Gunfleet  Boating Club- Club Rules

Every member of the club should not just be aware but also understand the rules of the boat club and abide by them at all times, please remember on signing your membership form you are obliged to do do so and this also includes the safety regulations.

CLUB RULES

1.      NAME

The name of the Club shall be the Gunfleet Boating Club.

2.      OBJECT

The object for which the Club is formed is:

a)      To promote and facilitate the sports of motor boating, sailing, angling and ‘messing about in boats’;

b)      To promote good fellowship, entertainment and social intercourse for the benefit of it’s members and to provide a place where suitable refreshments and amenities area available.

3.      CLUB PREMISES

The Club premises are situated and known as The Clubhouse, Manor Way , Borrow Pit, Holland Avenue, Holland-on-Sea, Essex .

4.      PENNANT

The Club Pennant shall be a three-bladed propeller, surrounded by a ship’s wheel and the letters GBC inserted between the three blades of the propeller, all in gold, with an identically coloured tip to the Pennant. The background of the Pennant shall be green.

5.      MEMBERSHIP

a)      The membership of the Cub shall be divided into the following categories:

                                                               i.            Founder Life Members as hereinafter defined;

                                                             ii.            Honorary Life Members as hereinafter defined;

                                                            iii.            Full Members- a Full Member shall be defined as a person over the age of 16 years; and in the event of such a person being married will include such person’s spouse and unmarried children up until the age of 21.

                                                           iv.            Cadet Members- a Cadet Member shall be defined as a person aged between 11 and 16; Full Members’ children of this age are automatically Cadet Members;

                                                             v.            Social Members as hereinafter defined.

b)      Parents will be held responsible for their children’s behaviour while on the Club premises, provided such is under the age of 18 years of age.

c)      A candidate for membership of the Club shall make his or her application by obtaining an application form provided by the Club and then sending it, duly completed, to the Membership Secretary of the Club, together with the appropriate fees. The appropriate application form shall be completed in the following way:

                                                         i.            All candidates shall provide the information required by the Club;

                                                       ii.            Every application form shall contain the two signatures of two Full Members of the Club;

                                                      iii.            All applications must be passed to the Management Committee (see Rule 10 for definition of the Management Committee) for their consideration and their decision shall be final.

6.      ELECTION OF MEMBERS

The name of every candidate whose application has been duly completed as provided by Rule 5 (c) hereof, shall be posted n the Club notice board for 28 days before the application can be confirmed or refused by the Management Committee.

a)      An applicant shall b elected by a majority vote and no reason shall be given for rejection.

b)      A candidate’s signature on the application form constitutes acceptance of the Club Rules.

c)      Each new member of the Club shall be sent a formal notice of acceptance.

d)      Members Register- A register of the names and addresses of the members of the Club shall at all times be available to members in the Clubhouse for reference.

7.      ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

a)      The amount of the annual subscription may be determined by the Management Committee form year to year.

b)      The annual subscription for a Cadet Member (see 5 (a)).

c)      Without prejudice to the Club’s right to recover from a member a subscription due on the first day of May each year, and members failing to pay current subscription within 14 days shall cease to be entitled to the benefits and privileges of the Club until such fee is paid. After 28 days non-payment of fees, membership shall be cease.

d)      All cheques to be made payable to the Gunfleet Boating Club.

8.      RESIGNATIONS

Any member of the Club who wishes to resign shall inform the Membership Secretary of his or hers intention by one month’s notice in writing, forfeiting all dues paid.

9.      TRUSTEES

a)      There shall be appointed a minimum of three Trustees, who shall execute the Lease/Licence on behalf of the Gunfleet Boating Club. The Management Committee shall have the power to appoint new or additional Trustees when a nomination is unanimously made in writing by the existing Trustees.

b)      A full set of up-to-date keys of ht premises shall be held by one of the Trustees.

10.   THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

a)      the affairs of the Club shall be managed by a Management Committee consisting of the following officers of the Club in General Meeting, to hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting- Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Rear-Commodore, Three Trustees, Treasurer, Secretary, Building and Maintenance Officer, Finance Co-ordinator, Fishing Officer, Power-boat and Skiing Office, Compound Officer, Membership Secretary and Public Relations Officer, with power to co-opt. A maximum of two Social Members may hold positions on the Management Committee in any of the following positions- Secretary, Rear-Commodore, Membership secretary, Building and Maintain ace Officer and Compound Officer.

b)      All Full and Social Members of the Club (including members of retiring Management Committee) shall be legible for election to the Management Committee, provided that their   annual subscription has been paid and their nomination duly proposed by a member of the Club. A list of proposed officers may be posted on the club notice board before the Annual General Meeting, showing the proposer and seconder together with the nominee’s acceptance signature.

c)      If during a term of office of any Management Committee a vacancy occurs due to the death or resignation of any member of the Management Committee may co-opt a member of the Club to fill the vacancy; a member so co-opted shall hold office only for the remainder of the term of the member of the Management Committee whose place he/she fills as aforesaid.

11.  MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB

a)      The finances of the Club shall be controlled by the Management Committee.

b)      There shall two signatures to the Club’s Banking and Investment accounts, who shall be the Treasurer and Finance Co-ordinator.

c)      The Treasurer shall keep a meticulous income and expenditure account and, at his or her discretion, shall provide such ancillary accounts to cover income and expenditure of Rear-Commodore’s committee or other sections which may from time to time be operational. Bank statements and cheque books shall be available for inspection by members of the Management Committee or such persons as they shall direct.

d)      From the figures provided, an auditor shall extract and prepare the annual balance sheet for presentation at the Annual General Meeting.

e)      The Treasurer shall present each month a detailed statement of the club’s financial position to the Management Committee, and a copy of the accepted statement shall be attached to the minutes.

f)        On all financial matters concerned with the building project, the Treasurer shall carry out the instruction of the Management Committee, such instructions to be arrived at by unanimous decision of the Management Committee.

g)      It shall be the responsibility of the Treasurer to keep an inventory of the Club property.

h)      The members of the Club may, in General Meeting, refer such matters as they think fit to the Management Committee of the Club.

i)        The Commodore may, at his discretion in matters of urgency, and their decision shall be submitted to the Management Committee for ratification.

12.  MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

a)      The Management Committee shall meet as often as necessary (but not less than bi-monthly) for the purpose of proper management of the Club, having be summoned by the Secretary on seven days clear notice. With consent of all members of the Management Committee duly given to the Secretary in writing, a meeting may be summoned on less than seven days notice.

b)      The quorum for the meeting of the Management Committee shall consist of five members of the Management Committee, provided one Trustee and at least three of the following are present- Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Rear-Commodore, Secretary, an Officer, Treasurer.

c)      The Commodore or, in his absence, the Vice-Commodore, the Rear-Commodore, or in their absence, a member of the Management Committee, duly elected by the majority of the Management Committee present shall preside over all Management Committee meetings.

d)      Each member of the Committee shall have one vote or, in the event of equality of votes, the Presiding Chairman shall have the casting vote.

e)      Save as otherwise provided in these rules, all resolutions shall be assented by a simple majority of the management Committee members present.

f)        An accurate record of these meetings shall be recorded in a minute book and all minutes shall be read and confirmed by the chairman of the meeting that they are a true and accurate record of the previous meeting (s).

g)      The Management Committee have the power to elect a special committee for nay specific purpose.

13.  AUDITORS

At the Annual General Meeting in each year there shall be appointed auditors whose duty it shall be to audit the accounts of the Club for the then current year. A copy of the audited accounts and prepared balance sheet shall be prominently displayed in the club premises immediately prior to the Annual General Meeting.

14.  SOLICITORS

At the Annual General Meeting in each year there shall be appointed qualified solicitors.

15.  ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

a)      The Annual General Meeting shall be held within two months of the end of the financial year (31st July) or as soon as possible thereafter.

b)      The Secretary shall give 14 days notice in writing of the date of each meeting and the business to be discussed thereat to each member of the Club.

c)      At such meetings the chair shall be taken by the Commodore, Vice-Commodore or Rear-Commodore or, in absence, by such member of the meeting as is elected by the majority of the meeting to take the chair.

d)      The quorum at an Annual General Meeting shall be 25 members present in person and resolutions shall; be decided by a majority vote of such members present.

e)      Every paid-up adult member shall have one vote. In the event of equality of votes, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.

f)        No proxy votes accepted.

g)      A report shall be presented on behalf of the Management Committee on the activities of the Club in the preceding season.

h)      The Treasurer shall present a statement of the club’s accounts duly audited by an auditor.

i)        The election of all members of the Management Committee shall be held. Nominations may be accepted from the floor of the Annual General Meeting, the voting being by voting slips issued for each office.

j)        Resolutions in writing shall be in the hand of the Secretary at least seven days before any General Meeting.

k)      The Secretary shall keep a minute book in which the resolutions passed at each meeting shall be properly recorded. The minutes of the previous General Meeting shall be read, confirmed and signed by the Presiding Chairman before any other business is entered upon.

16.  EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

a)      The Management Committee may authorize the Secretary to call an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss any specified subject concerning the affairs of the Club by giving all members 14 days prior notice in writing of the meeting.

b)      Any ten members of the Club who wish an Extraordinary General Meeting to be convened to discuss any specific subject concerning the affairs of the Club may request, in writing, the Secretary to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting which the Secretary shall do by giving al members 14 days prior notice in writing of such meeting. Provided that the ten members state the business for which the Extraordinary General Meeting is requires, the Secretary shall convene such a meeting.

c)      The quorum at an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be 25 members present in person and all members shall be decided by a majority vote of such members present.

d)      Every paid-up adult member shall have one vote. In the event of equality of votes, the Presiding Chairman shall have the casting vote.

e)      No proxy votes accepted.

17.  a)   LIFE COMMODORE

By virtue of a unanimous and irrevocable decision made by the general Meeting of the club on 16th October 1977 , Stephen Donald Smith was created Life Commodore in perpetuity.

17. c)   FOUNDER LIFE MEMBERS

Adult members who were fully paid-up on 1st June 1975 and took up the option of committing their subscription to become Founder Life Members.

17. d)   HONORARY MEMBERS

The club, on the recommendation of the Management Committee, may in General Meeting elect Honorary Members, but the total number of such Honorary Members shall not at any time exceed ten per cent of the total membership. An Honorary Member shall not be entitled to vote or speak at any meeting of the club nor have a share in property or assets of the Club.

17. e)   SOCIAL MEMBERS

Every paid-up Full Member shall have the right to introduce Social Members (not to exceed Boating Members and to be controlled by Management Committee). Social Members shall be entitled to use the club lounge, bar, toilet facilities and car park, and no other facilities whatsoever. Social Members renewal of Membership shall be subject to annual re-election. The annual fee for a Social Membership to be (see Rule 7 (a)).

18.        CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP

The Gunfleet Boating Club Management Committee have the right to determine any membership at any time as and when they please, without notice and without being called upon to state any reason, providing there is a majority decision by the Management Committee.

19.        BOAT COMPOUND, RAMP AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT

All users of the boat compound, ramp and ancillary equipment shall abide by the conditions of use, as laid own, and sign the necessary undertaking.

20.        SUPPLY OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR

a)      The purchase for and sale by the Club of intoxicating liquor shall be controlled by the Management Committee.

b)      Intoxicating liquor may be sold only to members of the Club and their guests for their own consumption or for the consumption of their guest over the age of 18 years as licensing laws allow.

c)      Visitors. Except on the occasion of the General Meeting, members of the Club shall have the privilege of introducing two visitors, provided that such visitors have not been rejected as candidates for election or that his or her name has not been struck-off the list of members for non-payment of subscriptions or nay other cause. The name of each visitor introduced shall be entered in the Visitors’ Book and countersigned by the member introducing him or her, and it is expressly understood that all expenses incurred by visitors shall be defrayed by the introducing member before leaving the premises. No visitor shall  be introduced more than six times during any three consecutive months, the member so introducing being held responsible that the character and status of the visitor are such as will acceptable to the members.

d)      Any inattention or improper conduct of a servant of the Club is to be reported in writing to the secretary to be given by a member to a servant.

e)      Subject to the directions of the Management Committee, any members of a team or organised body visiting the dance or any social activity may be admitted to the premises of the Club and intoxicating liquor may be sold to such a person/persons by or on behalf of the Club for consumption on the premises on the occasion of such a visit only. The Club must ensure that such visitors are duly signed into the Visitors’ Book, en bloc as a team or organised body, or individually.

21.  a)   In the event of the Club being wound-up the Trustees shall be compensated for their liabilities to the Landlords in respect of the Club Leases before any balance is disbursed.

21. b)   CLUB PROPERTY OR FUNDS

No monies or assets of the Club or any gain arising form carrying-on of the Club shall be applied otherwise than for the benefit of the Club or for a benevolent or charitable purpose to be nominated by the Management Committee of the Club.

22.        ALTERATION AND ADDITION TO THESE RULES

These rules may be amended or revoked and proposed new rules maybe made by a General Meeting and all changes and addition shall be displayed on the Club notice board immediately The General Meeting has adopted them.  

23.        MATTERS FOR WHICH NO PROVISION IS MADE BY THESE RULES

The Gunfleet Boating Club Management Committee shall determine any matter not provided for by these rules and it’s decision shall be final and binding upon all members.

24.        COMPLAINTS OR DISPUTES

Complaints or disputes shall be referred to the Management Committee for adjunction and their decision I final and binding.

25.        Every member shall be bound by and submit to the rules of the Club.

26.        The Club cannot be held responsible for the loss of members property or third part 

damages.

CONDITIONS APPERTAINING TO THE USE OF CLUB CAR PARK, RAMPS AND ACCESS WAYS

1.            Only  full paid-up members and their bona-fide guests shall  use the car park.

2.            All cars or vehicles shall be parked in such a manner across that access and exit

shall not be restricted.

3.            No unauthorised person may use the car parka and members are asked to ensure

            that the gate is closed securely when leaving the car park.

4.                  A Club identity disc will be issued to members on payment of their annual

            subscription, and the disc must be displayed  on their vehicles.

5.                  Cars shall not be parked on Borrow Pit, ramps or approach roads at any time.

6.                  Boats and trailers are not allowed in the car park.

7.                  No caravans or tents may be used in the car park.

8.                  No rubbish to be deposited and no picnicking in the car park.

9.                  The club disclaims and is absolved forma liability for accident, injury or damage

to any individual, any equipment or vehicle.

10.              Failure to comply with these conditions could lead to termination of your 

            membership.

CONDITIONS APPERTAINING TO THE USE OF BOAT COMPOUND, ACCESS WAYS AND RAMPS

1.         The management of the boat compound shall be in the hands of the Boat Compound Officer.

2.         The fee for each boat space shall be determined by the Management Committee.

3.         Refund of any boat space fee is not permissible.

4.         Boat spaces are not transferable under any circumstances.

5.         A whole or part change of boat ownership will be considered to be a change of

            ownership and the Compound Officer must be notified immediately

            and a new application submitted.

6.         No unauthorised person is permitted to enter the Boat Compound and members are asked to ensure that the gates are locked securely when leaving the compound.

7.         Craft and trailers must be kept within their allocated boundaries and craft owners are responsible for the general cleanliness of the site.

8.         Craft shall be kept clean and tidy and secure against weather conditions; the perimeter fence must not be used for this purpose.

9.         All gear and lockers must be stowed within the craft.

10.       Motor cars may take boats in or out of the Compound, but must not be left parked in the compound or approach ways at any time; there is a car ark nearby.

11.       No article of gear shall be borrowed form boats or Compound.

12.       Only full members may use the winch, when available, to tow boats belonging to Club members.

13.       The combination to the Club’s gates will be changed annually on the date of the AGM. Full paid-up members will be informed of the new combination 

14.       All ramps must be kept clear and trailers must not be left on the beach or access ways.

15.       No caravan or tent may be used in the Boat Compound.

16.       The following information must be supplied in writing to the Compound Officer:

a)      Name of the boat (sail number, if any);

b)      Type or class of boat;

c)      Length, beam, sail area;

d)      Class, type, power of outboard engine.

17.       All members boats and trailers are to be clearly marked with the initials GBC and registration number for the identification by the officers of the club as issued by the management committee

17. a) All vessels using the club facilities must have third party insurance. A duplicate must be produced to the Membership Secretary to have on file.  

17. b) The Committee GBC reserve the right to check any insurance policy submitted through out the year.

18.       Members proposing night fishing are advised to inform the Coastguard. Fishermen are reminded that littering of beaches with fish offal is an offence, with possible prosecution.

19.       The Club disclaims and is absolved form all liability for accident, injury or damage to any individual or nay equipment, craft or vehicle.

20.       Anything not covered by these conditions must be dealt with by the Management Committee, whose decision will be final.

21.       Failure to comply with these conditions could lead to termination of your membership.

 Gunfleet Boating Club Club Rules

Revised... 2004

 

SAFETY REGULATIONS

The intention of these regulations is not to restrict members’ enjoyment of the club and the sea but to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe day out and to remind us all that a common sense approach benefits all.

You may be spot checked for equipment this year!

1)      Firstly, the boring bit, preparation:

Trailer Check, it is legal and safe;

Þ    Are your tyres in good condition?

Þ    Wheel bearings adjusted and greased recently?

Þ    Light board working (all lights!).

Þ    Is your boat secure.

Þ    Your engine (and others) should be protected form damage (orange padded bags are great).

Hitch up your trailer,

Þ    Check it is locked on the hitch before driving!

Þ    The use of a safety chain connected to the car is recommended, a breakaway cable should be used if your trailer is braked.

Þ    Petrol, take enough with you for your intended journey,  if filling portable tanks, remove them from the boat as a fire hazard exists if petrol is spilt on the boat carpet etc.

2)      Secondly the fun bit! Checking equipment:

You MUST have,

i)                    A life jacket for each person in the boat, especially children and passengers. ASK to borrow one if you have forgotten one.

ii)                   An anchor with rope attached to the boat (attach it under the deck to a sturdy point). A minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) is recommended.

You SHOULD have,

Þ    A baler (bucket?), flares, and a compass.

Þ    (Also, if you have a mobile phone take it with you, and phone the club when your thirsty!)

3)      Thirdly, launching at last:

Before you launch, check your engine starts! It saves bringing it back up the ramp with a red face!

Use a hose and water inlet muffs, to avoid water pump damage, prime the engine for petrol and start it.

ALL OK? Great (!), now for the day out you promised yourself.

CHECK YOUR BUNG IS IN!

Launching, the ramp can be very slippery, the water certainty can be unpredictable.

GET ENOUGH HELP!

Part of being in a club means that someone will always help. Don’t be afraid to ask!

We have a dedicated launch vehicle; in any case do not take your vehicle onto the sand unless you have another vehicle available to help.

People do get stuck, even with 4 x 4 vehicles, we have seen them!

4)      Now you are afloat! You can relax right?

Yes, but be aware of others;

Outside of the line of buoys and 400 metres from the shore is a 4 Knot speed limit (you can almost row that fast!) Watch out for swimmers.

Watch out for Skiers and Ski lines in the water. Never follow a skier in your boat, if they fall in you may hit them!

Know where you are going and tell others if you are leaving the area for an extended time, they may worry about you!

Watch your fuel don’t run out!

If the weather gets bad, come inshore, you can watch it get better from the clubhouse.

If you tie up to a buoy use a metal cleat, the ring of the buoy has been known to wear away even a thick rope, keep an eye on the boat.

And finally when you come in ASK FOR HELP AGAIN!

Have a good time, follow the guidelines and everyone will.

Gunfleet Boating Club Safety Rules 2003 v4.0