the craft shall be denied use of the lake until such time as the deficiency is remedied to the satisfaction of the club.
2.3 Buoyancy aids or lifejackets MUST be worn at all times on the water and on the jetties. They should conform to current EN 393 and/or ISO12402 and/or BSI standards. Negative buoyancy jackets or automatic/manual inflatable lifejackets (when deflated) are NOT acceptable when used for dinghy sailing purposes.
2.4 No craft shall be permitted on the lake when visibility is substantially reduced by fog. The far side of the lake must be visible.
2.5 Safety flags, determined by the Officer of the Day, may be flown from the main flagpole ONLY at times when there is a designated OOD in attendance. All craft must remain within the zone designated:
Red flag: No sailing
Red/yellow diagonals (‘O’): Lake usage restricted to area displayed in the Clubhouse.
2.6 Members, licensed clubs, and their guests or visitors, are responsible for their own safety when using the lake, premises, or facilities, and should satisfy themselves that their equipment, skill and experience are adequate to meet prevailing conditions.
Clubhouse, Club grounds and Compound
3.1 All lake users must be members or guests of authorised Clubs or affiliated organisations. Proof of valid club membership shall be shown on request.
3.2 Animals should not be brought into the Clubhouse. Dogs must be kept under proper control on Club grounds and not allowed to foul areas frequented by lake users.
3.3 The Clubhouse door to the rigging area/car park should not be left open at any time.
3.4 Motor vehicles are not allowed beyond defined road and car parking limits unless authorised by MKSC and all vehicles are parked entirely at owners’ own risk.
3.5 All members’ craft must be removed from the lake or rigging area when the Club is vacated, and secured in their berth in the Compound or taken home.
3.6 All members’ gear and personal effects should be removed from the Clubhouse and Club property when leaving, except any they choose to store in their craft.
3.7 All craft and trailers in the Compound must be left secured against adverse weather conditions to ensure they will not damage other craft. All craft must display a current membership sticker and trailers/trolleys should be identified with the owner’s name or membership number.
3.8 The Committee reserve the right to secure or move any craft that in their opinion is not berthed satisfactorily, without being liable for any loss or damage caused.
3.9 The Compound should not be left unlocked and/or the gates left open if no members are present onshore.
Individual Craft Requirements
4.1 Craft exceeding 5.2 metres (17 ft.) in length are not permitted to use the lake unless authorised by MKSC.
4.2 Craft driven by methods other than wind or human effort are not permitted to use the lake unless authorised by MKSC to perform a safety or training role.
4.3 Multihulls and keelboats are not permitted to use the lake EXCEPT where the craft is specially designed for, and used by, disabled members.
4.4 All members must register their craft with their respective Clubs before launching is permitted.
4.5 All guests must register their craft with the Duty Officer for that day, or the appropriate registration person in the circumstances of a special event, before launching is permitted.
4.6 All members’ and guest craft using the lake shall have public liability insurance cover for third party claims for a minimum of £2,000,000 per claim. Owners must affirm to this effect before using the lake.
Dress code
5.1 Wet or Dry suits MUST be worn by all lake users from 1st November to 31st March inclusive.
5.2 All lake users must wear the appropriate safety clothing as indicated in the Lake Regulations safety requirement and each individual Club’s own specific regulations.
5.3 All lake users should be suitably attired at all times and behave in a respectable and civilised manner. Users are reminded that the lake is bordered by a frequently used public footpath.
Insurance / Liability Notice
6.1 Members of MKSC, Licensed Clubs, and their respective guests or visitors, use the premises, moorings, and jetties, as well as boats and other facilities of the Club, entirely at their own risk and by implication agree to and accept the following limitation of liability:
The Club will not accept liability for any damage or loss of property belonging to members, licensed members, or guests or visitors to the Club.
The Club will not accept any liability for personal injury sustained by members, licensed club members, or their guests or visitors, arising out of the use of Club boats, the premises or any part of the facilities of MKSC, or while participating in any race or activity organised by the Club, whether or not such damage or injury could have been attributed to or was occasioned by the neglect, default or negligence of any of the Club officers, Committee, or servants of the Club.
Before inviting any guests or visitors on to the premises or to participate in events organised by the Club, members or licensed members should draw their attention to this regulation.