The Cruising Sub-committee of the Sailing Committee has looked at the issues involved in cruising activities, both on and off the water and has drawn up a Code of Practice to be observed by those members organising and/or taking part in cruising events.
1. When participating in a Club rally or cruise which involves sailing in company, a skipper is responsible for preparing his/her own passage plan, and is responsible for the safety of his/her crew, including any children or young adults, whether or not they are accompanied by their parents or guardians. The decision on whether it is safe and reasonable to put to sea, or to remain at sea, remains the responsibility of the skipper.
2. Having expressed an interest in a particular rally, and on receipt of the details relating to that rally, a skipper must notify the Club Cruising Secretary not less than three days prior to the event, if they wish to withdraw. The Cruising Secretary will then pass details of confirmed participants to the rally organiser.
3. Where participation in a rally involves the Club booking a meal on behalf of a member at a restaurant or another Club, the Cruising Secretary must receive three days notice if cancellation of the booking is required. Should the Club subsequently be charged,
failure to give such notice may result in the member being liable for payment for any meal not taken.
4 Where forecast weather conditions or an emergency results in a late decision by a skipper not to sail to a rally, every effort should be made to meet the commitment by travelling by road. Failing that, the organiser of the event or the marina/yacht club venue must be informed by telephone directly and not through RSYC.
5. Should any member of the Club or their guest participating in a Club rally be injured as a result of travelling in a vehicle or vessel hired by or on behalf of the Club, the Club accepts no liability for any such accident.
6. Any member participating in a Club rally is responsible for managing their consumption of alcohol and ensuring that those levels comply with any current maritime legislation when in charge of a vessel. A skipper is also responsible for ensuring that all crew and guests are similarly compliant.
7. When visiting another Club or marina as part of an organised Club rally, the Club assumes that the owners of the venue have carried out their own risk assessment and have taken such steps that may be necessary to minimise any accidents to visitors. It is incumbent upon any member visiting another Club, or other venue as part of a Club rally, to comply with the rules pertaining to that venue.
Brian Hinde
Captain of Cruising
January 2010