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Proposed Changes and Revisions of the Constitution and By-laws

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Constitution_bylaws_2004.pdf
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Members Information Package

CONTENTS

Welcome
Membership Objectives
Subscription Information
Officers and Their Duties
Committees
Club House Rental
Learn-To-Sail Program
Boat Mooring Rental
Bar Accounts

Welcome to
CHESTER YACHT CLUB
The Home of Chester Race Week

GREETINGS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP

Welcome to The Chester Yacht Club (CYC). We hope your membership in our club will be a good experience. We encourage you to fully participate in the Club and look forward to seeing you at events.

The Chester Yacht Club was first established in 1900 and incorporated in 1902. The club is governed by elected officers, appointed positions and committee groups. Members of the current Executive and Committee Chairs are listed on the CYC web page at www.cyc.ns.ca.

Please feel free to discuss any club matter with the appropriate officer if you have questions about club policies. In addition to the general meeting platforms that are available through the regular season, the Executive meets year-round to assess the needs of the membership as a whole and changes can be introduced through these channels at any time. Information concerning meeting times and locations is posted on the CYC web page.

We hope this booklet is a helpful reference guide for you. Thank you for choosing to join the Chester Yacht Club.

WHERE TO FIND US

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
Club House - (902) 275-3747
Fax - (902) 275-2525

CYBER SPACE
Email - info@cyc.ns.ca

MEMBERSHIP OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Club shall be to encourage members to:

* Become more proficient in the personal management, maintenance and handling of their boats.
* Exercise proper navigation and seamanship.
* Provide social and instructional activities as may be desirable in the interests of all Club members.
Note: The above has been reproduced verbatim from the Constitution and By Laws. Aug. 30 1995.

DID YOU KNOW

* Any Member may sponsor a longer term guest as a "Vacationing Social Member" for a period of two weeks. Fee determined annually by the Executive.
* Member's dogs are allowed on the Club grounds but not in the Club House. They must be on a leash( the dog that is !).
* All Armed Forces Officers (Foreign or Domestic) visiting Chester will be welcomed to the Club.
* As a Member you may open a personal charge account "chit" at the bar.
* Any Member may change the category of their membership to include their significant other or life partner as a member or enroll their whole family for a percentage increase of their base fee.
* Any Member may sign in a guest(s) for a day at the Club. However, that guest is limited to using the sign-in privilege only 3 times in one season.
* Race Week is always scheduled the second full calendar week of August and begins on the Wednesday of that week.
* Skippers are always looking for sailing crew. Don't be shy, get the skipper's names from the Race Board and ask around. It's fun out there!

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MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

GENERAL

SENIOR - An individual 19 years of age or over. All club privileges including helmsperson and may attend all meetings. Includes proprietary rights and one vote. (Base fee)

SENIOR COUPLE - Two individuals 19 years of age or over. One Senior Member must subscribe the other as a Significant Other or life partner. All club privileges are extended to both members including meetings, with the exception of the S.O. who may not be a helmsperson, but may hold committee status. Only the Senior member holds proprietary rights and one vote. (Base fee + 25%)

SENIOR w/CHILDREN - A single parent family unit with the Senior member 19 years of age or over and all his or her children, under the age of 19 years, welcomed as Junior Members. Senior Member has all club privileges including helmsperson and may attend all meetings. Includes proprietary rights and one vote. (Base fee + 25%)

SENIOR FAMILY - A family unit with two individuals 19 years of age or over as Senior Members and all children, under the age of 19 years, welcomed as Junior Members. Both Senior Members have all club privileges including helmsperson and may attend all meetings. Includes proprietary rights and one vote each. (Base fee + 50%)

STUDENT - Offered to individuals holding a valid International Student Card. All club privileges including helmsperson and may attend all meetings. Includes proprietary rights and one vote. (50% of base fee)

CREW - Must be sponsored by a CYC Registered Skipper. All club privileges with the exception of helmsperson. No proprietary rights or vote, but may hold committee status. (50% of base fee)

JUNIOR

Grade A - (15 & under) Individuals up to the age of 15 years are eligible as Grade A Junior members. (15% of base fee)

Grade B (16 - 18 yrs.) Individuals between the ages of 16 years and 18 years and have not attained the age of 19 years before June, are eligible as Grade B Junior Members. (25% of base fee)

EXTRAORDINARY

BENEFACTOR - A Senior member with all rights and privileges afforded. Established with a single payment of $5,000 or more designated for a special "Interest Only" fund. (75% of base fee)

PROPRIETARY - A Senior member with all rights and privileges afforded. Established with a single payment of $5,000 or more designated for "Capital Projects" fund. (80% of base fee)

HONORARY - A member with all rights and privileges afforded with the exception of executive office or a vote. Established when a individual has been approved by the CYC Executive and has been elected by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting of the membership. (No fee)

TEMPORARY

AT SEA - Offered to members who wish to keep their subscription current but will be absent from the club during a normal season. (25% of base fee)

VISITOR - Offered to guests of members for a period of two weeks (14 days). Only offered twice in a lifetime. Club privileges only. (Fee to be determined annually by the Executive)

ENTRANCE FEE

A levy for "first time" subscribers, used for capital improvements to the club house and grounds. The entrance fee applies to any new Senior designation. Set at two/thirds of the annual fee.

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CYC OFFICERS, STAFF AND THEIR DUTIES

COMMODORE (Elected)

The Commodore is responsible for the overall operation of the Club. The Commodore chairs most meetings and in general has control of the direction and feel of the Club. The Commodore is in command of the Club at all times.

VICE-COMMODORE (Elected)

The Vice-Commodore shall be responsible for the grounds, bar steward and the supervision of the conduct and discipline of members therein, and shall assist the Commodore in the activities of the Club other than sailing.

REAR-COMMODORE (Elected)

The Rear Commodore shall be responsible for preparations of races within the Club.

SECRETARY TREASURER (Stipend)

The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a record of all proceedings of the Club and a correct roll of members with dates of election. He or she shall notify each member of his/her election and notify the members of each meeting and take charge of the books, records, papers, correspondence and bill paying.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall collect all monies and notify the Membership Committee of Members whose dues are delinquent.

FLAG OFFICERS (Appointed)

The Flag Officers shall assist the Commodore in the activities of the Club.

FLEET CAPTAIN (Appointed)

The Fleet Captain shall report directly to the Rear Commodore and is responsible for the maintenance of the Club's wharves, moorings, racing marks, Club trophies, enforcement of vessel safety regulations, maintenance of a register of yachts belonging in the Club, and to assist with the operation of the Club's Racing Program.

RACE OFFICER (Appointed)

The Race Officer shall assist the Fleet Captain in carrying out his assigned duties. Reports directly either to the Rear-Commodore or to the Fleet Captain as deemed appropriate.

JUNIOR -SENIOR LIAISON OFFICER (Appointed)

The Junior-Senior Liaison Officer shall be responsible for fund raising and encouraging involvement and participation by the Junior members in the Club.

The Junior-Senior Liaison Officer shall organize a social program with input from the Junior Executive Committee. Reports to the Vice-Commodore.

LEARN TO SAIL COORDINATOR (Appointed)

The duties of the Learn-to-Sail Coordinator include organizing, fund raising and instructional programs in sailing for the benefit of Junior and other members of the Club. Reports to the Rear-Commodore.

CLUB HANDICAPPER (Appointed)

Appointed by the Rear-Commodore to be responsible for meeting with other Area Yacht Club handicappers and keeping current as to changes in the racing handicap system. Set Club Handicaps as required.

CLUB STEWARD (Salary)

Responsible for all the day to day operations of the Club and bar, including any daily maintenance and cleanup of the house and grounds. Maintains control of the premises at all times, including the Junior Club. Maintains bar inventory, staffing, sales records and banking as directed by the Sec./ Treas. All other direct reporting is to the Vice-Commodore.

The Club Steward also assists the Race Week Chairperson in organizing the bar, staffing, house & grounds.

RACE START OFFICER (Salary)

Responsible for the daily race starts and time recording from the Club wharf. Handles all related equipment to perform the job and set race courses as required and reports to the Rear-Commodore.

COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee is composed of the Officers of the Club and controls the financial and organizational activities of the Club.

It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to approve all expenditures, to elect members, to make an annual report concerning the condition of the finances of the Club, and such other matters as they may think proper at the Annual Meeting, and to transact all business of the Club not otherwise specially provided for.

SAILING COMMITTEE

The Sailing Committee shall be composed of the Rear-Commodore, who shall be Chairperson, the Fleet Captain, the Race Officer and at least two members appointed by the Rear-Commodore, one of whom shall be the Club Handicapper.

The Sailing Committee shall be responsible for the Club Racing Program, which includes establishing the local racing prescriptions, the Sailing Schedule and Yacht Ratings.

HOUSE AND GROUNDS

The House and Grounds Committee shall be chaired by the Vice-Commodore and shall be responsible for the house and grounds as well as the social events of the club.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee shall be charged with the responsibility of fostering the membership of the Club, reviewing applications for membership and seeing that the correct membership list is kept.

JUNIOR COMMITTEE

The Junior Committee shall consist of four officers: Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Rear-Commodore and Secretary-Treasurer, all of whom shall be elected from and by the Junior Membership. They shall be responsible to the Junior-Senior Liaison Officer of the Club.

Volunteers always needed and appreciated.

This club depends largely on volunteers to organize events and serve on committees. Any skills you have could be of use. Please contact the appropriate Chairperson to offer your assistance.

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CLUB HOUSE RENTAL

The Club House is available for rent under the following terms and conditions:

* Any voting member in good standing may book the Club House for a private function to commence after 07:00 P.M. on Saturdays. The member has sole responsibility for who is admitted to this private function and the conduct of his/her guests during this function. Because the function occurs outside normal Club hours, no other member is entitled to attend unless invited by the host.

* The Club House will supply one staff member (Club Steward) and only liquor purchased through the CYC bar will be permitted. If additional staff are required, arrangements should be made with the Club Steward.

* Every effort should be made to support the Club's contracted caterer where possible.

* Any member of the public, if approved by CYC executive and sponsored by a voting member who will attend the proposed event, may rent the Club House for a private function subject to the rules/regulations.

* The Club Steward is authorized at any time, to restrict the admission of any person, if he/she feels the Club's property is in danger or the Liquor License restricts it.

* A cleaning deposit is required in all cases. If damage to the Club occurs during a private function, the renter shall reimburse the Club for repairs to the damaged property. A credit card imprint will be required for this purpose.

Inquiries concerning rental availability and fees should be directed to the Club Steward.

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CYC LEARN-TO-SAIL & RACING PROGRAM

* All programs stress safety, seamanship and sportsmanship. Maximum 10 students to instructor ratio.

* Students must be 10-17 years old (OPTI, 7-10 yrs.) and have Red Cross Aqua Quest 7 or be able to swim 45 meters (50 yards) continuously.

* Students who have sailed, but not under the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA), will be assessed to ensure they are in the appropriate level once classes start.

* Students whose parent(s) or grandparent(s) are Senior with Children or Senior Family CYC members are offered an early registration deadline of April 15th. After that date registration is open to the public. Applications will be date stamped upon receipt. In the event classes are overbooked, preference will be given to new students for subsequent sessions, to enable more children to experience sailing. A waiting list will be created to take advantage of cancellations.

* Private boats are permitted, with the approval of the instructor, prior to the session's start date. Contact the registrar for appointment.

SESSIONS OFFERED

WET YOUR FEET

A one week course offered in late June for both new and experienced sailors. Try sailing for the first time or get your sea legs back after the long winter while the club is quiet. All levels taught.

OPTI HALF DAY (For students 7-10 years old, under 61kg/135lb)

White Sail I, II, III, taught. The Optimist is a popular class of boat that is highly rated for training the young sailor, and remains challenging to the students as they progress in skill.

BEGINNER

White Sail I,II,III levels taught. Introduction to boat handling and terminology. Safety in wind speeds of 4-9 knots(8-15km/hr). Upon completion of this level the student will be able to safely sail without supervision in wind speeds noted above. Two to three students to a boat, called Mirror Dinghies.

INTERMEDIATE

Bronze IV, V levels taught. Introduction to advanced handling skills in wind speeds of 9-14 knots(15-25km/hr). More theory and terminology. Spinnaker use, boat maintenance, trapezing and sail theory. Boats are two handed Club 420's.

Note: No classes are held during Chester Race Week

CHESTER JUNIOR RACING PROGRAM

Designed for sailors with some racing experience, who are ready to commit to a serious racing program. The curriculum covers advanced theory and sailing skills, with emphasis on the fun of competition, team building, and sailing excellence. Students must have their own instructor approved boat. Four Bytes and a Laser I are available for rent. Applications in the following classes may be submitted: 29er, Byte, 420 and Optimist. The program is offered for Spring Weekend Racing, Summer Racing and Fall Weekend Racing.

For detailed information concerning class dates, schedules, fees and registration for either the Junior Learn-to-Sail or Racing programs, contact the Junior-Senior Liaison Officer or the Learn-to-Sail Coordinator.

ADULT LEARN-TO-SAIL

This course is designed for adult beginners who want to learn the basics of sailing a keelboat or for those with some experience wanting to upgrade their skills. It is a week long (Monday to Friday) course, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The written exam is on Friday afternoon. Participants attain an internationally recognized certificate and logbook upon successful completion. For details concerning course fees and schedule, contact the Adult Learn-to-Sail coordinator.

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MOORING RENTALS - MOORING FEES

A limited number of moorings are available for CYC members and visitors during the Club season (June to September) Information concerning current rental fees* may be obtained from the Club Steward or Fleet Captain

*First day is complimentary if visitor is from a recognized Yacht Club.

MOORING RULES

The Chester Yacht Club and the owner agree that the yacht, as described below, may anchor at an assigned mooring subject to the following conditions:

* Anchorage at CYC mooring is accepted at the sole risk of the owner, and the owner hereby releases the Chester Yacht Club from any and all claims for loss or damage, however caused.

* The Chester Yacht Club assumes no liability for fire, theft, collision, vandalism, deterioration of equipment, or acts of God while the above yacht is anchored at a CYC mooring.

* The owner fully understands that the Chester Yacht Club does not in any way guarantee, nor can it be held liable for the condition or reliability of the mooring in question.

* The Chester Yacht Club assumes no liability for personal injury or loss of life to the owner, his/her guests, servants, agents or employees during anchorage at the CYC mooring.

* The owner shall pay all costs involved should it be necessary for the Chester Yacht Club to take legal action to collect overdue accounts.

Request for Mooring Rental Form is located at the back of this book.

Race Week: Mooring rentals are on a first come, first serve basis and must be accompanied with a completed entry form and fee.

NO OVERNIGHT DOCKAGE AT THE CYC WHARF.

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BAR ACCOUNTS (CHITS)

NEW ACCOUNTS (Guaranteed by VISA)

* All new accounts will require a signed VISA preauthorization form, a current membership card and a signature to acknowledge that the rules have been read and understood, prior to any activity.

* All bar accounts are totaled at the end of each month and charged to your VISA. Records of your account (chits) will be kept at the bar for your inspection.

EXISTING ACCOUNTS (not guaranteed by VISA)

* Accounts are only available to current members in good standing.

* All accounts are to be kept in a positive balance at all times. If a member runs into a negative balance, no further bar service, including cash, will be provided until the account is positive again. There will be no exceptions to this policy. It is up to the member to be aware of the current balance. However, the Club Steward can advise of a balance upon a member's request.

* Members are encouraged to convert existing non-guaranteed accounts to the signed pre-authorized system.

* Any account that remains in a negative balance for more than 30 days following notification from the Steward, will be closed. Only a NEW signed VISA preauthorization account will be opened after clearing the existing account.

The application for BAR "CHIT SERVICE" is located at the back of this book.

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