Coconut Grove Sailing Club

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

GUIDELINES FOR THE MEMBER USE PROGRAM

Effective September 1, 2008, the following guidelines govern the member use of club vessels. While not difficult to follow, the guidelines are intentionally rigorous.

Approved Members of the CGSC as of  September 2008:  Click here. 

1. At least one person on board any club owned vessel must be an adult member in good standing of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. All membership levels are accepted, including social members. An exception for members under twenty-one years of age, but at least sixteen years of age requires the approval of the Sailing Director.

2. The club member shall be considered the "Responsible Party" (RP) and is responsible to abide by and enforce all rules and regulations governing the release of the vessel to their care.

3. The RP must possess the needed skills and competence to operate the vessel they are using by being US Sailing or ASA certified in the class of boat used. If a member is an experienced sailor, but uncertified, they may be checked out by the Sailing Director, Adult Sailing Chairman or a designated member who is a US Sailing or ASA certified instructor at the appropriate level. The checkout will consist of a multiple choice/matching written test and an on-the-water test of sailing ability including a COB drill. Certain members may be considered exempt from the test because of their sailing experience. Such an exemption will only be at the discretion of the Sailing Director. The level of competency must rest with the member and not their guest(s) as the member is the party insured under the club insurance policy. A separate check-out session is not required for kayaks.
(Note: The Sailing Director will maintain a file of appropriate qualifications, check out documents and waiver forms.)

4. The RP must complete a credit card authorization form which will be kept on file and billed against for any damages beyond normal wear and tear.

5. Structured educational programs or club sanctioned events will take precedence in use of club boats.

6. Boats must be reserved in advance, no earlier than 7 days prior to use. Perpetual or long standing monthly reservations will not be accepted. The club will attempt to accommodate reservations up until the desired day of use, subject to availability.

7. Each person on the water must sign a waiver indemnifying the club for liability.

8. The RP shall be required to provide a Float Plan and agrees to keep their class of vessel within the prescribed areas of use. The permissible sailing areas are shown on a provided chart. 

9. Reservations shall grant the user the maximum time of four (4) hours (including rigging and de-rigging, departure and return). Hours of use shall be 9 am to 5 pm. Extended hours may be permitted for the period June 1 – August 31, when approved in advance by the sailing director.

10. The RP will sign a checkout sheet attesting to the condition of the boat when taken out. It will be the member's responsibility to properly remove the boat from its storage location and rig it prior to use, and to put the boat back in the appropriate location (rack for kayaks, and sunfish; mooring for ensign) and secure the boat and all its equipment, including sails after use. Dock staff will assist in removing the boat (sunfish/kayak) from storage, and re- storing the boat, as available and when not involved in other duties.

11. The RP must “check-in” the vessel upon return to the club with the Sailing Director or dock staff, who will check over the vessel and certify its returned condition by signing the check-out sheet. Any disputes regarding the returned condition will be taken to/by the Sailing Director. The vessel must be returned in a clean condition, equal to or better than the condition when received.

12. All RP's and their guests or crew must adhere to all USCG regulations, and must wear a Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) while on the dock and in the sailboat.

13. The use of alcohol and/or any illegal substances is not permitted on any club vessel. 

14. For emergency communications, a VHF radio or personal cell phone must be on board during use.

15. Use of boats will be suspended in winds over 15 knots or when thunderstorms threaten.

16. Members who disregard or abuse the preceding guidelines will be denied use privileges until such time, as in the judgment of the Sailing Director, Adult Sailing Chairperson and Rear Commodore, that member has demonstrated they can responsibly follow the program guidelines.

MAINTENANCE FEE SCHEDULE FOR USE OF CLUB VESSELS

Members will be charged the following maintenance fees for use of club vessels:

POSSIBLE EXTRA FEES - AVOID ACCIDENTS!

There will be a $20 recovery or towing fee for vessels inside of Brennan Channel. Outside of Brennan Channel, members are responsible for paying of any contractor fees for being towed back to the moorings or docks. Members must not charge their guests for use of the club vessels described above.