Sailors safety

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All sailors are responsible for their own safety at all times, also when there is a rescue boat on the water. Therefore, please think before you sail. How can you manage if something happens? Can you recover from a capsize? Has your boat been buoyancy tested? Are you wearing sufficient warm protective clothing? Is there another boat that can come and assist you? Is somebody watching from the shore? Etc.

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• We will reinforce the importance of all members adhering to the existing rule of wearing suitable buoyancy aid / life jackets whilst on the water and that these should not be the inflatable variety. Signage will be put up near the jetty concerning this as previously agreed. 

• Members will be reminded that their boats must be sea-worthy and buoyancy tested regularly. The Committee reserves the right to request testing at any time.

• Member boats must be of a recognised class, with Committee approval before being allowed to sail to ensure only suitable boats are accepted.

• Member boats must be insured as per the existing club rules

• Members must never sail alone – there must always be at least two boats on the water. (This will be a new rule. Membership approval for the formal rule change will be requested at the next AGM).

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Anglers agreement

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As you may be aware, our lake is now owned by Wintersett Fisheries. We are doing our best to maintain good relations with the anglers and we have prepared guidelines as per below. Please have a read through and make sure that you are aware of the presence of anglers when you are sailing. Fishermen, like us, pay an annual membership fee to use the water and we would request that you be respectful of their right to fish. This can be done by giving them a wide birth, generally not sailing too close to the bank and any use of the powerboat should be slow and steady unless for the purpose of rescue.

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General rules:

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1. Always respect other users of the lake.

2. Respect your surroundings.

3. None of these rules will apply in case of emergency, rescue, recovery or similar.

 

Rules for sailors

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No sailing is allowed within 50 yards of the shore at any time, except for the shore in front of the sailing club. This will be reinforced at every briefing taking place before races. The 50-yard zone is marked with a red line on the aerial photo below.

In the exceptional case, where a sailor is found to be in breach and enters the 50-yard zone, WF will alert WRSC without delay and WRSC will take appropriate action with the offending sailor.

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Rules for Powerboats

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The use of the powerboats can disrupt or damage the fishing by sailing over lines, spooking the fish, causing a wake and by being a nuisance.

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We have agreed the following for powerboat use:

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• The same as for sailors plus.

• No powerboats in the no-go zones, unless to assist in rescue, recovery of equipment or other emergency.

• Slow down. Use only the speed required for the situation and where possible maintain a good distance from the shore.

• No powerboat sailing without a specific purpose.

• Look out for anglers and stay as clear as possible.

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