As a co-operative community club, Westwood’s primary purpose is to provide sailing opportunities to members who don’t own their own boats. This is done by allowing many members to share a few boats, which essentially mandates that the boats be used from the club facility. However, in some circumstances, the Board of Directors (BoD) may determine it is reasonable for Westwood to allow members to use a boat away from the club. This policy determines how the BoD will make decisions regarding use of a boat away from the club.
Eligibility
Boat must be signed out by a Full Member (including Life and Honorary members with Full member status)
Member signing out boat must have Skipper status for that class of boat
Maximum one boat signed out per member at any time
Rules
Just as when used at the club, non-members are not permitted to race
Member must ensure car insurance covers towing of club boat
Member is responsible for any damage to boat which is not covered by Westwood’s insurance policy (including reimbursement for any deductible payable by Westwood)
Boat is not to be removed from Ontario unless specifically approved (e.g., a highly-regarded event such as the Mad Catter Regatta , or a national-level event)
Approval will not be granted for use outside Canada and the contiguous United States, except in special circumstances where the impact on other members would be very limited
Boats may be taken off-site only for racing or training; events must be recognized by a national class association - members are expected to follow rules limiting use (e.g., re wind speeds).
Factors & Priorities
A club member may take a boat off-site a maximum of four (4) times per season
The member signing out the boat is expected to be the skipper for the majority of use while signed out)
If a class is scheduled, there must be a sufficient number of boats in working order for the class
If a local regatta is scheduled, there must be a sufficient number of boats in working order for those planning to race
Unless specifically approved as being necessary for (i) long-distance travel and/or (ii) event duration, Albacores and Lasers will not be removed prior to the end of the first Friday Night Race in the travel period
A boat may not be taken off-site for more than the minimum time necessary for safe travel and event duration
Procedure
A member wishing to take a boat off-site for use must submit their written request to the BoD at least fourteen (14) days in advance and must post a copy of their request on the bulletin board in the clubhouse.
It must identify: member(s), boat type and number/name, event name, location and dates, travel times, and any other relevant information.
The BoD may confirm boat availability with the Fleet Captain, Hobie Fleet Captain, Laser Fleet Captain, and/or Boat Captain(s).
Requests will be reviewed and a decision made by the following members of the BoD, ideally but no less than seven (7) days after receiving the request: - Vice Commodore - Fleet Captain - Race Chair.
If any one of the above is unavailable during the week after the request is received, then the Commodore will act in their place. The Commodore may appoint other BoD member(s) to act as alternate(s).
The BoD’s decision will be posted on the bulletin board at the clubhouse.