FLORIDA YACHT CLUB

 

HANDBOOK

 

 

Contents:

 

1.1       Introduction

 

1.2       Club Traditions

 

2.0       Constitution of the Club

 

3.0              House Rules and Regulations

 

3.1       Boating Rules

 

4.0              Sailing Instructions

 

4.1              Course Cards

 

4.2       Handicap Systems

 

4.3       Prizes and Trophies

 

5.0              Founder Members

 

5.1       Honorary Life Members of the Club

 

5.2       Honours Board and Achievements over the Years

 

5.3       Past Flag Officers

 

 

1.1       Introduction

 

It is not easy for any member to find his or her feet in a club that has a history of more than 40 years (founded 1953).  It is not easy for any newly elected members of the committee to take on their duties, without having some form of handbook to refer to.    

 

Besides, life on board an upholstered Enterprise would not be completely idyllic if one did not have a beer in the one hand and a book in the other.   If in this pursuit, the life of any other FYC member is made the easier by having such a handbook, then its purpose will have been realised.

 

 

 

 

Dedication

 

The idea for this work really came from two great stalwarts of the Florida Yacht Club - Peter Buckley and Dion Hofmeyr.  Both passed on before this work was started but their tales in the SBA of the "Good Old Days" were the inspiration for this handbook.  Dedicated to their memories.

 


1.2       Club Traditions

 

Anthem

 

The club song is “Jerusalem”.

 

Opening/Closing Cruise

 

A ceremonial sail past of classes in ascending sail number order led by the Vice Commodore and tailed by the Rear Commodore where the Commodore assisted by the President or other civic dignitary receives the salute of each yacht that will (or have) participate(d) in the sailing season.  Conclusion of the sail past is heralded by a sound signal from the bridge and three cheers for the Commodore.

 

Splicing of the Mainbrace

 

Refers to the celebratory round of drinks on the account of the Club - usually to celebrate the sailing season.

 

Launching of a New Boat

 

Involves a celebratory bottle of champagne of which a minimal quantity would be splashed over the bow of the new craft.  

 

White Swan

 

The council has tried repeatedly to maintain the presence of white swans on Florida Lake.  Poaching and vandalism continues to hamper the council's efforts.  The Club flag encompasses this symbol of hope for the environment.

 

Royal Blue

 

The background colour to the club flag was water inspired.  However, water this colour is viewed with suspicion within the SBA.

 

The S B A

 

The initials stand for the "Self Bailers Association".  A "self bailer" in a dinghy serves to drain the cockpit whilst the yacht is before the wind and the crew recovers from a spill. Also relevant to those that frequent the SBA.

 

The Beam

 

Failure to remove headgear on approach to the counter beyond "the Beam" requires the purchase of drinks all round.

 

The Bell

 

The ringing of the Bell indicates to all that the member will be buying a round of drinks.   The brass plaque affixed to the beam which warns of this rule comes from the chandler on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

 

Cardinal Puff

 

If ever asked "To drink to Cardinal Puff", the chances are that the member has reached a state of inebriation that requires the immediate surrender of his/her car keys, as the intricacies of the game are not easily mastered by the sober.

 

Hanging Mugs and the Meaning of their Direction

 

A mug belonging to a member of the SBA will face towards the water whilst he/she remains a member and away when the member leaves.

 

The Plaque

 

These chiselled letters riveted to the supporting beam of the SBA represent a sobriety test.


Cardinal Puff

 

Requirements:

 

BC        :           Bar Counter

C          :           Plentiful supply of Castle

DP        :           Drunken Participant

S          :           Stool

T          :           Tankard

 

Rules:

 

Seat the DP on S at BC.  Fill T with C.

 

Permit one full demonstration as below.

 

Note:  On any error DP has to refill T with C.

 

Demonstration:

 

Using thumb and one finger to hold T, say: 

"I drink a drink to the health of Cardinal Puff for the 1st time".

Take one sip from T.

Put T down on BC.

Tap using one forefinger right hand once right top of BC, left hand once left top of BC, right hand once right under BC, left hand once left under BC.

Right foot one tap, left foot one tap.

DP lifts from S once.

 

Using  thumb and two fingers to hold T, say:

"I drink a drink to the health of Cardinal Puff Puff for the 2nd time"

Take two sips from T.

Set T down on BC, pick up and set T down again.

Tap using two fingers (forefinger and middle finger) right hand twice right top of BC, left hand twice left top of BC, right hand twice right under BC, left hand twice left under BC.

Right foot two taps, left foot two taps.

DP lifts from S twice.

 

Using  thumb and three fingers to hold T, say:

"I drink a drink to the health of Cardinal Puff Puff Puff for the 3rd and final time"

Take 3 sips emptying T.

Set T down on BC, pick up and set T down again, pickup and set T down for the third time.

Put T upside down on BC.

Tap using three fingers (forefinger, middle finger and 4th finger) right hand thrice right top of BC, left hand thrice left top of BC, right hand thrice right under BC, left hand thrice left under BC.

Right foot three taps, left foot three taps.

DP lifts from S thrice.

Pick up T and place right way up on head.

 

On error free completion DP is promoted to rank of Cardinal and earns a free T full of C.

 


2.0                                                       Constitution of the Club

 

1.             TITLE

 

                The name of the Club is the Florida Yacht Club.

 

2.             OBJECTS

 

                The objects of the Club are to promote the sport of sailing and to promote, maintain and conduct a Yacht Club on the property of the Club, or on property hired for that purpose, and generally to afford to members of the Club all the usual advantages, privileges, convenience and accommodation pertaining to a Yacht Club, and to furnish and maintain a Club House, and to permit the same to be used by the members upon such terms and subject to such rules and regulations as agreed upon from time to time by the Management Committee of the Club.

 

3.             BURGEE

 

                The Burgee of the Club is a white swan facing the hoist on a Royal Blue background.  It is triangular in shape with the luff not less than 200 mm long and the fly not less than 300 mm long.  The Commodore's broad pennant is of similar design, but swallow tailed.  The Vice-Commodore's broad pennant is of a similar design but rectangular.

 

4.             UNIFORM

 

                The uniform of the Club is a navy blue blazer with Club badge, Club tie and grey or white flannels or skirt.  The Club badge is a white swan on a triangular blue burgee with letters "FYC" below.  The club badge for present and past Commodore is as above but has in addition a gold laurel wreath surrounding the triangular blue burgee.

 

5.             MEMBERSHIP

 

Membership of the Club is open to Ladies and Gentlemen, and Juniors of both sexes, who shall apply for membership and be accepted as hereinafter  provided.

 

5.1           A candidate for membership, shall make application on the official "Membership Application Form" obtainable from the Rear Commodore.  He shall transmit this form, duly completed and signed by his proposer and seconder, who shall be ordinary members of the Club for at least one year, to the Rear Commodore together with his entrance fee and current annual subscription.  On receipt of such application form, the Rear Commodore shall affix it to the Club Notice Board where it shall be displayed for at least fourteen days.  Thereafter the application shall be considered at the next ordinary meeting of the Management Committee, who shall vote upon it by secret ballot.  In the event of two or more Committee members voting against acceptance of the candidate, such candidate shall be rejected and his entrance fee and subscription shall be refunded to him.

                               

                                A candidate so rejected shall not again be proposed for membership until at least twelve months have elapsed from the date of his rejection.  No reason for rejection of an application for membership need be given by the Management Committee.

 

5.2           During the period between receipt of an application form by the Rear Commodore together with the entrance fee and subscription and the final acceptance or rejection of a candidate for membership, temporary membership may be granted at the discretion of the Committee.

 

                                Transfer from one grade of membership to another may be authorised at the discretion of the Committee who may, however, stipulate the payment of an additional entrance fee if, in the opinion of the Committee, this course is justified.

 

                                Persons who are elected to membership in the second half of the financial year shall be liable for full entrance fees, but only one half of the normal subscription.  The Management Committee may, at its discretion and in exceptional circumstances, waive the payment of an entrance fee.

 

5.3           Members of the Club shall be divided into the following grades:

 

5.3.1        Ordinary Members

 

Ordinary Members of the Club shall be accepted as provided in Clause 5.2 of this Constitution.  They shall be entitled to attend any General Meeting of the Club, and to vote thereat and they shall be eligible for election as officers of the Club.

 

5.3.2.       Ordinary Members (Spouses)

 

                                                An ordinary member (spouse) shall be entitled to all the benefits and privileges of Ordinary Members, and the only difference between Ordinary Member and Ordinary Member (Spouse) shall be in the Annual Subscription rate, as hereinafter provided.

 

                                                For the purpose of this section, a spouse may, at the discretion of the Management Committee, and in exceptional circumstances, include the common law wife, co-habitant of an ordinary member, ex-wife, or surviving widow or widower of an Ordinary Member.

 

                                5.3.3        Honorary Life Members

 

                                                Honorary Life Members shall only be elected by an unanimous vote of the Management Committee for some special reason, and such Honorary Life Membership shall be subject to confirmation by a General Meeting of the Club, and such confirmation shall appear on the Agenda of the next General Meeting of the Club following the election by the Committee.

 

                                                Honorary Life Members and their spouses shall be entitled to all the benefits and privileges of ordinary membership including voting powers.  The surviving widow or widower of a Honorary Life Member may continue such life membership of the Club on payment of racing fees (if any) and other fees or levies excluding annual subscriptions.

 

                                5.3.4        Country Members

 

                                                Country membership is open to persons who normally reside outside of a radius of 80 kilometres from the Club House.  Country Members may attend General Meetings of the Club, but may not vote thereat, and are not eligible for election as officers of the Club.

 

                                5.3.5        Junior Members

 

                                                Junior members of a minimum age of eight years, shall be elected as provided in Clause 5.2 of this Constitution, save that in addition to the normal application form an applicant shall lodge an indemnity form signed by his or her legal guardian.  Junior members shall have no voting powers in the affairs of the Club nor shall they be eligible for election as an Officer of the Club.

 

                                                A junior member, on attaining the age of 18 years, shall automatically become an Ordinary Member and shall not be liable for any further entrance fee except that in the event of a junior member not having been a member of the Club for at least two years prior to attaining the age of 18, an additional entrance fee will be payable.  The amount of the additional fee will be the difference between the entrance fee payable by an Ordinary Member and that which the Junior Member paid on application.

 

                                                On attaining the age of 18, the member will become liable for the increased rate of subscription payable by an Ordinary Member, calculated from the date on which he or she turns 18.

 

                                                Scholars, Bona fide students and National Servicemen may on attaining the age  of 18, apply in writing to the Management Committee for deferment from any additional entrance fee and the increased rate of subscription.  Such deferment shall be granted at the sole discretion of the Management Committee, for a period of one year at a time and the member shall re-apply annually should further deferment be required.  While such deferment is in force, and until such time as the member pays any additional entrance fee and the increased rate of subscription, the member shall have no voting powers in the affairs of the Club.

 

                                5.3.6        Supporting Members

 

                                                Supporting members and Supporting Member (Spouse) may attend General Meetings of the Club but shall not be entitled to vote thereat, and are not eligible for election as Office Bearers of the Club.  Supporting Members shall be eligible for election to any Sub-Committee of the Club and to vote at meetings of such Sub Committees.  The term Sub-Committee shall include the Race Committee and the House Committee as hereinafter provided.  Supporting Members shall not be entitled to sail as skippers or regular crew members in club races.  It shall be at the discretion of the Management Committee to decide what constitutes a "regular crew-member" as applied in this Clause.

 

                                5.3.7        Temporary Membership

 

                                                The Rear Commodore, at his discretion, may give temporary membership, or in his absence, the Commodore, for a period not exceeding six months.  The fee to be not less than 5% and not more than 50% of the yearly subscription, payable by an ordinary member.  Temporary Membership must be ratified by the Management Committee within thirty days.  The Management Committee can withdraw temporary membership without notice or reason for withdrawal.  Extension of temporary membership can only be given by the Management Committee.  Separate application for temporary membership must be made for any family of a temporary member.  Temporary membership must not at any one time exceed three per cent of the total membership.  Temporary Members are entitled to attend General Meetings of the Club, but shall not be entitled to vote and are not eligible for election as Office Bearers of the Club.  Temporary Members shall not be entitled to sail as skippers or crew in Club races, except at the invitation of the Vice Commodore or in his absence the Commodore.

 

                                                Temporary Members are not entitled to credit facilities, may not invite guests, park boats or store equipment in the Club's premises.   The purchase of badges, ties or other insignia of the Club shall only be permitted with the prior consent of the Management Committee.  The proposer of the applicant for temporary membership shall be responsible to the Club for the behaviour and any financial obligations of the applicant.

 

                                5.3.8        Group Membership

 

                                                A Group Member of the Club shall be accepted as provided in Clause 5.2 of this Constitution.   A Group shall constitute a body of persons with an elected committee and with a shared interest in the use of the waters and premises of the Club.  Persons belonging to a Group accorded Group Membership may attend General Meetings of the Club but shall not be entitled in their own right to vote thereat, and are not eligible for election as Office Bearers of the Club.  The committee of the Group may elect a representative to vote on behalf of the Group.  Group Members shall not be eligible for election to any Sub-Committee of the Club.  The term Sub-Committee shall include the Race Committee and the House Committee as hereinafter provided.  Group Members shall not be entitled to sail as skippers or regular crew members in club races.  The Group shall be entitled use of Club facilities at times which have been agreed with the Management Committee.   The committee of a Group with a membership in excess of twenty or more persons may nominate a representative on the Management Committee.


 

6.             ENTRANCE FEES AND ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

 

6.1           The entrance fees and annual subscriptions shall be determined by the management committee save that these shall not be increased by more than 10% in any year without reference to a general meeting of members.

 

6.1.1                        An annual charge (determined by the Management Committee) shall be levied in respect of all boats parked or raced during the season.  {Currently R140-00 per boat or R70-00 per Junior or additional boat}.

 

6.1.2                        Interest and/or penalty charges (at the discretion of the management committee) may be levied on arrears in respect of entrance fees, subscriptions or annual charges.

 

6.2           If a member fails to pay his or her annual subscription before 31 May in any year his name may, at the discretion of the Management Committee, be displayed on the Club Notice Board for at least 30 days, and if such member fails to effect full payment within 30 days of posting such notice, he shall forthwith cease to be a member, and shall be notified to the effect, in writing, by the Rear Commodore to his last known address.  Reinstatement shall be conditional upon payment of all outstanding subscriptions and any other monies owing at the time of cessation of membership, together with payment of a fresh entrance fee and subscription for the current year in which reinstatement is applied for and shall, in any case, be at the discretion of the Management Committee.

 

                                In terms of this clause it shall be clearly understood that, while the Rear Commodore of the Club shall make every reasonable endeavour to furnish members with a subscription account not later than 30 April in each year, the onus of satisfying the requirements of this clause shall be on the members, and non-receipt of statements for any reason whatsoever shall not be deemed a good and sufficient reason for failure to pay subscriptions by due date.

 

                                In the event of such defaulter leaving any property whatsoever on the premises of the Club, the Management Committee shall have the rights to charge a storage fee, and/or remove or dispose of such property to defray expenses, having served due notice to the defaulter's last known address.

 

7.         RESIGNATIONS

 

                Resignations shall be notified in writing to the Rear Commodore and any member so resigning shall be liable for his subscription for the financial year in which such resignation is received, together with any monies owing.                                    

 

8.             OFFICERS

 

                The officers of the Club shall be:

 

                President                 Commodore             Vice Commodore                     Rear Commodore                    Secretary                                Boatswain

                Treasurer                                Information Officer                   Purser                    Chairperson of the S.B.A.       Chairperson of the House Committee

                Group Member Representative for any Group of more than 20 Members

 

                8.1           Election of Officers

 

                                Officers other than Group Member Representatives shall be elected by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting of the Club, by members eligible to vote in terms of Clause 5 Section 5.3 of this Constitution.  Each candidate shall be proposed and seconded by members eligible to vote.

 

                8.2           Duties of Officers

 

8.2.1                        Duties of President

 

                                                                The President of the Club shall be the Patron of the Club and shall do whatsoever lies within his power to further the aims and objects of the Club.  Notwithstanding any other clauses in this Constitution, he shall be entitled to ordinary membership of the Club during his term of office.

 

                                                                (Explanatory Note:  This Clause specifically exempts the President from the provisions of Clause 5 as regards an application for membership, the payment of an entrance fee and any subscriptions during his term of office.)

 

8.2.2                        Duties of Commodore

 

                                                                The Commodore shall preside at all General Meetings and Management Committee meetings of the Club save in the case of his unavoidable absence, when the Vice Commodore, or in his absence, a Chairman elected by the meeting shall preside.  The Commodore shall do whatsoever shall lie within his power to promote the objects of the Club and the harmonious co-operation of members in attaining those objects.  The Commodore shall be responsible for ensuring that the provisions of this Constitution are fulfilled.  The Commodore shall be an ex-officio member of all Sub-Committees of the Club.  The Commodore shall ensure that the Club is adequately represented on Provincial and National yachting bodies and do whatsoever may lie within his power to further the interests of the Club in the Provincial, National and International yachting organisations.

 

8.2.3                        Duties of Vice Commodore

 

                                                                The Vice Commodore shall support the Commodore and, in his absence, deputise for him.  The Vice Commodore shall preside over meetings of the Race Committee, save in the case of his unavoidable absence when the Commodore, or in his absence, a Chairman elected by the Race Committee shall preside.  The Vice Commodore shall be an ex-officio member of all Sub-Committees of the Club.

 

8.2.3.1    The Vice Commodore shall do whatsoever may lie within his power to ensure the furtherance of the techniques and arts of the sport of yacht racing.

 

8.2.3.2    Subject to the approval of the Management Committee, the Vice Commodore will appoint a Race Committee.  The Race Committee shall do whatsoever may lie within its power to ensure:

 

(a)           Good sailing courses according to the generally acceptable principles of the sport of yacht racing.

(b)           Competent judges and bridge officials and protest committee members.

(c)           A fair and equitable system of handicapping.

(d)           Strict adherence to the racing rules of the South African Sailing controlling body amended by the Club Sailing Instructions.

(e)           The selection of suitable participants to represent the Club at Inter Club, Provincial and National events.

(f)            The selection of members eligible for Provincial or National colours.

 

 

8.2.4                        Duties of Rear Commodore

 

                                                                The Rear Commodore shall support the Commodore and shall be responsible for all matters appertaining to the administration of membership within the Club, which shall include:

 

8.2.4.1    The provision of suitable "Membership Application Forms".

 

8.2.4.2    Submission of applications for Membership to the Management Committee in terms of clause 5.2 and all correspondence and formalities incidental thereto.

 

8.2.4.3    The maintenance of an up to date register of all Club Members including their postal addresses and grades of membership, a copy of which shall be posted on the Club Notice Board.

 

                                                               The Rear Commodore shall be an ex-officio member of all Sub-Committees.

 

8.2.5                        Duties of Secretary

 

                                                                The Secretary shall keep minutes of all General Meetings of the Club and all Management Committee meetings and shall receive and reply to all correspondence addressed to the Club as directed by the Management Committee.  All letters sent to, and copies of all letters sent by the Club shall be kept by the Secretary.  The Secretary shall ensure that a list of all the latest by-laws and regulations is posted on the Club Notice Board.

 

8.2.6                        Duties of Chairperson of the House Committee

 

                                                                The Chairperson of the House Committee shall support the Commodore and subject to the approval of the Management Committee shall appoint a House Committee.  The House Committee shall be responsible for all the social, entertainment and catering arrangements of the Club, including the provision of all servants, kitchen and toilet facilities.

 

                                                                The Chairperson of the House Committee shall preside over all meetings of the House Committee, save that in his or her absence the Commodore, or in his or her absence, an elected member of the House Committee, shall preside.

 

8.2.7                        Duties of Treasurer

 

                                                                The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of all Sub-Committees of the Club.  The  Treasurer shall hold the funds of the Club, banking them in such bank/s or other financial institution/s as may be determined by the Committee, from time to time.

 

                                                                The Treasurer shall produce a financial statement at each Management Committee meeting stating:

 

                                                                                Current Liquid Assets

                                                                                Current Creditors

                                                                                Current Debtors

Estimated normal running costs up to the end of the current financial year.

 

                                                                The Treasurer shall issue receipts for all monies received by the Club and shall make payment for liabilities incurred by the Club as authorised by the Management Committee and shall sign cheques and other negotiable instruments in conjunction with the Commodore and/or other duly appointed officers.

 

The Treasurer shall keep such vouchers and furnish such information as may be required by the Auditor of the Club.  The Treasurer shall keep such books of account and prepare such Balance Sheet and Revenue and Expenditure Account, which shall be in agreement with the aforesaid books of account, as shall satisfy the Auditor of the Club in this respect.

 

                                8.2.8                        Duties of Purser

 

                                                                The Purser shall do whatsoever lies within his or her power to assist the Treasurer.  In particular, the Purser shall be responsible for the sale of all goods purchased by the Club for resale to members with the exception of those goods purchased and sold by the House Committee.

 

                                8.2.9                        Duties of Boatswain

 

                                                                The Boatswain shall be responsible for maintaining in good working order and condition the equipment, buildings and grounds of the Yacht Club save that the provision and maintenance of rescue facilities and equipment shall be the responsibility of the Race Committee.

 

                                8.2.10                      Duties of Information Officer

 

                                                                The Information Officer shall support the Commodore and shall be responsible for ensuring that members of the Club are kept informed regarding Club activities through the medium of a News Letter.

 

                                                                The Information Officer shall do whatsoever shall lie within his or her power to enhance the reputation and status of the Club and generally to act as the Public Relations Officer of the Club.

 

                                8.2.11                      Duties of the Chairperson of the S.B.A.

 

                                                                The Chairperson of the SBA shall be responsible for the purchase and safekeeping of liquid refreshments on behalf of members.  He or she shall appoint an SBA Committee to assist in these duties which Committee shall be approved by the Management Committee.

 

                                                                The Chairperson of the SBA shall preside over all meetings of the SBA Committee and in his or her absence a chairperson elected by the SBA committee shall preside.

 

                                                                Only members who have been members of the SBA for at least three years shall be eligible for the position of chairperson of the SBA.

 

                                8.2.12                      Duties of the Group Member Representative

 

                                                                The Group Member Representative shall be responsible for the conduct, control and management of members of the Group utilising the facilities of the Club at the times set aside by the Management Committee for such use.

 

                (Explanatory Note:  Duties of the position are generally not prefaced with the definitive article to indicate that the position could conceivably be held by more than one person at any one time.  Where two or more people share a Club Officer position they shall between them hold only one vote on the Management Committee).

 

9.             MANAGEMENT

 

9.1.          The affairs of the Club shall be managed by a Committee consisting of the Officers of the Club as defined in Clause 8 of the Constitution.

 

9.2           Four members of the Management Committee shall form a quorum at any committee meeting.

 

9.3           Not more than 50% of the Management Committee shall be resident outside of the Roodepoort Administrative Area for the Western Metropolitan Local Council.

 

9.4           Powers of Management Committee:

 

9.4.1                        The Committee shall have the power to perform any act which may be necessary or desirable for the purposes of implementing the objects of the Club.

 

9.4.2                        The Committee shall have the power to make, vary and repeal such regulations and by-laws as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Constitution or to implement the objects of the Club or to regulate the use of any part of the Club premises and waters.

 

9.4.3                        The Committee may, at its discretion, determine charges for the use of the Club premises by outside parties or by members for private purposes.

 

9.4.4                        The Committee shall have the power to take such action as may be necessary to maintain the Club property and possessions in good order and condition and to effect such additions and renewals as may be necessary from time to time.

 

9.4.5                        The committee shall have the power to open and maintain accounts in approved financial institutions in the name of the Club, and to draw, accept and endorse cheques and other negotiable instruments in connection with the business of the Club.

 

9.4.6                        The Committee shall have the power to enter into such property lease agreements as may be necessary for the purposes of the Club, provided that the annual rental or rentals involved do not in total exceed 30% of the income from members subscriptions for the previous financial year.

 

9.4.7                        The Committee shall, notwithstanding the provisions of this Clause have the following additional powers subject to the agreement of a duly constituted General Meeting of the Club:

 

9.4.7.1                     To purchase and/or otherwise acquire landed property and to sell, let and/or otherwise deal with such landed property.

 

9.4.7.2                     To borrow money for the purchase of landed and/or other property and/or any other purpose and to hypothecate the landed and/or other property of the Club.   

 

9.4.8                        The Committee shall have the power to appoint such Sub-Committees as may be necessary or desirable from time to time.  In particular, the Committee shall appoint a Race Committee to be responsible for all matters connected with the organisation of yacht racing in the Club, and a House Committee to be responsible for all the social, entertainment and catering activities of the Club.

 

9.4.9                        The Committee shall have the power to co-opt ordinary members of the Club to fill any vacancies occurring during its year of office, or to perform any function whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Clause, the provisions of Section 9.3 shall apply at all times.

 

9.5                 In consideration of the limited space available for the parking and storage of boats the following provisions shall apply in respect of boats declared by the Committee to be derelict boats in terms of this Clause:

 

9.5.1                        The Committee may declare to be a derelict boat any boat upon the premises of the Club:

 

9.5.1.1                     the owner of which has failed to pay both his annual subscription and the annual charge referred to in Clause 6.1.1 hereof and who has failed to remove such boat from the premises of the Club within a period of three months of the date upon which such annual subscription or such annual charge became due.

 

9.5.1.2                     which does not have displayed upon it a current token indicating that the annual charge referred to in Clause 6.1.1 hereof has been paid and in respect of which the identity of the owner is not known to the Committee after the Committee has caused a notice to be published upon the Club Notice Board for a period of not less than 90 days and in not less than three consecutive Club Newsletters, describing the boat and calling upon its owner to make himself known to the Committee or to suffer the consequences of these provisions.

 

9.5.2                        The Committee shall have the power to dispose of derelict boats by sale, by private treaty or public or private auction.

 

9.5.3                        The Committee may deduct from the proceeds of the sale of any derelict boat all amounts owed to the Club in respect of arrear subscriptions; any other annual charges and levies; storage fees; amounts expended in any efforts which the Committee may, in its discretion, make in attempting to trace the present whereabouts of the owner of such boat; expenses incurred relating to or incidental to the sale of such boat, including advertising expenses and any other expenses which the club may have incurred relating to or incidental to the storage or movement of such boat.

 

9.5.4                        The balance of any such proceeds shall be paid into a Trust Account in the accounts of the Club, to be held and administered by the Committee.  If after a period of three years such monies have not been claimed, they shall become the property of the Club, to be applied in the discretion of the Committee, towards achieving the objects of the Club.

 

9.5.5                        In the event that the Committee is unable to sell any derelict boat by private treaty or by public or private auction, the Committee shall have the power to dispose of such boat by any other means, including abandonment, which it deems fit.

 

9.5.6                        Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 9.5.4 in selling any derelict boat the Committee shall not be required to realise any amount in excess of the aggregate of any amounts owed to the Club by the owner.

 

10.           FINANCIAL YEAR

 

                The Financial Year shall be from 1 March to the last day of February in each year.

 

11.           MEETINGS

 

11.1                         The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held before 31 May in each year, and the Commodore's Report and the Financial Statement for the past year shall be presented at such meeting.

 

11.2                         Special General Meetings may be called by the Committee or by not less than 10% of the voting members of the Club upon written request to that effect to the Secretary.  Such written request shall state the purpose for which the meeting is to be called.  The date set for such meeting shall be not later than thirty days after receipt of the request by the Secretary, who shall ensure that the necessary written notice is given to all members of the Club in terms of Section 11.3.

 

11.3                         Notice of General Meetings shall be in writing and shall be posted to all members of the Club not less than fourteen days before the date of the meeting.  Such notice shall state the time and venue of the meeting and shall state the business for which the meeting is called and the discussions, resolutions and amendments at such meeting shall be confined within the scope of such notice.

 

11.4                         A quorum of any General Meeting of the Club shall consist of 10% of the voting members of the Club.

 

11.5                                      A member in good standing may be represented by written proxy.

 

 

 

12.           EXPULSION

 

                Should the conduct of any member, upon being reported to the Committee be, in their opinion, and after full enquiry, ungentlemanly, unsporting, or injurious to the character or interests of the Club, or should any member persistently, after written notice from the Secretary refuse to conform to any Rules, Regulations or By-laws which may from time to time be in force, the Committee may suspend or request such member to resign.

 

                Should such member not resign within fourteen days from the date of the letter to him or to her containing such request, the Committee are empowered to remove his or her name from the list of members.

 

                A member so expelled has the right to appeal to a Special General Meeting of the Club provided he or she lodges his or her appeal within seven days of the date of the notice of expulsion.

 

                A member so expelled can only re-join the Club by being proposed as a new member and by a unanimous vote of the Committee.

 

 

13.           AUDITOR

 

                The members in Annual General Meeting each year shall appoint an auditor to check the Accounts and Balance Sheet.  The Auditor shall not be an officer of the Club.  In the absence of other nominations the retiring Auditor will automatically be re-elected for a further period of office.  The Management Committee will have the power to fill casual vacancies until the next Annual General Meeting of members.

 

 

14.           AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION

 

                Amendments or additions to this Constitution may only be made at a General Meeting and then only by written notice of motion given at least fourteen days before such General Meeting.  Such amendment or addition must be agreed to by two-thirds majority of the members present with voting powers.

 

 

15.           VISITORS

 

                A member may introduce guests to the Club for a day by placing the name/s of such guest/s in the Visitors Book provided for this purpose and signing his own name in the space provided.

 

                Should a member wish to introduce a particular guest on more than six occasions in any financial year, he shall be liable for payment of a fee to be determined by the Management Committee.

 

                Any member who introduces guests to the Club shall be responsible to the Club for the behaviour and financial obligations, if any, of such guests.

 

 

16.           LEGAL PERSONALITY

 

                The Club shall be an autonomous body having perpetual succession and legal existence independent of its members and shall be capable of suing and being sued in its own name.

 

 

17.           LIABILITY OF MEMBERS

 

                The liability of members of the Club in regard to the obligations of the Club shall be limited to the amount of their subscriptions remaining unpaid at any time, if any.  No member has any right to any share in the assets of the Club.

 

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 


3.0       House Rules and Regulations

 

1.         No dogs are allowed on the premises.

 

2.         Children are the responsibility of parents and are NOT ALLOWED TO:

 

            -           create an abnormal disturbance

            -           play on the boats

            -           climb the trees

            -           enter the service side of the kitchen unattended

-           "play" in the toilets, the bridge, the boat house, the lounge or in the SBA

            -           purchase alcohol for their parents

 

3.         Visitors must be signed in and the visitors book is kept in the SBA.  See Clause 15 of the Constitution.

 

4.         Car parking is limited to the area near the gate.  The area in front of the club house is to be kept free of cars.

 

5.         The groundsman is permitted to call for written receipts for all boats removed from the premises during the week.

 

6.         Members may request a key to the front gate against payment of a nominal fee.

 

7.         The Upper Deck of the Club may be hired for private functions.  Bookings to be made with the Club Secretary.

 

8.         Breakages (windows etc.) of Club Property are to be replaced by the member responsible.

 

 

3.1       Boating Rules

 

 

1.      The types and numbers of boats that may be sailed, raced or parked on Club grounds are restricted.   Keelboats, power boats and catamarans are among those craft excluded from Florida Lake's waters.

 

(The restrictions arise from their potential to damage the flora and fauna under the control of the Parks Department.  Anglers are obliged to scrutinise fish caught and return the undersized fish to the waters.  The Lake is a breeding ground for the Moorhen, Egyptian Geese, Terns and numerous other Water Fowls and birds.  Complaints are received from environmentalists when nests are rammed or fish marked by propeller/keel scars.)

 

2.         No craft may sail within 50 metres of any bank.  Marks may not be placed so as to require boats to sail within the 50 metre restricted area.

 

3.         Every boat must carry a lifejacket for each member of its crew, and every craft shall be equipped with a paddle.

 

 

 

 


4.0       Sailing Instructions

 

1.       All races are governed by the 2001-2004 International Yacht Racing Rules except if changed by these instructions.

 

2.       All sailors must be paid up members of Florida Yacht Club.

Exceptions can be made for signed in visitors and Sea Scouts.

 

3.       All boats sailing, except Sea Scout boats (who are not eligible for prizes), must have paid up sailing fees.

 

4.       Notices to competitors will be posted on the official notice board under the bridge.

 

5.       Scheduled races as per the sailing calendar will start at 10 a.m. and approximately noon, with exact time of start displayed on notice board.  Races will be managed so that leading boats complete within 90 minutes.

 

6.       All skippers competing in a race must sign on for that race on the form provided under the bridge.

 

7.       Skippers retiring from a race shall notify the bridge within 30 minutes of the finish of the first boat.

 

8.       Starting order and number of laps will be displayed on the notice board prior to each race.

 

9.       Courses will be sailed as specified on the FYC course card or as written on the notice board. When using a bridge start, the start/finish line is between a pole on the bridge and the designated buoys as specified on the course card. All boats must pass through this line on completion of each lap.

 

10.   All races will be started using Rule 26, system 2 i.e. the 5,4,1,0 system.. The bridge will give 3 sound signals approximately 5 minutes prior to the warning signal. All boats must be on the water before the preparatory signal.

 

11.   The 360ş or 720ş penalty rules will apply.

 

12.   A boat not finishing within 30 minutes of the first boat in her class shall be deemed Did Not Finish.

 

13.   Prizes and trophies will be allocated at the discretion of the sailing committee.

 

 

 

START, FINISH & ROUNDS

 

BRIDGE START - LINE No. 1               Extending from the yellow and black pole in front of the bridge to No. 1 mark.  No. 8 mark is a limiting mark for the line.

 

BRIDGE START - LINE No. 2               Extending from the yellow and black pole in front of the bridge to No. 8 mark.

 

COMMITTEE-BOAT START                 Extending from the yellow and black pole on the committee boat to the designated mark.  A committee boat start will be indicated by the bridge flying the international C flag below the given signal flag.

 

NUMBER OF ROUNDS                        Indicated on black board.

 

FINISHING                                         At the completion of each lap all boats must cross the finish line.

 

 

 


 

4.1       COURSE CARDS

 

BRIDGE STARTS

 

   Signal flag             Start                 Course                                                Finish between

 

  Green                    No. 1                2S, 1S, 6P, 3S, 5S, 7S                                  8-1

  Yellow                   No. 1                3P, 2P, 8P, 6P, 4S, 5S, 7S                            8-1

  Navy Blue              No. 1                7P, 5P, 3P, 1S, 6S, 1P, 2P                            8-1

  White                    No. 2                2S, 3S, 1P, 4S, 7P, 5P, 1S                       8S -- shore

  Black                    No. 2                3P, 2P, 1S, 4S, 1P, 5S, 7S                       8S – shore

 

COMMITTEE BOAT STARTS. (CB - committee boat)

 

Signal flag              Start                Course                                                   Finish between

Maroon - C             CB - 1             5S, 7S, 8S, 2S, 1S, 4P, 3P                               8-1

Green - C               CB - 7             2S, 1S, 6P, 3S, 5S, 7S                                     8-1

                                                    (Ignore marks 1 and 8 at start leg of 1st lap)

Yellow - C              CB - 7             3P, 2P, 8P, 6P, 4S, 5S, 7S                               8-1

                                                    (Ignore marks 1 and 8 at start leg of 1st lap)

Navy Blue - C         CB - 2             7P, 5P, 3P, 1S, 6S, 1P, 2P                               8-1

                                                    (Ignore marks 1 and 8 at start leg of 1st lap)

White - C*              CB - 1             45, 7P, 5P, 8S, 2S, 3S                                     8-1

Black - C*              CB - 4             1P, 5S, 7S, 8S, 3P, 2P, 1S, 4S                         8-1

 

*NOTE: Committee boat courses white and black are not the same courses as the bridge starts of the same colour.

(P.T.O. for sketch of lake).

4.2       Handicap Systems

 

Boat Handicaps

 

Here the total elapsed time from start gun to finish of a boat is taken and divided by the number of laps to obtain an average time per lap.  The average time per lap is then multiplied by the factor to obtain the corrected time.  The corrected time then determines the boat placing.  Note that the factor represents 100 divided by the Portsmouth Rating.

 

Class                                       Portsmouth Rating                              Factor

 

Dabchick                                             126                                          .7937

Enterprise                                           118                                          .8475

Extra                                                    127                                          .7874

Finn                                                     114                                          .8772

Gull                                                      147                                          .6803

Gypsey                                                132                                          .7576

Laser                                                   114                                          .8772

Mirror                                                   146                                          .6849

Optimist                                              174                                          .5747

Penquin                                               149                                          .6711

Spearhead                                          96                                           1.0417

Sprog                                                  118                                          .8475

Windsurfer                                          132                                          .7576

 

 

 

Skipper Handicaps

 

Here the total elapsed time from start gun to finish of a boat is taken and divided by the number of laps to obtain an average time per lap for the boat.  The averages of all the boats in a particular class are in turn averaged to obtain an average for the class.  The average time for the class is then divided by the average time for the boat to obtain a factor known as the skipper handicap.  The skipper handicap factor is then multiplied by his average lap time to obtain his corrected time.  The corrected time then determines his boat placing within his class.

 

Note that the average of all skipper handicaps within a race will always be 1.00   The more observations (races) used to determine the skipper handicap, the more representative the handicap would be of the skipper's average performance. 

 

The practice has been to calculate skipper factors over all races for which times have been recorded (when using the nationally accepted computerised results programme written by Mike Sadler).  This computerised results programme only allows the entry of one skipper factor per series of races.  If this is not desired, then the times have to be corrected manually beforehand and only the corrected results entered to the programme.  Use the latter method if results are advised to members during the course of the series.  In this event it is not necessary to treat the whole second race programme as one series.


4.3       Prizes and Trophies

 

Handicap Series

(8 Races - 6 to count: Skipper Handicaps apply within each class)

Class                           Trophy                                                 Whereabouts             

 

Enterprise                   Pamela Kay Trophy                            Stolen

Laser                           B G Parts Trophy                               

Spearhead                  Mulder Cup                                          Missing

Sprog                          Shelly Trophy                                     

Dabchick                     Handicap Trophy                                 Missing

"O" Class                    Barbara Larkin Trophy                        Missing

Windsurfer                  J D Mitchell Trophy                             Trophy Cabinet

 

Aggregate Scratch

(8 Races - 6 to count: no handicapping)

Class                           Trophy                                                 Whereabouts

 

Enterprise                   Bennington Trophy Scratch               

Laser                           Orgy Goblet Scratch                           Missing

Spearhead                  Long Memorial Trophy Scratch         

Sprog                          Irene Robb Trophy Scratch               

Windsurfer                  Wendy Savage Cup

 

Aggregate Handicap

(8 Races - 6 to count:  Skipper handicaps apply within class)

Class                           Trophy                                                

 

Enterprise                   Aggregate Handicap                          

Laser                           Ernie Orr Trophy Handicap                

Spearhead                  Mayor Schoeman Cup

Sprog                          Folkard Trophy Handicap                   

Dabchick                     Aggregate Handicap

"O" Class                    Aggregate

 

Scratch Series

(8 Races - 6 to count: no handicapping)

Class                           Trophy                                    

 

Enterprise                   Enterprise Cup

Laser                           Angus Currie Scratch Trophy

Spearhead                  Gerd Bohnsack Trophy                      

Sprog                          Sprog Trophy

Dabchick                     Scratch Trophy

"O" Class                    Holiday Trophy

Windsurfer                  Bill Davies Memorial Trophy

 

Second Race Series

(All classes compete against each other - boat handicaps apply)

FYC Pennant              (6 races - 5 to count)

Mug Series                  (5 races - 4 to count)

President's Cup          (6 races - 5 to count)

Sandie Goldie              (6 races - 5 to count)


5.0       Founder Members of the Club

 

1953                J D Mitchell

                        J H Roux

                        J A Proudfoot

                        K B Larkin

                        B Haynes

                        J Massyn

 

5.1       Honorary Life Members of the Club

 

1955                A O Reece

1960                W B Milne

1960                S M Ross

1965                D R Holmes

1965                E M Nevill

1965                K B Larkin

1966                C O Kerr Phillips

1969                C Payne

1976                Mrs E Buckley

1976                P Buckley

1981                A L Mitchell

1981                J D Mitchell

1991                D Hofmeyr

1995                J Scorgie

1996                I Lang

1998                F Hannibal

1998                Mrs S Hannibal

 

5.2       Honours Board and Achievements over the Years

 

National (Springbok) Colours

1984                D Isaac                       (Flying 15 World Championships Ireland)

1984                H Dannhauser            (Flying 15 World Championships Ireland)

1985                R Moore                      (Enterprise World Championships, Looe, UK)

1986                H Dannhauser            (Enterprise World Chanpionships, Looe, UK)

 

South African Sailing Colours

1995                D Isaac                       (Fireball World Championships, Ireland)

1994                E von Bredow (IRYU World Championships, La Rochelle, J22 Ladies)

1995                                                    (IRYU Nations Cup Final, San Francisco)

1994                S von Bredow (IRYU World Championships, La Rochelle, J22 Ladies)

1995                                                    (IRYU Nations Cup Final, San Francisco)

 

Youth South African Sailing Colours

1993                E von Bredow              (IYRU Youth Worlds Regatta)

 

Provincial Colours

1991                K Davies                     -           Transvaal (Enterprise Class)

1991                E Psiloyenis                -           Transvaal (Junior)

1996                G M Waiting                -           Transvaal (Ladies single handed)


5.3                   Past Flag Officers

Year                President                   Commodore               Vice-Commodore      Rear-Commodore

1954-55                                               K Larkin                       E M Nevill                   J Proudfoot

1955-56                                               J Holliday                    G James                     N Cox

1956-57                                               W Milne                       R Lancaster                I Lang

1957-58           P Schoeman               W Milne                       K Larkin                       P Vaugn

1958-59           S Ross                        W Milne                       J Roux                        P Vaugn

1959-60           S Ross              W Milne/R Lancaster            J Roux                        D Storm

1960-61           H Hugo                        J Roux                        R Lancaster                N Cox

1961-62           C Payne                      F Christie                    J Massyn                    D Storm

1962-63           C Payne                      F Christie                    F Milachowski             D Evans-Davies

1963-64           C Payne                      B Haynes                    O Harrowsmith            P Buckley

1964-65           C Payne                      B Haynes                    O Harrowsmith            J Kay

1965-66           C Payne                      B Haynes                    O Harrowsmith            P Buckley

1966-67           C Payne                      O Harrowsmith            A Currie                       M Broomhead

1967-68           C Payne                      O Harrowsmith            J Kay                           B Ireland

1968-69           C Joubert                    J Kay                           P Buckley                   J Routledge

1969-70           J Kay                           P Buckley                   J Harrison                   G Flatt

1970-71           J Kay                           J Mitchell                     M Tarbotan                 J Blazey

1971-72           J Kay                           J Mitchell                     E Orr                           A Marais

1972-73           C Hattingh                   A Marais                     A Currie                       E Livesey Goldblatt

1973-74           C Hattingh                   A Currie                       E Livesey Goldblatt    J Houston

1974-75           C Hattingh                   E Livesey Goldblatt    J Houston                   E Moore

1975-76           C Hattingh                   J Houston                   E Moore                      F Folkard

1976-77           C Hattingh                   F Folkard                     D Stumbles                 J de Veer

1977-78           C Hattingh                   J de Veer                    R Woosnam-Savage  K Keates

1978-79           A D Currie                   R Woosnam-Savage  R W Cox                     H Massyn

1979-80           A D Currie                   R W Cox                     H Massyn                   T R Beveridge

1980-81           J D Mitchell                 H Massyn                   M W Jordan                M W Taylor

1981-82           J D Mitchell                 H Dannhauser            M Taylor                      G Devine

1982-83           D Treleven                  M Taylor                      J Rickard                    R Northgrave

1983-84           D Treleven                  J Rickard                    R Northgrave              D Mullin

1984-85           D Treleven                  J Rickard                    D Davies                     D Mullin

1985-86           D Treleven                  J Scorgie                     B Muldoon                   M Patterson

1986-87           D Treleven                  B Muldoon         A Bastiman/T Watkins         M Eldridge

1987-88           D Treleven                  B Muldoon                   M Livesey                   I Lang

1988-89           D Treleven                  S Halliday                    G M Waiting               I Lang

1989-90           D Treleven                  I Lang                          G M Waiting                L Culverwell

1990-91           D Treleven                  G M Waiting                L Culverwell                 J Scorgie

1991-92           D Treleven                  G M Waiting                K Davies                     J Cleland

1992-93           D Treleven                  K Davies                     J Cleland                     G McLaren

1993-94           D Treleven                  J Cleland                     G McLaren                  M Gornall

1994-95           W v d Schyf                B Brandt                      G Pope                        G McLaren

1995-96           W v d Schyf                G McLaren        D Isaac/W Cruickshank       B Wilkinson

1996-97           W v d Schyf                D Isaac                       K Davies                     B Wilkinson

1997-98           W v d Schyf                E Psiloyenis                C Galvin                      D Stace

1998-99           W v d Schyf                K Davies                     G M Waiting                D Stace

1999-00           W v d Schyf                G M Waiting                K Bishop                     M P Waiting

2000-01           W v d Schyf                G M Waiting                N Kirk                          D Stace

2001-02           W v d Schyf                G M Waiting                B Bateman                  S Saville/M P Waiting

2002-03           W v d Schyf                B Bateman                  H J Neily                     G M Waiting