Member's handbook 2013 - Thornton Steward Sailing Club

TSSC Member’s Handbook2013Welcome to TSSC – whether you are a new, or long established member. Wehope you will find this handbook helpful in describing the rights and responsibilitiesof membership, and the facilities and help available to you.We are a small, family sailing club, offering a variety of activities for dinghy andboard sailors, including cruising, racing, training, and fun and social events.The Club has NO employees. No-one is paid to be a cleaner, cook, instructor,groundsman, builder, mechanic, etc. – all these jobs are done by US – themembers.This may be an old-fashioned idea, but it has worked since the Club was formedin 1973, and we believe that it can continue to succeed in the future, as long aspeople believe in co-operation and teamwork.Sailing is FUN. Please enjoy your time at TSSC, and please do your bit toensure that others enjoy their time too.The aim of this full handbook is to pull together all current documentation regardingThornton Steward Sailing Club, shorten it, and put it on our website - sothat any member can be fully informed about the Club’s history, rules, procedures,events, activities and policies. We would like all members to find joiningin the Club’s activities easier, more enjoyable, and safer.There are three sections: General, which contains information relevant to allmembers, Racing (which speaks for itself) and Policies & Guidelines. Theprinted version in the Clubhouse also contains the Club Rules, Articles ofAssociation, & our Agreement with Yorkshire Water, as an Appendix.Many people have contributed to the contents, both from past editions andpresent updates, but special thanks is made to Janet Cummins, for collectingtogether, updating and word-processing a huge range of documentation, and toGillian Gibson, who collated earlier versions of the handbook, & the racinginformation.If you find any errors or omissions in this new edition, please contact thecurrent editors, Kay Anstay & Gillian Gibson, or any other member of thecommittee. As the handbook will all be produced in Microsoft Word, updatingshould be an easy matter to accomplish!Enjoy your membership, and your sailing.Page 1

History of Thornton Steward Sailing ClubIn the autumn of 1973 meetings were held at Bedale and Richmond under theauspices of the then Northallerton and Dales Water Board with the object ofproviding recreational facilities at the reservoir being built between Bedale andLeyburn.Karl Stephenson became the first chairman (Commodore) with a committee ofenthusiastic if somewhat inexperienced sailors.During the next five years sailing did not actually begin on the reservoir, andmembers trailed their boats up to Semmerwater occasionally for a sail onSunday. While construction work on the reservoir went slowly on, negotiationswith the authority (from 1974 the Yorkshire Water Authority) were conducted atan equally slow pace. There were regular visits to the Y. W. A. headquarters inLeeds - when members often came away with the idea sailing would never start.Meanwhile some members were taking woodwork evening classes and buildingtheir own Mirror dinghies from kits. A Mirror dinghy was even built as a prizefor a raffle.At last in July 1978, halfway through the season, sailing was allowed tocommence.A 28 foot residential caravan, donated by a member, was placed in position nearthe quarry to serve as a club house. It contained a small lounge with seating forabout 12, and gents and ladies changing rooms. It had to be painted the BritishStandard drab green to merge with its surroundings. A small patio of pavingslabs was placed in front of the caravan.The Club was officially opened in September 1978 by Sir Timothy Kitson, MP forRichmondshire, when a buffet lunch was provided in marquees on the site. Theoriginal engraved plate from the old flag pole can be seen on the clubhouse.The next season class racing began on a formal basis for GPs, Mirrors andEnterprises.A Clubhouse was built professionally and finished with volunteer labour. Anumber of years later, in 1991, it was extended on a self help basis withprofessional guidance and help. The original caravan was used to serve as astoreroom (now replaced by the Robinson Building). Also in 1991 a 30 yearlease was negotiated with the YWA so the Club has security with which to lookto the future.During the following decade showers were built in both changing areas, thekitchen was refurbished with new facilities added, furniture was replaced, theentrance porch tiled, and the floor refinished, with much woodwork being re-Page 2

paired and repainted.In 1995 the Club became an RYA recognised teaching establishment. This hasbeen maintained to the present day, although the name has changed to “RYATraining Centre”. We have a senior instructor as Principal, and a number of instructorsin both dinghy sailing and power boating. Courses for adults & childrenare provided as part of the Club’s sailing programme.During the sailing season 2000 the older Club boats, donated by past members(for which many of us were very grateful!) were partially replaced by three newToppers and a new polypropylene Oppie. We also acquired two Bosuns and aMirror.In 2006 the Clubhouse was once again refurbished, thanks to the time and donationsof many members. More recently, a new storage building – named the“Robinson Building” in memory of a previous Commodore & instructor, JohnRobinson, has been erected. At the same time, new groundworks & paths wereput in place as a defence against the damage done by rabbits.In 2010 we submitted an application for a grant from Sport England to furtherimprove the range & quality of Club boats available to members. The applicationwas successful and two new Wanderers, with asymmetric spinnakers, were addedto the fleet in 2011. Many thanks to those who gave up their time to put theapplication together, and to those, including Suzie Blair, the RYA’s regional developmentofficer, who supported our application. With the arrival of the newboats, one leaking Bosun retired, and was sold in early 2012.Clubhouse and GroundsPlease sign in on arrival at the clubhouse, in the diary which will be on the kitchen worktop.The Clubhouse has a lounge/dining area, kitchen, and changing rooms with showers andtoilets. All facilities are for the use of all members – but please leave them as you wouldwish to find them – wash-up, clean-up and mop-up!The kitchen contains 2 gas cookers, microwave oven, kettle, catering boiler and fridge(please don’t switch the fridge off), plus pots, pans, crockery and cutlery. Please take extracare when others are using the kitchen area. Tea, coffee and sugar are on a tray on theworktop, with UHT milk and some cans of soft drinks in the fridge. On busy days the boileris put on for boiling water; please check that this has been fully switched off if you are last toleave.A tuck shop for popular items is available during the summer season. A list of prices isusually posted in the kitchen area and if no one is taking money please use the "honestypot".Page 3

There is a large barbecue outside for balmy summer social evenings.Our water supply is metered, so please take care with consumption and report any leaks.Hot water is supplied by gas heaters. For safety, please turn off the gas supply to anyappliance if you are the last user.As a matter of courtesy people in wet gear are asked to refrain from either sitting on clothcovered chairs, or going onto the carpeted areas.Smoking is not allowed in the ClubhouseThe Club does not have a television license.The large cupboard off the entrance hall contains the keyboard, where you will find keys tothe gates, Robinson Building, boats, shed and petrol store. Please be careful to lock up andreturn the keys. The cupboard also contains cleaning equipment, mop, brushes, etc.Since the council proposed to levy business charges for rubbish collection, members areasked to please take rubbish home. There are, however, some recycling bins; please do notfill them with general waste.It is probably easiest to ask someone to show you where all the various stop cocks, switches,etc. are, but in summary:HeatingIs supplied via electric fan heaters. First, press the labeled switch in the entrance hall oppositethe main door. Then, switch on the heater required, and set the separate thermostaticcontrol. (In the changing rooms these are near the windows.)WaterUnder a cover on the patio outside the ladies changing room (The isolation from the mainssupply is on the public road. Go out through the gate and turn right, the manhole is in thegrass verge just past the car park. This should only be closed in an emergency.)ElectricityThe mains switch is in the men’s changing room high on the wall opposite the toilet.GasTwo gas cylinders are housed in a wooden cupboard on the outside wall of the Clubhouseopposite the external toilet block. Turn on the cylinder as indicated by the notice inside thecupboard. If the gas runs out turn off the empty cylinder and turn on the other cylinder.(Don't forget to leave a note in the signing in diary saying that one of the cylinders is nowempty.)Last One Out?If you are the last person to leave please ensure that all the appliances, switches and tapsPage 4

are turned off, and that the Clubhouse, gates and all the outbuildings are locked and secure.If there are any problems, or breakages are spotted, please notify a committee member sothat matters can be rectified as soon as possible.GROUNDSKeys for the access gate and clubhouse are available on request from the MembershipSecretary on payment of a small deposit.Please keep the access gate locked.Car parking is only allowed in the designated area to the left of the access road, andvehicles should not pass beyond the first hedge boundary.These restrictions are part of our lease agreement, and are to protect the water from pollution– for the same reason,NO SWIMMINGNO BONFIRESChildren are the responsibility of their parents, or the adult member nominated onmembership forms.Children must be supervised; there are a number of dangers on site, including the wateritself, and the quarry in the clubhouse compound.Dogs are allowed in the grounds on a leash, but not within the clubhouse compound.CampingThere are a few occasions each year when permission for camping has been agreed byYorkshire Water. Please refer to the Sailing Programme for current dates. Caravans andtents can be pitched in the field surrounding the clubhouse compound, but cars must bereturned to the normal parking area.Page 5

SailingGeneralPlease ensure that you have signed in at the Clubhouse before sailing.Sailing is permitted dawn to dusk, seven days a week.Before sailing please give careful consideration to your safety. You should consider the presentweather, and that which is forecast; water temperature and conditions; the seaworthiness ofthe boat you intend to sail and, most importantly, your own health and competence.Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times when on the water. Wetsuits are not considered tobe sufficient personal buoyancy, even for windsurfers.All craft must be adequately insured and have passed any necessary buoyancy test beforeusing the water.Young persons under 18 years of age may only sail at Thornton Steward Sailing Club aftertheir parent or guardian has signed a statement that they have seen and understood the Club’srule on liability, and junior members must have either a parent present on the premises whilethey sail, or a full club member who has agreed to act in loco parentis.Launching and recovery of craft should be only from the launching area, i.e. the shore areaequivalent to the length of the dinghy park. It should be noted that when the water is low, andwhen facing the water, the area to the left is mud, whereas the area to the right is rocky, andtherefore more dangerous for both people and boats.Do not sail closer than 25 yards to a fisherman (about 7 boat lengths).BerthsAll boats must be tied down securely at three points; it is advisable also to fit a lock.Rules of the road:A cruising craft should act in a courteous manner and try to keep clear of racing craft, but isnot obliged to do so.Basic rules in open water:Port gives way to starboardWindward boat keeps clear of leeward boatA craft astern of another keeps clear of the one in front when on the same tack.Page 6

Support BoatWhen the support boat is rostered the driver and crew are expected to make themselvesavailable during the following times:Wednesday 1800 hrs – 2100 hrsSaturday & Sunday 1100 hrs – 1700 hrsat other times as decided by the CommitteeOutside these hours manning is by private arrangement between members.ROSTERED SUPPORT BOAT DRIVERS OR CREWS WHO FIND THEMSELVESUNAVAILABLE TO CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES MUST FIND A REPLACEMENT. IT ISNOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY TSSC COMMITTEE MEMBER TO FIND AREPLACEMENT DRIVER OR CREW.A support boat will always be available for use at members’ discretion. When used the boatmust be suitably manned and with all items of equipment on board.Please keep clear of the support boat both on the water and at its jetty as it is essential thatboat and crew have room to operate in safety and at speed if necessary.When a red flag is flown all craft must return to shore as quickly as is safely possible. Thered flag will be hoisted, with a sound signal, when the general wind speed is Force 6 or above.Craft who wish to sail in these conditions must then consult with the support boat crew andany member of the Committee readily available as to whether this is possible.Conditions for the use of club boats1. All members using club boats should enter their details in the Club Boat Diary in theentrance hall, indicate which boat they are using and that the correct donation has beenpaid. A specimen entry can be found on January lst in the diary.2. The boat should be carefully checked for damage/shortages both before and afteruse. Any problems should be reported to a Committee Member, in person or by telephone,and recorded in the diary.3. Any incident on the water involving damage to, or by club boats must be reported as in2 above and full details recorded for insurance purposes.3. Under certain circumstances, where misuse or negligence by the user is felt to havecontributed to any damage, then the user could be asked to meet insurance excesscosts.3. To help with the running costs, a contribution of £4 for juniors and £8 for adults isPage 7

equested for each day’s use. Please place your contribution in the honesty box in theentrance porch. When boats are in demand by other members please do not hogthem; during these times a spell of 1 to 1.5 hours is suggested, and costs can then beshared.6. It is the responsibility of the last person using the boat that day to ensure that it iscorrectly put away and a final check carried out for damages or missing items.7. For certain club events, such as training courses, the club will clearly have first callon any of the club boats.8. Remember, these are club boats, but please treat them as carefully as you would ifthey were your own. It would be a good idea for people using them to carry a small supplyof suitable shackles, split rings etc. just in case of any problems.Use and Care of Club BoatsTSSC has a number of sailing dinghies available for use by members and for organizedevents arranged by the club. Currently available are:Single Handed: 3 Toppers, 3 Oppies, 1 SplashDouble Handed: 2 Wanderers, 1 Bosun, 1 Mirror.These dinghies are insured by the club to cover use by members and other authorised persons.They are maintained by club members on a voluntary basis, and all users shouldbear this in mind and have regard for club property.Equipment for Club boats is stored in the Robinson Building behind the Clubhouse. The keyhangs in the store cupboard next to the men’s changing room. All club boats are lockeddown – keys also in the store cupboard – please check that boats are locked down, andkeys returned after use.PLEASE READ “CONDITIONS FOR THE USE OF CLUB BOATS”Toppers.The Topper hulls are in the boat park; check their position on the chart behind thestoreroom door. Each hull also contains the mast and boom, laid centrally to support thecover, and cushioned by rope to protect the top deck. They should be securely tied down atthe front, and at each side, with the tie rope also securing the launch trolley, and locked.Page 8

The daggerboard, rudder and sailbag for each boat can be found in the Robinson Building.The bung is either tied to the top of the sailbag, or will be in the attached plastic pocket.Please check that the bung is in place, and that the self-bailer is closed, before launching.Training sails are available. These are much more stable in use than a reefed full sail.Please ensure, after use, that all equipment is clean and correctly stored, with sails folded.Please leave self-balers open if fitted. Report any problems or damage to a committeemember.Oppies.There are two wooden Optimists, and one polypropylene “Oppie”. The hulls are storedupside down in the boat park, and all loose equipment is stored in the Robinson Building.Each set of equipment will only fit one hull, so please take care! The wooden boats havebuoyancy bags, and these must be fully inflated before use. Please check them carefullybefore launching. The polypropylene “Oppie” does not need any additional buoyancy.Other BoatsThe other boats have boom-on covers. Rudders, tillers and sails are stored in the Robinsonbuilding. The Wanderers must have the masthead flotation pads fitted while rigging. Theycan be reefed using the green reefing line which is part of the standing rigging. The Bosuncan be safely sailed with Mirror sails, which are appropriately labelled. This makes it verystable in windy weather.USE OF TSSC BOATS OUTSIDE CLUB PREMISESIf any member wishes to use a Club Boat anywhere other than on Thornton StewardReservoir, the following conditions apply:loan would only be permitted to attend organized training or competition eventsthe borrower would be responsible for the policy excess in the event of damage(currently £50)the borrower would be expected to contribute £20 per weekend, or £50 per weekauthority must be obtained from a committee member, who would check out allequipmentthe borrower must, on return, find a committee member who is prepared to check theboat and equipment back onto Club premises at a convenient time.Please note that the boats only have launch trailers, NOT road trailers.Page 9

Please refer to the policy for the use of powerboats.All club members should be familiar with the operation and use of the power boats. Ideallyall club members should do at least basic power boat training. There is a list in the clubhouseof people who can help.Use of Power BoatsPowerboats will only be used as either Support Boat, or as an additional power boat to aidtraining.If there are boats sailing, and only one power boat is on the water, it must operate as SupportBoat.Support BoatThis may have in it only:a) Helm & crew, each 18 years old or overb) People being rescuedc) People undergoing support boat trainingBoth helm and crew must wear buoyancy aids when on duty and should be prepared to gointo the water; therefore full sailing clothing should be worn. Please note that due to inactivityand wind chill factors, power boat operation is often a very cold experience.Be prepared!When rostered, the support boat should be ready and manned:WednesdaySaturday & Sunday18.00 hrs – 21.00 hrs11.00 hrs – 17.00 hrsThis will entail arriving at least ½ hour earlier to get out and prepare the support boat, andspending the necessary time at the end of the day to put the boat away.Check the following equipment is in the boat:a) boat hookb) anchor and safety linec) heaving line and floatd) lifebelte) bucket and bailerf) oars and rowlocks or paddlesAlways fill the fuel tank at the petrol store, never at the waterside.Before starting the engine always check:a) Cleanliness of fuel line fittings before connecting.b) Fuel tank contents, breather valve open.Page 10

When the engine is started and running the helm must attach the safety/kill cord to theirperson before moving off, preferably to their leg or buoyancy aid.In any support situation, the order of consideration is as follows:1) The people2) The support boat3) The distressed craft.The helm of the support boat has the authority to decide when to bring someone outof and off the water if they are cold or tired. Their craft can be dealt with later. At TSSC,it can’t go far!There is a copy of the R.Y.A.’s Safety Boat handbook available for reference in theclubhouse. Although quite a lot of it is not relevant to TSSC, it is easy to find what isrelevant – and the methods of dealing with a variety of situations, including towingprocedures and righting capsized craft are well described and illustrated. Recommendedlunchtime reading.Page 11