WHSC Club Boat Use: GP14

As a GP14 checked-out adult member of the WHSC you can now use the club GP14 boats without supervision.

Please remember that the club is run by volunteers and has no paid staff.  We depend on each other to keep the kit in good condition and keep things running smoothly and so it is important that you stick to the following:

Before going out:

• check on the club calendar on the website that it is a sailing day (ie not an A day or AZ day - see below); please also note that club training has priority over private use.
• check the wind speed: Club GP14s may not be sailed when the mean/average wind speed exceeds 17 knots/20mph/Force 4 without the express permission of a Senior Instructor and/or the OOD in charge of racing. The mean/average windspeed can be readily checked using any suitable smartphone app.
  • sailing after dusk is prohibited
  • when there is Thunder and Lightening you must wait for 20 minutes after the last lightening flash before going on the water. If you are already on the water when the storm starts you must evacuate the water immediately. The shore alert is a red flag and loud hooter.
• avoid sailing when there is no-one else around: agree to meet someone there, ask someone in WHSC and failing that, if other clubs are on the water, ask them if they would mind keeping an eye out for you. Please note that they will only help in an emergency and cannot provide safety cover. Avoid going out of sight of the clubhouse. Only sail within your own capability. Wear a buoyancy aid.
• check there is nothing wrong with boat on the Issues Board
  • You are welcome to bring an occasional guest to sail with you. They must be signed into the Guest Book (by the phone in the south building) and leave an emergency phone number. A guest may not take out a club Laser but may helm a GP14 as long as they are with a checked out member. A guest may not use club windsurfing kit. A more than occasional guest should join the Club

General Info:

• Club GP14s are on berths in Row A. They are numbered 1-10 on the prow and stern.
  • Trolleys are marked with yellow paint. Many of them have a karabiner clip which must be attached to the prow to prevent the boat tilting backwards when on the trolley.
  • Trailers: ask the boat manager if you wish to borrow a road trailer.
  • Log or book boat usage according to current system (in the diary in the clubhouse or on dutyman)
  • Club boats may occasionally be taken away to Open Meetings/coastal trips in the company of other experienced sailors. Permission must granted by a member of the committee or one of the Chief Instructors. Please log this in the diary and return boat rigged ready for the next training session.

Rigging:

• A mast head float must be used at all times including club racing (in boat shed)
• Rigs must not be altered. If for some reason this is unavoidable, they must be changed back. Spinnaker sails/ poles / storm jibs must be returned to the boat shed.
• Club sails/foils are not to be used on private boats and vice versa, except by express permission.
• Boats left on the pontoon should have sails dropped or furled, centreboards raised and rudders removed. Trollies should be removed from the water and stored considerately. Trollies left in the water present a hazard to other users.

Rigging/de-rigging checklist:

• Bungs and hatches – in before you go out; out when you pack up …EXCEPT…. do not remove the stern hatch (which is designed for access only)
• Self-bailers – open on the berth, closed before you launch and retrieve
• Mainsails left unreefed after sailing and floated into the boat
• Genoas rolled or floated into the boat
• Cover carefully tied on; boats tied down to berth
• Spinnakers/poles/storm jibs/masthead floats – back in boat shed after use; store tidily

Damage:

• if you damage a boat, or notice something wrong, please try to mend it yourself in the first instance. If this is not possible, please note it on the issues board in the South Clubhouse.
• In case of major damage, please fill in an accident report form (in the drawers in the South Clubhouse). Members will be asked to cover the cost of repair up to £50, unless someone else offers to take responsibility for this or there are exceptional circumstances. They will also be asked to cover the premium excess for an insurance claim (currently £50). The Bosun will give you advice about this. Please do not enter into dispute with any other sailor – the Committee will do it on your behalf if necessary. This rule does not apply in organised training sessions.

Sailing Days on the Harp :

• On category A days no other craft are allowed on the water until racing is finished. On occasion this restriction may be in a designated zoned area of the lake (AZ)
• On category B days no other racing is allowed.
• Category D events are listed for information only.
• On category C days the relevant club has the right to organise starts and decide the course, after which all others, if using the same marks, shall round them in the same direction.