The Club


Photo : K.Bellini



Club Rules	General Rules 1. The Club shall be known as the 'Forth Cruising Club' (hereafter referred to as the 'Club') and shall have its headquarters at Capernaum House, 40 Brucehaven Road, Limekilns, KY11 3JR. 2. The objects of the Club are: · to encourage locally all types of sailing and boating · to form a social centre and to organise social functions for those interested in the sport · to organise an Annual Regatta. 3. The Club Burgee and official colours shall be blue and yellow. 4. There shall be two General Meetings annually, the Spring meeting in March and the Annual General Meeting in October or November. Seven days notice, in writing, shall be given of the General Meetings. A Special Meeting of members may be called by the Club Committee (Q.V.) or on the requisition in writing of at least three members, the object of such meeting being specified to the Secretary and at least 72 hours notice being given. One-fourth of the membership of the Club to form a quorum at requisitioned Special Meetings. 5. The Club shall consist of the following categories of member: · Group A1 Family Member (Non-Boat-Owner) · Group A2 Family Member (Boat-Owner) · Group B1 Cadet Member (Non-Boat-Owner) · Group B2 Cadet Member (Boat-Owner) · Group C Associate Member · Group D1 Honorary Member or Honorary Life Member [ = free Group A1 only] · Group D2 Hon Member or Hon Life Member (Boat-Owner) [pays A2 minus A1] · Group E Corporate Member 6. Only members with a Boat-Owner category of membership may keep boats, trailers or equipment on club premises 7. New members may be admitted on being proposed and seconded in writing to the Secretary by Family Members (age 16 or over) and Honorary Life Members. Thereafter, the Committee may elect them as members of the Club to the category of membership to which they are proposed. When elected, they may be admitted as members, on payment of the fee applicable to the class to which they are admitted. 8. Members may transfer from one category of membership to another subject to approval by the Committee and payment of the specified fees. 9. FAMILY MEMBERSHIP will cover husband, wife or partner and all children up to the age of 15. It also applies to a single person aged 16 or over. Each Family Member aged 16 or over will have full voting rights at all General and Special meetings of the Club. 10. CADET MEMBERSHIP will be available to those of 12 to 15 years of age, and to anyone over the age of 15 in full-time education. Cadet Members will not have voting powers at the Club Meetings. Cadet members will be allocated a mooring only at the discretion of the committee. 11. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP will be open to non-sailors who have a specific interest in the Club and its activities. This category can also give "out of port" membership to boat owners who no longer sail or keep their boat (or equipment) at the club, but wish to retain a link. Associate Members will have no voting power at Club Meetings and may not hold office, but may serve on Sub-Committees. The number of Associate Memberships will not normally be allowed to exceed 30% of Group A1 and A2 memberships. 12. CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP will be available to Groups or Associations with an interest in boating. 13. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP may be conferred by the vote of the club on such members of the community as it is thought would be likely to appreciate this distinction. Honorary Membership will be conferred annually at the Annual General Meeting. Honorary Life Membership may be conferred on a person who has rendered exceptional service to the Club. Honorary Members and Honorary Life Members may attend all meetings and functions of the Club and enjoy all its privileges and amenities, but only Honorary Life Members may exercise voting powers. 14. The post of Honorary Commodore may be created as a special office, to be conferred upon a distinguished member of the community as Patron of the Club, after a proper resolution passed at an AGM or SGM. Thereafter, the post will be held for life or until the resignation at his request of the Honorary Commodore. 15. All dues, charges and subscriptions are payable in advance and subscriptions must be paid by 1st September of each year. The amount of such dues, charges and subscriptions shall be recommended by the Treasurer at the Annual General Meeting and subject to ratification by the meeting. The Committee has the discretionary power to modify any individual subscription, taking into account individual circumstances. 16. Any members in arrears after 30th September will be deemed to have resigned. Re-application and payment of a joining fee will be required to reinstate membership. 17. The Club is a non-profit-making organisation. All profits and surpluses will be used to maintain or improve the club's facilities. No profit or surplus will be distributed. 18. The Club shall be governed by the Club Committee, which with the exception of the President shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. The President shall be elected annually at the Spring General Meeting. The Committee offices and duties are as follows: 19. HONORARY PRESIDENT - The office of Honorary President shall be regarded as a distinction conferred on a member who is still actively interested in the Club, and who has previously given exceptional service to the Club whilst an office-bearer. 20. COMMODORE - The Commodore will act as Chairman at all Club Meetings and Club Committee Meetings and will have the casting vote at these meetings. He will be responsible for the general policy and activities of the Club and will supervise the functioning of all other office-bearers and Committees. 21. VICE-COMMODORE - The Vice-Commodore will be concerned with all matters pertaining to racing. He will also deputise for the Commodore at meetings when required. He will be responsible for the Club Trophies. 22. REAR-COMMODORES - There shall be three Rear-Commodores: 23. REAR-COMMODORE (CLUBHOUSE) - The RC(Clubhouse) will be concerned with the organisation of maintenance work, etc., on the Clubhouse and Starter Box, and will be responsible for all matters pertaining to them. 24. REAR-COMMODORE (PIER AND MOORINGS) - The RC(Pier & Moorings) will be concerned with the organisation of maintenance work, etc. on the Pier, moorings and equipment and will be responsible for all matters pertaining to them. 2. REAR COMMODORE (CLUB BOATS) - The RC(Club Boats) will be solely responsible for the maintenance and use of the club boats, engines and approval of crews. The club boats will be based on and operated from the Club Pier. He will also have responsibility for the workshop and contents therein. 3. CRUISING CONVENER - The Cruising Convener's duties will be to promote an interest in cruising among Club members. He will prepare the Club Cruising Programme and will be responsible for all arrangements pertaining to each cruise. He will also organise Crane-in and Crane-out. 4. SECRETARY - The Secretary shall keep a record of the Minutes of the General and Special Meetings of the Club. He may also be asked to keep records of meetings of the Club Committee. He shall attend to all correspondence and general business of the Club and shall inform all members of forthcoming meetings. 5. TREASURER - The Treasurer shall keep correct accounts and books showing the financial affairs and intermissions of the Club. He shall prepare a balance sheet as at 31 August for submission to the Annual General Meeting and shall advise the members at that meeting of the financial status and commitments of the Club, making recommendations as to the amount of future expenditure and Annual Subscriptions. All withdrawals from club accounts require two signatures, the Commodore, Secretary and Treasurer having authority to sign. The Accounts and Balance Sheet will be audited before the Annual General Meeting by an auditor who shall have been appointed at the previous Annual General Meeting, but who will not be a member of the Club Committee. The Committee may request a statement of the Club's financial position at any of their meetings. 6. SOCIAL CONVENER - The Social Convener will organise all social functions of the Club, and will also be responsible for all aspects of running the bar. 7. The Club Committee therefore consists of the Honorary President, Commodore, Vice-Commodore, 3 Rear-Commodores, Cruising Convener, Secretary, Treasurer and Social Convener. They shall meet monthly or as required to discuss all matters pertinent to the well being and progress of the Club. All major decisions affecting policy and finance made at Club Committee Meetings shall be ratified by the members at General or Special Meetings. 8. With the approval of the Committee any Committee Member may be assisted in his duties by other members of the club. 9. The Committee may appoint a replacement in the event of a committee member being unable/unwilling to continue in post during the year. The post then to be open to election at the next General Meeting 10. A member may resign during the sailing season on giving a fortnight's notice to the Secretary, and provided that the current subscription and all other dues are paid, the Club will accept such resignations. Otherwise the member remains liable for his or her share of any liabilities incurred by the Club. A resignation having been accepted, the resigning member shall immediately return to the Rear Commodores any Club property in his or her possession and shall ipso facto forfeit all rights and claims upon the Club, it's properties and funds. 11. The Club shall have power to expel any member, by ballot, at a General or Special Meeting. The Motion of Expulsion will be moved by the Chairperson and will not require to be seconded. A member expelled shall ipso facto forfeit all rights and claims upon the Club, it's properties and funds and shall immediately return to the Rear-Commodores any Club property in his or her possession. 12. All sailing races will be held under current RYA Rules. The Vice-Commodore will have full control of all races. All disputes shall be decided by a Committee appointed by the Vice-Commodore using the procedures laid down by the RYA. In all Club events personal buoyancy shall be worn by each member of the crew of dinghies and dayboats. This shall also apply when Club boats are used. 13. The Club may amend The Rules or add to them at any General Meeting, provided that four-fifths of the members present agree to such alterations or additions. 14. The Committee may delegate any specific matter to a sub-committee chosen by them. 15. All boats operating from the Club shall be indemnified for Third Party liability. (See 64) 16. The Club does not accept responsibility for the security of members' property left or stored on Club premises. 17. On resigning from the club a member should remove all personal property from club premises. Any unidentified property that has not been removed and remains unclaimed after being displayed on the noticeboard and in the newsletter will be handed over to the police as lost property. 18. Any derelict/deserted gear should be notified to the Committee to consider disposal. Rear-Commodores' Rules CLUBHOUSE/WORKSHOP 19. The facilities of the Clubhouse shall be available only to members of the various categories, who are currently in good standing with the Club. These Clubhouse rules will be interpreted in this light. 20. Friends of members are welcome to make use of the facilities of the Clubhouse when accompanied by said member, but any friends of members who make more than casual use of the facilities will be expected to apply for membership of the Club. 21. Visiting members of other yachting or sailing clubs, who arrive by sea, will be welcome to use the facilities of the Clubhouse for the period of their visit. 22. Every member is entitled to entry to the Clubhouse and workshop and the use of the key to the Starter's Box, obtainable from the RC(Clubhouse). 23. The last member to leave Club premises will ensure that they are left lockfast. 24. The Office, Storeroom and Bar are to be regarded as out-of-bounds to ordinary members. Access to these areas is reserved for the exclusive use of the Committee or authorised members. 25. The general tidiness of the Clubhouse and all the property occupied by the Club is every member's responsibility. Please keep it tidy. 26. Wet sailing clothes or dirty overalls must not be worn by persons using the Club Lounge. 27. Light craft, inflatables, masts, spars, oars and other gear belonging to members may be kept or repaired in the workshop at the discretion of the RC(Club Boats) and should be clearly marked with the owner's name. 28. During the sailing season, the exit of the club boats must not be impeded. 29. Animals are not permitted in the Clubhouse. 30. The Clubhouse may be closed by the decision of the Committee provided an appropriate notice has been posted in advance on the Clubhouse noticeboard. BAR 31. The Committee will have authority to prescribe the hours during which the bar will be open for the sale of alcoholic liquor within the provisions of the hours permitted by the Licensing (Scotland) Acts. 32. No persons under 18 will be served with alcoholic liquors. 33. No member of the Committee and no manager or servant employed in the Club shall have any personal financial interest in the sale of food, drink or other goods. 34. No visitor shall be supplied with alcoholic liquor in the Club's premises unless on the invitation and in the company of a Member, and that Member shall, upon the admission of such visitor to the Club premises or immediately upon his being supplied with such liquor, enter his own name and the name and address of the visitor in a book which shall be kept for the purpose and which shall show the date of each visit. 35. No alcoholic liquor shall be sold or supplied in the Club premises for consumption off the premises except to a member of the Club in person, for consumption by him or to a person holding a certificate or a wholesalers excise license for the sale of such liquor. PIER AND MOORINGS 36. Mooring policy with regard to layout, type and method of allocation, will be decided by Club members at a General Meeting. 37. Physical location/layout of moorings will be set by RC(Pier and Moorings) in line with current mooring policy. 38. Application for a mooring is to be made annually on the Boat Registration Form distributed during the winter season. 39. Allocation of moorings will be at the discretion and decision of RC(Pier and Moorings) in line with current mooring policy and will be published in ample time prior to the ''sailing season''. 40. Allocation of moorings will only be made to current members in the Boat-Owner category. See 'Cadet Membership' for rules appertaining to cadets. 41. All craft whilst within the boundary of the Club premises, or whilst participating in club events, are to be insured at least to third party, the insurer and policy reference number being given on the Boat Registration Form. 42. There is no automatic right to a mooring by a new owner if a craft changes hands during the sailing season. 43. Supply and maintenance of ground tackle (i.e. chains etc) is the responsibility of the craft owner and must not be below ¼ inch in diameter at any point. RC(Pier and Moorings) will carry out random checks throughout the season. 44. Ground tackle must form a 'V' at bow and stern, right up to the waterline for connection to strops. The purpose of this is to hold the craft within its 4 sinker 'box' at all positions of wind and tide. 45. Although sinkers are Club property, it is the responsibility of the craft owner to ensure allocated sinkers/chain fixings are regularly checked and fit for purpose. RC(Pier and Moorings) should be notified if a replacement sinker is thought to be required. 46. RC(Pier and Moorings) has the right to re-allocate any mooring not "taken up" by mid-June. 47. The location of craft or equipment (laid-up or otherwise) on the pier is at the discretion and direction of RC(Pier and Moorings). 48. Application for space near davits for tenders is to be made on the Boat Registration Form and will be allocated by RC(Pier and Moorings). 49. Use of slipways is for members only and any use by non-members should be challenged. 50. In the interests of keeping the facilities tidy all members are required to remove as much gear as possible during the sailing season, i.e. trailers, blocks, cradles etc. 51. Dog fouling is prohibited and owners should be challenged if witnessed. 52. Operation of powered davits is restricted to those members aged 18 years or over. Non-powered davits are restricted to those members aged 12 years or over unless accompanied by an adult.