CSC Rules and Bylaws

Version 17 dated 7.02.2023

Rules

Rules                       

Name and Objects                                                      

1             The name of the Club shall be CHIPSTEAD SAILING CLUB and the burgee of the Club shall be a Unicorn’s head in white (facing the hoist) above a                          wavy light blue bar in a dark blue field.

2             The objects for which the Club is formed are to promote and facilitate community participation in sailing and other sports compatible with sailing and                    to provide social and other facilities for members as may be for time to time determined. [NB. The lease must be consulted before any changes are                            made to Rules 1 and 2 above.]

               Officers

3             The Officers of the Club must be Members of the Club and shall consist of:-

  1. a) A Commodore, Rear Commodore, Club Secretary, Treasurer, Sailing Secretary, Membership Secretary, House Secretary, Social Secretary, Administration Secretary, Training Principal and Bosun. These Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting in each year. They shall hold office for a year, retiring at the termination of the next following Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re-election.
  2. b) A President and Vice President/s. These Officers shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting. They shall continue in office without re-election unless and until they cease to be Members, resign or are removed by a resolution passed at a General Meeting.

                Auditor

4             At the Annual General Meeting in each year a Member shall be appointed as Honorary Auditor who shall audit the accounts of the Club when called                       upon to do so and shall give such certificate of assurance as to the accuracy of said accounts as shall be required by law or by the Committee. In the                         event that he is unwilling or unable to act, he shall inform the General Committee who shall appoint a substitute to hold office until the termination of the next Annual General Meeting.

Membership

5             There shall be the following categories of membership with power to vote at all meetings of the Club as indicated hereunder.

a) A FULL (FAMILY) MEMBER – which expression shall include a single person or married couple or partners and include their children and grandchildren – JUNIOR MEMBERS – up to the age of 18 years inclusive or up to 23 years inclusive for full-time students (as at Jan 1 of the membership year), the family unit having one vote exercisable by either parent/ partner.

  1. b) FAMILY JUNIOR MEMBER – families with JUNIOR MEMBERS aged 7 to 18 inclusive (as at Jan. 1 of the membership year) whereby the JUNIOR MEMBERS have full sailing membership but Adult Members of the family have no sailing rights. FAMILY JUNIOR Membership confers no voting rights other than Junior Members voting for the Junior Class Captain at a Junior Class Meeting.
  2. c) YOUNG ADULT – Young single people over 18 years of age and under 25 years of age (as at Jan. 1 of the membership year) and entitled to one vote.
  3. d) HONORARY MEMBERS – who shall be entitled to one vote.
  4. e) RETIRED MEMBERS – Members who have retired, are over the age of 65 years and have been Full Members for at least 5 years and do not register a boat at the Club, who shall be entitled to one vote.
  5. f) SOCIAL (FAMILY) MEMBER – membership of the Club with no sailing rights or keeping of boats at the Club. This category shall include a single person or married couple or partners and their children under 19 years of age (as at Jan 1 of the membership year). Social Members shall have NO voting rights.
  6. g) GROUP NOMINEE MEMBER – an individual nominated in his application for membership by a school, charity, youth or other group (the ‘Nominating Group’) to supervise any sailing or associated use of the Club’s facilities by the Nominating Group as may be authorised from time to time by the General Committee. Such Group Nominee Member shall be entitled to one vote.
  7. h) TEMPORARY MEMBER – whose membership shall be limited to such temporary period, spe­cial purpose, and use of the Club’s facilities as the General Committee shall from time to time determine. Temporary members will have NO voting rights.
  8. i) MODEL YACHTING MEMBER – Family membership of the Club with NO voting rights or sailing rights, other than model yachts at designated times and/or other times as approved by the Sailing Committee. This category shall include a single person or member’s spouse or partner and their children up to the age of 18 inclusive (as at Jan 1 of the membership year),
  9. j) PADDLE BOARDING MEMBER – Family membership of the Club with NO voting rights or sailing rights other than paddle boarding at designated times and/or other times as approved by the Sailing Committee. This category shall include a single person or member’s spouse or partner and their Children up to the age of 18 inclusive (as at Jan 1 of the membership year).
  10. k) No Member may use the Club premises or any of the facilities of the Club until 48 hours have elapsed from the date of their application for membership. Candidates for membership shall have no privileges whatsoever in relation to use of the Club or premises.
  11. l) The number of members may not at any time be less than 25.

Entrance Subscription and Boat Fees                                                             

6             The rate of Entrance and Subscription fee for each category of Membership shall be proposed by the General Committee to the members at the Annual General Meeting in each year. Any proposed changes shall be approved by a majority of those present and entitled to vote and shall become operative on the first day of January in the year following. The current rate of Entrance and Subscription shall be prominently displayed in the Club premises. (a) Membership of the Club shall be open to anyone interested in the sport of sailing or other activities authorised by the General Committee in accordance with Rule 2 on application regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, religion or other beliefs. Membership may however be limited according to available facilities on a non-discriminatory basis. (b) Membership subscriptions will be kept at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to those participating. (c) The General Committee may refuse membership or, subject to Rule 15, remove it, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the Club or sport into disrepute. Appeal against refusal of membership may be made to the members.

7             An Entrance Fee is payable on first joining the Club as a Full (Family), Family Junior, Young Adult, Group Nominee Member or Temporary Member, but not upon subsequent transfer to a different category of membership. Save that the General Committee shall have discretion to waive the requirement of payment of Entrance Fees for any period it thinks fit in any Membership year (1st January – 31st December). Should a Member allow his membership to lapse and wishes to rejoin such member will be required to rejoin and pay a new Entrance Fee, but the General Committee shall have discretion to waive payment of that fee.

8             Full (Family), Young Adult and Honorary members shall pay one Boat Fee annually for each boat, Temporary Members shall pay one boat fee for the temporary period of their membership for each boat, and Group Nominee Members shall pay one Boat Fee annually for each three boats or less, registered by that Member with the Club which shall entitle that Member to sail such boat/s on the water controlled by the Club and to park it/them free of further charge in the Club’s boat park subject to these Rules and the Byelaws of the Club. Full (Family) and Family Junior members may register boats for exclusive use by JUNIOR MEMBERS and pay a Junior Boat Fee at the rate determined under Rule 6 above.

9             All Members shall pay the Entrance Fee (if any) together with their first Subscription and Boat Fee upon joining the Club and thereafter shall pay their subsequent Subscriptions and Boat Fees on the first day of January In each year. Provided that the General Committee shall have a discretion to waive or reduce the Subscription and Boat Fee for the then current year payable by Members joining after 1st August in any year, and to waive or reduce any fees payable by Temporary Members at any time.

10           Every Member shall furnish the Membership Secretary with an up to date address and an email address if so desired (and will notify any changes as they occur) which shall be recorded by the Membership Secretary in a Register of Members. Any notice sent to such up to date address or to the email address if the Member elects to receive notices in this way, shall be deemed to have been duly delivered. Every Member shall further complete a Club Membership Form containing such information as the Membership Secretary may require for the efficient management and operation of the Club and submit this each year at the same time as payment of that Member’s subscription.

Election and Retirement of Members                                                              

11           An application for membership shall be in the form and by the means from time to time prescribed by the General Committee, and shall include the name and address of the applicant and such other information as the General Committee may require. There shall be an interval of 48 hours before any grant of membership is made. The General Committee may refuse applications only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the Club into disrepute. Appeals against refusal of an application for membership may be made to members of the Club at a General Meeting of the Club. The Membership Secretary shall inform the applicant of their successful application or refusal of same and the reasons for such refusal. The Membership Secretary will furnish a successful applicant with the Rules and Bylaws of the Club and make requests for such payments as are necessary.

12           A Member wishing to retire from membership shall give notice in writing to the Membership Secretary before the end of November in any year and shall not then be liable to pay the subscription for the following year. The membership of a Temporary Member shall expire at the end of the temporary period thereof.

13           The General Committee may cancel, without notice given, the membership of any Member whose Entrance Fee, Subscription or Boat Fee or other sum due to the Club is more than one month in arrears provided that the Committee may, at its discretion, reinstate such Member upon payment of arrears.

Conduct of Members                

14           Every member, upon joining the Club and thereafter, is deemed to have notice of, and undertakes to comply with, the Club Rules and any Bylaws and Regulations of the Club.

15           Any breach of Rule 14 or any conduct which, in the opinion of the Committee, is either unworthy of a member or otherwise injurious to the interests of the Club, shall render a member liable to disciplinary action by the General Committee, which may include expulsion or non-renewal of membership. Before taking such disciplinary action against a member, the Committee shall call upon such member for a written explanation of the member’s conduct and shall give the member full opportunity of making explanation to the Committee, or of resigning. A Resolution to apply any sanction shall be carried by a simple majority vote by those members of the Committee present and voting on the Resolution. The Committee (or any person to whom the Committee shall delegate this power) may temporarily suspend or exclude a member from particular training sessions, racing and/or wider Club activities, when in their opinion such action is in the interests of the Club. Appeal against expulsion or non-renewal of membership may be made to the members in General Meeting. Upon expulsion the former member shall not be entitled to have any part of the annual membership fee refunded and must return any Club or external body’s trophy or trophies held forthwith. Upon expulsion of a member, the Committee may dispose of the former member’s boat and/or trailer in accordance with Bylaw 26.

Guests and Visitors                   

16           Members may introduce visitors to the Club as guests who shall be entitled to use the premises of the Club. No guest may be admitted to the Club more than six times in a calendar year under this rule. Members shall enter visitor’s details in the Club Visitors Book.

17           Any person who is a competitor or crew member in any race sponsored by or on behalf of the Club is entitled to use the Club premises within a period of 24 hours before and after the race in which they are competing.

18           A member of any club affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association may be authorised to use the premises of the Club by any member of the General Committee or Club member officiating. Such authorisation shall specify between which dates (not being more than 14 days apart) the said person may so use the premises. The member of the General Committee so authorising shall enter the visitor’s details in the Club Visitors Book together with the dates that the visitor is so authorised to use the premises.

19           Any person belonging to a Nominating Group may be authorised to use the premises of the Club for the purposes of sailing or associated activities by the Group Nominee Member for that Group or by any Member of the General Committee.

  1. i) Charitable or sporting organisations, those belonging to them and their guests may be authorised to use the premises of the Club by the General Committee for any event not exceeding 24 hours in duration. Any such authorisation shall specify the date/s upon which such use is permitted and any other restrictions imposed by the General Committee. Use for no more than 12 events in any calendar year subject to licensing regulations for the time being in force may be authorised under paragraph (i) of this Rule 20. A record of such use by these organisations and the dates shall be kept by the General Committee. ii) In addition, Individuals, Organisations, those belonging to them, and their guests may be authorised to use the premises of the Club on such occasions and on such terms as the Gen­eral Committee may from time to time think fit and subject to the terms of sub-paragraph (i) of this Rule 20 where licensing regulations apply.

21           The Club Secretary or any other person who has received the authority of two members of the General Committee may expel, temporarily or permanently, any person who has the right to use the Club premises under the preceding five Rules.

Limitation of Club Liability                     

22           Members, their guests and visitors are bound by the following rule which shall also be exhibited in a prominent place within the Club premises:-

  1. a) Members, their guests or visitors may use the Club premises and any other facilities of the Club entirely at their own risk and impliedly accept that the Club will not accept any liability for any damage to or loss of property belonging to Members, their guests or visitors to the Club.
  2. b) The Club will not accept any liability for personal injury arising out of the use of the Club premises, any other facilities of the Club either sustained by Members, their guests or visitors or caused by the said Members, guests or visitors whether or not such damage or injury could have been attributed to or was occasioned by the neglect, default or negligence of any of them, the Officers, committee or servants of the Club.

                General Committee                   

23           The General Committee shall consist of:-

  1. a) The Commodore, Rear Commodore, Club Secretary, Treasurer, Sailing Secretary, Membership Secretary, House Secretary, Social Secretary, Administration Secretary, Training Principal and Bosun all ex officio, and
  2. b) Not more than three other Members of the Club elected at an Annual General Meeting each year. They shall hold office for a year, retiring at the termination of the next following Annual General Meeting. They shall be eligible for re-election provided that any member who has served as a member of the General Committee (otherwise than as an Officer of the Club) for three successive years shall not be eligible for re-election in the ensuing year, but shall be eligible again thereafter.
  3. c) Such Members as the General Committee may appoint on a casual vacancy to fill the place of an ex officio or elected Member of the General Committee for the remainder of his term.

24                           The Commodore, or in his absence a Chairman elected by those present, shall preside at meetings of the General Committee.

25                           Voting shall be by a show of hands. In the case of equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second and casting vote.

26                           A quorum of the General Committee shall con­sist of the Commodore, or Rear Commodore or Club Secretary together with at least three other of its ex officio or elected Members.

27                           The Committee shall manage the affairs of the Club according to the Rules and shall cause the funds of the Club to be applied solely to the objects of the Club or for a benevolent or charitable purpose nominated by General Meeting. In particular the Committee shall ensure that the property and funds of the Club will not be used for the direct or indirect private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed by the Rules and that all surplus income or profits are re-invested in the Club.

28                           The Committee shall make such Bylaws and Regulations as it shall from time to time think fit and shall cause the same to be exhibited in the Club premises for 14 days before the date of implementation. Such Bylaws and Regulations shall remain in force until set aside by the General Committee or by a vote of a meeting of the Club. Provided they are not inconsistent with these Rules or any statutory enactment, the Bylaws and Regulations are binding on all Members of the Club as if they were part of the Rules of the Club.

29                           The General Committee may appoint such sub-committee as it deems necessary and may delegate such powers as it may think fit upon such terms and conditions as shall be deemed expedient and/or required by law. Such sub-committees shall consist entirely of such Members of the General Committee as the General Committee may think fit alternatively entirely of Members of the Club elected to such sub-committee at the Annual General Meeting in each year. Members of such sub-committees shall hold office for a year, retiring at the termi­nation of the next following Annual General Meeting when they shall be eligible for re­appointment or re-election as the case may be. Additionally the General Committee may appoint ad-hoc sub-committees from time to time to address specific issues or topics and may appoint members to these committees as it sees fit. Such committees will have no executive powers or budgetary authority and will report to the General Committee, Sailing Committee or House Committee as appropriate.

30                           Further the General Committee may delegate such of the following powers as it may think fit upon such terms as shall be deemed expedient and/or required by law to the following standing sub-committees:

  1. a) The Sailing Committee: to which may be delegated matters pertaining to sailing and racing. The Sailing Committee shall consist of: ­i) The Sailing Secretary, ex officio who shall be Chairman. ii) A Class Captain for each of such classes of boat as the General Committee shall determine from time to time, elected at the Annual General Meeting each year for the purpose of representing the interests of that class. They shall hold office for a year, retiring at the termination of the next following Annual General Meeting when they shall be eligible for re-election. iii) A Nominating Groups’ representative elected at the Annual General Meeting each year for the purpose of representing the interests of the Nominating Groups sailing at the Club. They shall hold office for a year retiring at the termination of the next following Annual General Meeting and they shall be eligible for re-election.
  2. b) The House Committee: to which may be delegated matters relating to the maintenance, furnishing, catering facilities, and general operation of the Clubhouse and operation and proper conduct of the bar there. The House Committee shall consist of: i) The House Secretary ex officio who shall be Chairman. ii) Not more than ten members (other than the House Secretary) elected at the Annual General Meeting each year. They shall hold office for a year, retiring at the termination of the next Annual General Meeting when they shall be eligible for re-election.
  3. c) The Finance Committee: to which shall be delegated matters related to the finances, budgets, cash-flow and investments of the club. The Finance Committee shall consist of:
  4. i) The Commodore, ex officio, who shall be the Chairman.
  5. ii)   The Treasurer, ex officio.

iii)           Three suitably qualified and/or financially experienced club members elected at the Annual General Meeting each year, one of whom shall be a General Committee member other than the Commodore or Treasurer, who shall hold office for a year, retiring at the termination of the next following Annual General Meeting when they shall be eligible for re-election.

31                                           A Member of the General Committee, or any sub-committee or any Officer of the Club, in transacting business for the Club, shall disclose to third parties that he is so acting.

32                           The General Committee, or any person or sub-committee delegated by the General Committee to act as agent for the Club or its Members, shall enter into contract only as far as is expressly authorised, or authorised by implication, by the Members. No one shall, without the express authority of the membership in General Meeting, pledge the credit of the membership.

33                           In pursuance of the authority vested in the General Committee by the Members of the Club, Members of the General Committee are entitled to be indemnified by the Members of the Club against any liabilities properly incurred by them or anyone of them on behalf of the Club wherever the contract is of a duly authorised nature or could be assumed to be of a duly authorised nature and entered into on behalf of the Club.

34                           The limit of any individual Member’s indemnity in this respect shall be a sum equal to one year’s annual Subscription at the then current rate for that category of Membership unless the Committee has been authorised to exceed such limit by a General Meeting of the Club.

Purchase and Supply of Excisable Goods                    

35                           The purchase for the Club of excisable goods and the supply of the same upon the Club’s premises shall be exclusively and solely under the control of the Committee, or of a special sub-committee appointed by the General Committee. Intoxicating liquor may only be sold for consumption on the Club’s premises to persons over the age of eighteen who are entitled to use the Club’s premises in pursuance of the Rules and Bylaws for the time being in force. No Member under the age of eighteen may purchase or attempt to purchase intoxicating liquor within the Club’s premises nor may any Member under the age of eighteen purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco or cigarettes within the Club’s premises.

36                           The Committee shall cause the Club bar to be opened (subject to terms of the Club premises certificate) 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 the name of their introducer shall have been entered in the Visitor’s Book upon entry to Club premises.

37                           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.

38                           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 Club Secretary or Honorary Auditors may require shall be furnished to enable any statutory return or statement and the payment of excise or other duty or tax to be made.

                                Trustees                           

39                           There shall be at least three Trustees of the Club who shall be appointed from time to time as necessary by the General Committee from among Full (Family), Retired or Honorary Members who are willing to be so appointed. A Trustee shall hold office until he reaches 80 years of age or resigns by notice in writing given to the General Committee or until a resolution removing him from office shall be passed at a meeting of the Committee by a majority comprising two-thirds of the members present and entitled to vote.

40                           The property of the Club comprising the lease for the land, premises and lake occupied and used by the Club shall be held by the Trustees for the time being, in their own names so far as it is necessary and practicable, on trust for the use and benefit of the Club. When a Trustee reaches 80 years of age or in the event of the death, resignation, or removal from office of a Trustee, the Committee shall nominate a new Trustee in his place, and shall as soon as possible thereafter take all lawful and practicable steps to procure the vesting of all Club property into the names of the Trustees as constituted after such nomination. For the purpose of giving effect to any such nomination, the Secretary for the time being is hereby nominated as the person to appoint new Trustees of the Club within the meaning of Section 36 of the Trustee Act 1925 and he shall by Deed duly appoint the person or persons so nominated by the Committee.

41                           The Trustees shall in all respects act, in regard to any property of the Club held by them, in accordance with the directions of the General Committee and shall have power to sell, lease, mortgage or pledge any Club property so held for the purpose of raising or borrowing money for the benefit of the Club in compliance with the Committee’s directions (which shall be duly recorded in the Minutes of the proceedings of the Committee) but no purchaser, lessee or mortgagee shall be concerned to enquire whether any such direction has been given.

42                           The Trustees shall be effectually indemnified by the members of the Club out of the assets of the Club from and against any liability, costs, expenses and payments whatsoever which may be properly incurred or made by them in the exercise of their duties or relation to any property of the Club vested in them, or in relation to any legal proceedings, or which otherwise relate directly or indirectly to the performance of the functions of a Trustee of the Club.

Meetings of the Club                 

43                           An Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held each year on a date to be fixed by the General Committee.

44                           The business at that meeting must be:-

  1. a) Election of the Officers, General Committee, Standing Sub-Committee and Honorary Auditors.
  2. b) Approval of the accounts.
  3. c) Any business that the General Committee may order to be inserted in the notice convening the meeting.
  4. d) Any other business of which written notice has been given to the Club Secretary by a Member at least 28 days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.

45                           A General Meeting of the Club may be called at any time by the General Committee and shall be called within one month of the written request of at least six Members (or one fifth of the membership entitled to vote at a General Meeting, if less) stating the business for which it is required.

46                           The Club Secretary shall at least 14 days before the date of any Annual General Meeting or General Meeting post or deliver to each Member notice thereof and of the business to be brought forward thereat.

47                           Fifteen Members entitled to vote and personally present shall form a quorum at any meeting of the Club.

48                           At every meeting of the Club the Commodore, or in his absence, the Chairman elected by those present shall preside. He shall have a single vote, but no second casting vote.

49                           All the members shall be entitled to attend at any meeting of the Club and shall be entitled to vote thereat in accordance with the rights attached to their respective categories of membership.

50                           Voting shall be by show of hands unless a ballot is demanded.

51                           On any resolution properly put to a meeting of the Club relating to the creation, repeal or amendment of any Rule of the Club, such Rule shall not be created, repealed or amended except by a majority vote of at least two- thirds of those present and entitled to vote. Provided that no such change shall jeopardise the Club’s status as a Community Amateur Sports Club within the meaning of the Finance Acts, or in any event alter its objects or winding-up provisions.

Dissolution of the Club                            

52                           If, upon the winding up or dissolution of the Club, there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or distributed amongst the members of the Club. The Committee shall dispose of the net assets remaining to one or more of the following: (i) to another Club with similar sports purposes which is a charity and/or (ii) to another Club with similar sports purposes which is a registered CASC and / or (iii) to the sport’s national governing body for use by them for related community sports.

Bylaws               

Rights of Group Nominee Members and Nominating Groups                           

1                             Group Nominee Members and those belonging to these Nominating Groups shall not sail on the waters controlled by the Club (the Lake) nor otherwise use the Clubs facilities during week­ends or public holidays nor at any other sailing time when racing is carried out within the Club’s official programme of events unless specifically authorised by the General Committee for trial periods or by the membership at a General Meeting or Annual General Meeting for ongoing authorities. For future reference purposes this Bylaw shall be amended to record the listing of such ongoing authorities below:

                                Safety Regulations                    

2                             Other activities than sailing on the lake and at the Club may be authorised by the General Committee subject to Club Rule 2. The rules and safeguards of national or other organising sports associations for these activities will be applicable including insurance.

3                             The decision to go afloat is the sole respons­ibility of individual members. It is entirely up to each member to judge the weather conditions and decide whether or not it is within their limitations of competence. This applies to both organised events and private cruising.

4                             No members are permitted on the Lake after dusk and before dawn.

5                             (i)            All boats or paddle boards (with the exception of model yachts owned by         members of the model yachting class of Chipstead Sailing Club) sailing on or otherwise using Chipstead Lake or kept within the dinghy park or other land of Chipstead Sailing Club must be insured by their owners for third party liability up to a sum of at least £3million for any one accident and evidence of such cover must be produced on request. (ii) Members of the model yachting class of Chipstead Sailing Club (CSC) must register with that class to be included in CSC’s affiliation to the Model Yachting Association (MYA) and pay the annual affiliation fee to CSC on 1st January each year for onward transmission to the MYA.

6                             Members undertaking rescue duties are amateurs, many with limited experience and no member should depend upon their services for his safety or that of his crew or possessions. All Members must take particular note that outside of the club’s official programme of arranged racing and events there will be no designated rescue boat cover available, and members must make their own arrangements if they wish to sail. In the absence of a rescue boat youngsters aged 14 years or under are not allowed on the water without on the water supervision at all times of either an adult or an RYA qualified Dinghy Instructor or Assistant Instructor aged 16 years old or over. The club also advocates ‘Buddy Sailing’ so that should anyone get into difficulties the other person will be on hand to help.

7                             No person under the age of 18 years may helm a powerboat (i.e., any boat propelled by a petrol engine) without the express permission of the General Committee under any circumstances, including club duties, except as provided below.

(i)            A person between the ages of 16 and 18 years may helm a powerboat (which, for the purposes of this clause, shall exclude a RIB) only during Junior Training, training courses and RYA Training Centre activities organised through the Club and if that person is either:

  1. a) under training on a Powerboat Level 2 course or
  2. b) holds the RYA Power Boat Level 2 qualification and is also a qualified RYA Dinghy

(ii)           A person between the ages of 14 and 16 years may helm a powerboat (which, for the purposes of this clause, shall exclude a RIB) only during Junior Training, training courses and RYA Training Centre activities organised through the Club and that person is either:

  1. a) under training on a Powerboat Level 2 course and there is an adult (over 18 years) qualified to RYA Power Boat Level 2 or above who is present in the same craft and will be responsible. or
  2. b) holds the RYA Power Boat Level 2 qualification and there is an adult (over 18 years) qualified to RYA Power Boat Level 2 or above who is present in the same craft and will be responsible.”

8                             The driving of RIB powerboats is only permitted by those who come within the ambit of the Club’s RIB Policy, such Policy to be determined from time to time by the General Committee.

9                             (i)            Children under the age of 18 years are the responsibility of their Parents or Guardian whilst using the water and facilities of the club. Children under the age of 16 using the water and facilities of the Club must have a Parent or Guardian on the Club premises at all such times.

(ii)           No child under 7 years of age shall be allowed on the Lake in any form of craft unless accompanied by an Adult over 18 years of age, who, if not the child’s parent or grandparent, has the specific permission of such parent or grandparent, to take the child on the Lake.

10                           An adequate buoyancy aid shall be worn by all members and visitors afloat. Wet/Dry suits do not constitute adequate personal buoyancy. Paddle Boarders may use an inflatable waistbelt PFD as an alternative buoyancy aid.

11                           Wet or Dry suits must be worn by all persons afloat on the Lake between the 25th December and the 31st March (both dates inclusive) with the exception of those aboard powerboats during training courses or organised working parties when alternative suitable clothing may be worn as agreed with the qualified instructor or Club official in charge.

12                           All boats must conform to the buoyancy regula­tions of their respective class associations.

13                           Every boat sailing on the lake must have a Club Member on board or someone belonging to a Nominated Group authorised by the Group Nominee Member for that Group.

14                           Those entitled to use the Lake through belong­ing to a Nominating Group shall not do so without the prior supervision provided by the Group or its Group Nominee Member. In the case of Schools supervision should normally be given by the Master in charge.

15                           The ISAF imposes a duty on those racing under its rules to give all possible assistance to crews in trouble.

16                           Children of 12 years and under are not allowed on the pontoons or in the rescue boats unless engaged in sailing and wearing an adequate buoyancy aid.

17                           Parking is not permitted opposite the entrance to the Cheshire Home.

18                           Boats that are not taking part in races will only be permitted to sail during periods when racing is carried out within the Club’s official programme of events at the discretion of the OOD. Normally this is not practical on Wednesday evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, Open Meetings and during organised Bank Holiday events. It will be the responsibility of the helmsman concerned to obtain the approval of the OOD before leaving the shore. Boats not racing must keep clear of the start and finish line/s of racing being carried out. Other sailing will not be permitted during the annual Chipmates Summer Camp for safety reasons.

19                           The maximum speed limit on the road to the Club is 15 m.p.h.

20                           Recreational swimming is not allowed in the lake except during a Triathlete session duly authorised by the General Committee.

21                           Members shall not cause a craft of any description to come within ten metres of any angler, save for one or more of the Club’s patrol boats, but then only in the event of an emergency.

22                           The General Committee will regularly review Health and Safety.

23                           The last Member to leave the Club at any time is responsible for seeing that all sheds, gates and changing rooms are properly locked up.

Classes of Boat                            

24                           The classes of boats allowed in the Club shall be decided by the General Committee.

Boat Stickers                 

25                           A current boat sticker indicating registration will be issued which must be affixed to the boat’s transom or mast. (NB. Boats stored with un-stepped masts must have the sticker affixed to the transom). All trailers kept in the Club’s dinghy parks must be clearly marked with their associated boat number.

Dinghy Park and the disposal of Member’s Boats                    

26                           Boats and Trailers kept in the Club’s dinghy parks must be parked where indicated by the General Committee or the relevant Class Captain or other persons to whom it delegates this task. Cars and trailers must not be parked on the foreshore. If, at any time, any subscription, boat fee or other sum payable to the Club by any member shall be three months or more in arrears, or the membership of a member has been terminated, and a boat (including for this purpose any associated trailer or other equipment) the property of that Member or former Member remains upon the Club premises, the General Committee may, i) Move the boat to any part of the Club premises without being liable for any loss or damage to the boat howsoever caused. ii) Give one month’s notice in writing to the Member or former Member at his last known address and thereafter sell the vessel and deduct any monies due to the Club from the net proceeds of sale before accounting for the bal­ance (if any) to the Member or former Member. iii) In the event that the Committee cannot identify a last known address, the written notice will be attached to the property and question, and copy posted on the Club Notice Board. iv) If the boat is unsaleable, after giving notice in writing as aforesaid, dispose of the vessel in any manner the General Committee may think fit and deem the cost of doing so to be a debt owing to the Club by the Member or Former Member. v) Further the Club shall at all times have a lien over each Members’ or former Member’s boats parked on the Club premises in respect of all monies due to the Club whether in respect of arrears of subscriptions boat fees or otherwise. Provided always, that if the said balance from the net proceeds of sale cannot be remitted to the Member or former Member because he cannot be found then it shall be placed upon bank deposit account and retained against the eventuality of a claim by him, for a period of 6 years.

27                           Portable radios/tape recorders may not be played within hearing distance of the Club House or the race hut.

Duties: Officer Of The Day, Assistant OOD and Rescue                        

28                           The Sailing Committee will arrange a roster of Members to carry out duties of the OOD, assis­tant OOD and rescue. It is essential that appointed Members attend to perform these duties (or arrange a competent substitution) from one hour before the start of the day’s first race until cessation of racing activities and the compilation of the results for that day’s racing.

29                           The OOD is required to ensure that all Club equipment and rescue boats are safely stowed away/moored at the end of the day and outboard motors are locked in the safe. After locking the race hut and all sheds and returning the keys to the Committee room he should advise a General Committee Member. Only then are his duties completed.

30                           The OOD shall be responsible to the Sailing Committee for all sailing activities of the day including: the setting of the courses, number of laps, starting times, laying and recovering of the Club buoys, rescue arrangements, protest committee formation etc. He will be assisted in these duties by the assistant OOD/s and Rescue Officers. A quorum of three Members of the General Committee or Sailing Committee may overrule the OOD on any matter and, in cases of doubt; the OOD should consult with the member of the Sailing Committee.

Licensed Premises                     

31                          i)             No one under 18 years shall buy or attempt to buy or consume              intoxicating liquor in the Club premises. ii) No one shall buy or attempt to   buy intoxicating liquor for consumption by a person under 18 years in the     Club premises

                                Permitted Dogs Code of Conduct.                    

32                           Dogs are only permitted at the Sailing Club in accordance with a Code of Conduct to be determined from time to time by the General Committee, which Code shall be displayed by notices in and/or about the Clubhouse, and of which members are thereby deemed to have notice. Failure by those in charge of dogs to comply with the Code will result in the General Committee requiring the dog’s removal, and may, at the discretion of the General Committee, result in the further sanctions set out in Club Rule 15.

Drone Flying                   

33                           A Drone (aka Multirotor Model Aircraft) shall not be flown from Chipstead Sailing Club premises (including the Lake) unless with the express permission of the General Committee of the Club, such permission to be given in advance of the operation of the drone, and in compliance with such conditions as to time/location etc. as the General Committee may impose, and in compliance with the relevant articles of the Civil Aviation Air Navigation Order in force for the time being. Prior to the operation of the drone, the pilot shall satisfy the General Committee that he/she is insured in respect of Public Liability risks to a cover of at least £10million per separate incident. If using the drone for photography purposes, the pilot will comply fully with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations together with the provisions of Chipstead Sailing Club’s Data Privacy Policy.

                                Club Rib Policy                             

Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIBs) may only be helmed by persons who are 18 and over and who are holders of an RYA Power Boat Level 2 certificate and have also been specifically authorised to do so by the club’s Chief Powerboat Instructor.

External RYA instructors teaching courses at Chipstead who are 18 and over and who are holders of an RYA Power Boat Level 2 certificate may helm RIBs at Chipstead in order to deliver RYA training and/or coaching if authorised to do so by the Club’s Chief Power Boat Instructor and/or the club’s Training Principal.

Entrance Subscription and Boat Fees
6. The rate of Entrance and Subscription fee for each category of Membership shall be proposed by the General Committee to the members at the Annual General Meeting in each year. Any proposed changes shall be approved by a majority of those present and entitled to vote and shall become operative on the first day of January in the year following. The current rate of Entrance and Subscription shall be prominently displayed in the Club premises. (a) Membership of the Club shall be open to anyone interested in the sport of sailing or other activities authorised by the General Committee in accordance with Rule 2 on application regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, religion or other beliefs. Membership may however be limited according to available facilities on a non-discriminatory basis. (b) Membership subscriptions will be kept at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to those participating. (c) The General Committee may refuse membership or, subject to Rule 15, remove it, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the Club or sport into disrepute. Appeal against refusal of membership may be made to the members.
7. An Entrance Fee is payable on first joining the Club as a Full (Family), Family Junior, Young Adult, Group Nominee Member or Temporary Member, but not upon subsequent transfer to a different category of membership. Save that the General Committee shall have discretion to waive the requirement of payment of Entrance Fees for any period it thinks fit in any Membership year (1st January – 31st December). Should a Member allow his membership to lapse and wishes to rejoin such member will be required to rejoin and pay a new Entrance Fee, but the General Committee shall have discretion to waive payment of that fee.
8. Full (Family), Young Adult and Honorary members shall pay one Boat Fee annually for each boat, Temporary Members shall pay one boat fee for the temporary period of their membership for each boat, and Group Nominee Members shall pay one Boat Fee annually for each three boats or less, registered by that Member with the Club which shall entitle that Member to sail such boat/s on the water controlled by the Club and to park it/them free of further charge in the Club’s boat park subject to these Rules and the Byelaws of the Club. Full (Family) and Family Junior members may register boats for exclusive use by JUNIOR MEMBERS and pay a Junior Boat Fee at the rate determined under Rule 6 above.
9. All Members shall pay the Entrance Fee (if any) together with their first Subscription and Boat Fee upon joining the Club and thereafter shall pay their subsequent Subscriptions and Boat Fees on the first day of January In each year. Provided that the General Committee shall have a discretion to waive or reduce the Subscription and Boat Fee for the then current year payable by Members joining after 1st August in any year, and to waive or reduce any fees payable by Temporary Members at any time.
10. Every Member shall furnish the Membership Secretary with an up to date address and an email address if so desired (and will notify any changes as they occur) which shall be recorded by the Membership Secretary in a Register of Members. Any notice sent to such up to date address or to the email address if the Member elects to receive notices in this way, shall be deemed to have been duly delivered. Every Member shall further complete a Club Membership Form containing such information as the Membership Secretary may require for the efficient management and operation of the Club and submit this each year at the same time as payment of that Member’s subscription.