Buddy Sailing

Buddy Sailing Introduction

'Buddy sailing' can take place to allow members to use the water outside of scheduled sailing times when there is no safety boat on the water. Note that 'Buddy Sailing' also includes use of all permitted craft on the same basis, and may also be referred to as 'Buddy Use'.

More detailed information about the levels of Safety Cover being provided at different times are available both in the Safety Policy and the Club Byelaws. This page summarises the elements of these documents that relate to Buddy Sailing.

Basics

The primary responsibility for safety in all water-sports lies with the individual participant, or their responsible adult for persons under 16 years old. There are many factors that influence the personal safety of a water user, which are mainly a combination of good judgement calls as well as suitable personal competence and equipment for the prevailing conditions. Personal competence and good decision making both improve with training and experience. Inexperienced water users should understand the limits of their knowledge, and that they may not even be aware of all the hazards that could affect their own safety. Considerations for Buddy Sailing should include as a minimum:

Awareness of both the prevailing and forecast weather and water conditions
Personal ability / technical competence to be able to control the craft and return to shore in the conditions likely to be encountered.
The ability to recognise and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
A constant awareness of other water users, including some forethought about how a rescue might be assisted or performed.
The number and ability of the group of Buddy Sailors going afloat.

Buoyancy Aids:

Adequate personal buoyancy as defined in the bye-laws shall be worn by all water users at all times while afloat, the only exceptions to this are also detailed in the bye-laws.

Protective Clothing:

No person shall be afloat without the appropriate protective clothing suitable for the prevailing and forecast weather and water conditions. Compliance with this rule is the responsibility of the individual.

Buoyancy:

Any craft used shall have its designed buoyancy maintained in satisfactory working order.

Clubhouse

Other than at scheduled sailing times, the upper level of the clubhouse is unavailable. Access to changing, shower and and toilet facilities are available via the keypad entry on the downstairs changing room doors.

Guests

For insurance purposes and to prevent unauthorised access, Buddy sailing is for club members only. Guests may not be introduced and boats not owned by club members cannot be sailed.

Restrictions on Sailing:

There shall always be at least two craft on the water at any one time so that one is available to stand by and give assistance if the other should get into difficulties.
Those craft shall stay within sight of each other at all times and should keep a lookout for other craft.
Sailors going afloat do so entirely at their own risk.
Sailing may only take place during daylight hours.

Members Under 16yrs:

Members under the age of 16 are allowed to Buddy Sail if their supervising adult is in attendance, and at least one adult is afloat with them.

Third Party Insurance:

All members afloat shall abide by the clubs existing rules on 3^rd Party Insurance cover.

Distress Signalling:

During buddy sailing times, all must be aware of the recognised signal of distress. This is illustrated on a poster under the balcony. All craft shall carry spare line with which a boat can be towed or be used as a replacement inhaul/outhaul.

Remember: If in doubt, don't go out!