1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, 941-388-2355

Standing Rules

└─────► Boat Work Agreement

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Last changed on 12 Jul 2011
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These Standing Rules shall be used to regulate the day-to-day operations of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and the conduct of its members in the best interests of all members and of the Squadron. The Standing Rules constitute enforceable rules of the Squadron, prescribing expected conduct and discipline. The Standing Rules include the rules outlined below and as may be amended by the Standing Rules Committee, and the policies of the Board of Directors as may be set periodically by resolution of the Board.

I. Mission Statement

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is a club organized to encourage the sport of sailing, to promote the science of seamanship and navigation, to sponsor cruises, races and instruction classes for adults and children, and to foster a spirit of good fellowship, courtesy and sportsmanship; and to provide entertainment and refreshments for members and their guests.

II. General

  1. This is a private not-for-profit sailing club open to anyone sincerely interested in the sport of sailing.
  2. All members whose RESIDENCE is not in the City of Sarasota must pay 50% of the current dues and initiation fee to the City of Sarasota.
  3. Members must furnish a current legal RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. Box numbers are acceptable for mailing purposes only.
  4. EACH BOAT KEPT ON THE PREMISES IS SUBJECT TO STORAGE FEES, REGARDLESS OF SIZE. MULTIPLE BOATS = MULTIPLE STORAGE FEES.
  5. Members are required to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours per year, or opt-out by paying an additional fee, set by the Board. The manager shall maintain a record of volunteer hours by member.
  6. STEALING Do not borrow anybody else’s equipment without express permission from the owner. Any member determined to have stolen on the club grounds will be suspended from the club and all activities for a period of 60 days. The member may be required to make restitution as a condition of reinstatement. During the 60 day period, the suspended member will have the opportunity to submit a written statement to the Board of Directors or to appear for a hearing of his case at the regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of the suspension period. At such meeting the member may provide evidence or testimony as to why the member believes restitution is not required or that the Board should not take further action including revocation of membership. A second offense will result in the immediate, permanent revocation of membership. No reinstatement of membership will be permitted except under such terms and conditions as the Board may impose.
  7. Members’ hulls, trailers, and lockers located at the Squadron must be labeled with a Squadron decal that can be obtained from the club manager. If the decal becomes damaged, it must be replaced.
  8. THE SQUADRON RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AUTHORIZE MOVING ANY BOAT AT ANY TIME FOR ANY PURPOSE.
  9. Parked motor vehicles must not cause an obstruction to movement of any other vehicle, trailer, or boat – and must not hinder access to any Squadron facility. Vehicles failing to observe this rule WILL BE SUBJECT TO TOWING, and the responsible member will be charged for all related costs.
  10. Keep the area adjoining the beach clear at all times. It is only to be used for launching and retrieving boats.
  11. During regattas, boats parked anywhere on the Squadron grounds or in the water may be moved temporarily.
  12. Insurance for theft, storm damage, liability, etc., is the responsibility of the boat owner. The Squadron requires $300,000 general Liability insurance per boat stored at the Squadron applicable only to state registered and/or documented vessels. The insurance must be kept current and renewed yearly, with a copy of the most current insurance on file with the office.
  13. DOGS are permitted when leashed or carried. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
  14. ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 MUST BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT.
  15. Members are required to keep their address, phone number and e-mail current and on file with the office.
  16. Members are responsible for their property, boat and equipment, and to protect it against loss, vandalism, theft or other damage, and to secure their property, mooring, boat, and equipment in such a manner so as not to harm or damage any other persons or property whatsoever.

III. Boat and Trailer Storage (including Permanent Slips)

  1. General
    1. Boat and trailer storage may only be rented by members who are principal owners of the occupying boat, and shall not be sublet. Principal owner is defined as the natural person with the largest (or equally largest) financial interest in the boat.
    2. When necessary, waiting lists shall be maintained by the Manager showing the dates the member was added and/or removed and shall be readily accessible by all members. Members not in good standing shall be removed from the list(s).
    3. Members not in good standing for more than 30 days must remove the boat and/or trailer. Failure to do so may result in the Squadron removing at the owner’s risk and expense.
  2. Trailered Boat Parking
    1. The area around your boat must be clean and free of litter.
    2. Trailers must be in operable condition at all times. A trailer not in operable condition for a period of 60 days will be declared DEAD STORAGE and the owner charged accordingly. See appropriate fee schedule.
    3. Boat storage area is at the discretion of the manager, who may move the boat for the benefit of the Squadron. Any boat moored or tied alongside any dock, wave fence, or other area (except the use of allocated slips by the tenants thereof) for more than 24 hours without the permission of the manager may be moved or anchored or brought elsewhere for the convenience of the Squadron and at the risk of the owner.
  3. Rack Boat Parking
    1. Keep the boat in the rack assigned to you. Do not move it elsewhere unless permission is obtained in advance.
    2. Club dollies are for temporary use only.
  4. Permanent Slip Spaces
    1. Boats docked in permanent slips must be used on a regular basis (must be sailed in 8 different months of the year) Boats not so utilized will be considered DEAD BOATS and the policy for DEAD BOAT STORAGE will take effect.

IV. Dock Use

  1. Diagrams detailing dock use will be posted in the clubhouse and in the Standing Rules
    1. One diagram which is color coded and shall be referred to an “Everyday Dock Rules and Regulations”.
    2. A second diagram which is color coded and shall be referred to as “Regatta Dock Rules and Regulations”.
  2. In order to more adequately address each area of the Squadron docks, the board will adopt the following names for reference use. These shall be denoted on both diagrams:
    • Hoist area
    • Staff Boat docks; inner basin
    • Floating Dinghy Docks
    • North Floating Dock; East of Hoist area
    • Wave Fence /North Dock Slips
    • Main Dock; Fixed (South of Hoist area)
    • Main Dock Extension; Floating
    • South Dock; Fixed (South of Main Dock)
    • Foot Bridge (East of South Dock Fixed section)
    • South Floating Dock (East of Foot Bridge)
    • Small Boat Dock (southernmost dock) Fixed and Floating sections
  3. Dock Use Everyday Rules and Regulations
    There are three designations of areas in the attached diagram which denote three distinct applications of dockage rules and regulations:
    Permanent Slip Spaces
    Rented on a monthly basis or occupied by staff boats. No Color on dock or Diagram.
    3/5 Market Areas
    This designation is for boats to dock for the first 3 nights at No Charge, the second 5 nights are available for dockage at the nominal rate which is published in the current SSS rate schedule, and thereafter at Market Rates per foot, per day as published in the current SSS rate schedule. No boat shall remain in this area beyond a maximum stay of 30 days. Each member leaving a boat in these areas shall register at the office PRIOR TO THE FIRST OVERNIGHT. Color shall be YELLOW.
    One Hour Maximum Areas
    These areas are primarily for short term (less than one hour) loading, launching, passenger pickup/drop-off, etc. and should in no case be occupied by any vessel in excess of 1 hour. Any vessel whose duration of stay exceeds 1 hour shall be charged at the daily Market Rate until removal of the vessel, with a minimum charge of 1 day. Color shall be RED. Between 10 PM and 9 AM the 1 hour rule is suspended and overnight docking is permitted.
  4. Dock Use Regatta Rules and Regulations
    There are three designations of areas in the attached diagram which denote three distinct applications of dockage rules and regulations:
    Permanent Slip Spaces
    Rented on a monthly basis or occupied by staff boats. No color on Dock or Diagram.
    3/5 Market Areas
    This designation is for boats to dock for the first 3 nights at No Charge, the second 5 nights are available for dockage at the nominal rate which is published in the current SSS rate schedule, and thereafter at Market Rates per foot, per day as published in the current SSS rate schedule. No boat shall remain in this area beyond a maximum stay of 30 days. Each member leaving a boat in these areas shall register at the office PRIOR TO THE FIRST OVERNIGHT. Color shall be YELLOW.
    One Hour Maximum Areas
    These areas are for usage by boats who are participants in a designated Regatta event. Regatta Rules are to go into effect 1-3 days in advance of a designated Regatta (determined at the Manager’s discretion) and shall be in effect for 1-3 days after the end of the event (determined at the Manager’s discretion). Signs indicating that Regatta Rules are to be in effect are to be posted on the docks, on the Squadron bulletin board and in The Burgee, not less than two (2) weeks prior to any Regatta event to give ample notice to users of dock space that Regatta Rules will apply for specific future dates. The ONE HOUR MAXIMUM AREAS are to convert each night after racing, to allow overnight dockage for those boats that are recognized as participants in said Regatta only. Color shall be RED.
  5. Failure to remove any boat from a dock area (except for staff boats and permanent slip occupants) after 30 days shall result in initiation of revocation of membership of owner’s membership privileges. Failure to pay dockage fees shall result in initiation of revocation of owner’s membership privileges. The SSS may seek to apply a lien against the owner’s vessel or other personal property to insure satisfaction of any financial obligation that may be incurred.
  6. DURATION OF STAY on the dock is calculated based of the number of nights a vessel is on any dock, whether the vessel has been moved to a different dock location or remains in the same dock location.
  7. EXEMPTIONS: A boat owner may request an exemption to these rules, regulations and fees, only in the case of emergency, by making a request to the Squadron Manager.
  8. INTERVAL BETWEEN STAYS: After a boat has been docked at a 3/5 Market Area, said boat must not return to the Squadron docks for a minimum of 4 days in order to make space available for other vessels. Any vessel that returns to the dock in less than this minimum number of days shall immediately begin to incur fees at the market rate.
    The Squadron manager shall maintain a minimum of one dock space for use by a member in case of emergency or repair.
  9. ALL BOATS WILL ACCEPT RAFTING OF OTHER BOATS. The 3/5 Market Area pricing applies.

V. Boat Usage – Minimum Requirements

Members agree to sail their boats a minimum of once a month for at least 6 months out of the year.
When it is determined that a boat owner is not using their boat as required, the owner may be notified. If the required boat usage does not begin within 30 days of such notice, the owner’s normal storage charges will be increased to the maximum allowable rate under the current fee schedule, plus sales tax for all subsequent periods. Legal action to remove the boat may be undertaken by the Squadron at its discretion.
The Manager shall contact the boat owner asking for the removal of the boat with 30 days notice. The boat owner may request a hearing before the Board of Directors, in writing prior to the expiration of the 30 days notice period. In lieu of a personal appearance, the boat owner may file within the 30 day period one or more statements challenging the claim of failure to use the boat as required.
Should the boat owner not reply during the 30 day period, or should the Board not grant an extension of time, the boat may be removed by the Squadron from the Squadron’s property immediately. The increased cost of storage elsewhere, risk of vandalism or theft, and any other damage resulting from such removal will be the responsibility of the owner.

VI. Boats on Moorings

  1. Transportation to and from these boats is the sole responsibility of the owner.
  2. Each owner with a boat on a mooring is required by the Squadron and the City of Sarasota to sign an indemnification agreement. THE SSS AND CITY OF SARASOTA BEAR NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR TO A BOAT WHILE ON A MOORING.
  3. The owner is responsible for the installation and maintenance of his/her mooring.

VII. Ramp Launching Facilities

  1. Boats must be launched and retrieved as quickly as possible (less than 30 minutes). Keep to one side of the double ramp.
  2. Cars and trailers shall not be parked in the launching area. Cars and/or empty trailers should be parked in the space assigned to the boat or parked in the OVERFLOW PARKING AREA OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE GATE.
  3. Vehicles left unattended in the launching area will be towed at the owner’s expense.

VIII. Beach Launching Area

The beach is to be used only for launching and retrieving small daysailers or dinghies. THEY ARE NOT TO BE LEFT OVERNIGHT ON THE BEACH OR THE BERM. No parking is permitted in this area. Do not block beach or places around the storage racks with dollies, trailers or spars.

IX. Hoist Launching Area

  1. No one is to use the hoist unless they have paid hoist fees or have made arrangements with the manager to be billed for its use, unless arrangements have been made to bill on an annual basis.
  2. Do not dock boat in front of the hoist or in the area marked by the yellow lines.
  3. Hoist time limit is one hour.
  4. Barnacle scraping is not allowed.
  5. No hauling of boats for repair work is allowed during regattas and/or scheduled club races.
  6. Follow all rules posted on the hoist and outlined below:
    1. Hoist capacity is 6, 000 lbs. The 6,000 lbs includes boat, slings, harness, sails, etc.
    2. Boat weight is determined by the Manager.
    3. Safety Procedures.
      1. NO ONE IS EVER TO BE UNDER A BOAT THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED.
      2. Bow and stern lines are to be used as tag lines to control the swing of the boat.
      3. It is recommended that there be two or three people be involved with each lift.
      4. Exercise caution during strong winds. Postpone lifts, if necessary.
      5. Inspect slings, wire rope and any lifting devices each time they are used.
  7. Report and damage and/or problems to the Manager.
  8. Anyone not adhering to these rules is subject to revocation of their hoist privileges.

X. Fees

  1. Membership, hoist, slip/storage, and locker fees, including sales tax, are due and are to be paid in full at the beginning of the calendar year or upon becoming a member. The responsibility for payment rests with the member. The current rates are posted in the Squadron’s Clubhouse. MEMBERS NOT RENEWING BY MARCH 1 MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY ALL INITIATION FEES AGAIN. Membership fees are non refundable.
  2. Any boat owner not intending to renew his membership for the next year MUST REMOVE HIS BOAT BY JANUARY 1. Otherwise storage fees will be based on appropriate fee schedule, including penalties, plus sales tax, UNTIL THE BOAT IS REMOVED.
  3. If storage charges due are not paid within 30 days after billing, the member shall be notified by any known means of contact. If storage charges remain unpaid after an additional 30 days, a 60 day notice will be sent by mail to the last address listed with the Squadron. If storage charges remain unpaid after 90 days, the member’s boat or other property may be sold without further legal process through a public or private sale and the proceeds will first be applied to the member’s outstanding debt with the remainder held on behalf of the member for not more than one year. If member does not make a claim for any balance during the year, said balance, if any, shall be paid over to the Squadron for its general purposes. This is not the exclusive means of collection available to the Squadron, who may seek other legal enforcement of any debt for storage. The member further agrees to pay the Squadron for any and all legal and/or attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the Squadron as a result of legal actions required to collect the storage charges.
  4. Any established member may apply to pay storage fees by monthly installment plan. This plan is only available to members that joined prior to January 1st of the current year and cannot be used for payment of membership fees which must be paid in full when due. Payments must be made by the 15th of each month, and the monthly amount which shall be set by the Manager must be at least the original balance divided by the remaining months of the current year. Additionally, each amount shall include interest and/or fees set and published by the Board from time to time. A member who has paid their monthly installments by the plan’s due dates shall be considered in good standing.

XI. Membership

  1. Family. Any two adults occupying the same dwelling and their children up to the age of 21.
  2. ANY GUEST WHO IS REGULARLY INVITED TO THE SQUADRON IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A MEMBER.
  3. Members delinquent in paying storage charges or other obligations may cause the Squadron to take action to collect or recover sums due. In addition to all remedies under the law or equity, the Squadron may impound, seize or remove to another location any boats, trailers or other property, at the risk of the owner, and/ or assert a lien on such property to recover fees owed. Such lien may be inserted and enforced by a public or private sale or through the courts as the Squadron may elect.
  4. Each member agrees to sign an indemnification form as a condition of membership at the time of initiating his or her membership, and each member thereby agrees to be bound by and honor the Bylaws and Standing Rules of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, which may be changed from time to time, in accordance with Squadron rules.

XII. Boat Work

  1. Any work that produces environmental pollutants must be done in the boat work area.
  2. Only Squadron members or their permitted contractors may use the boat work area for work on Squadron member boats only. Any Squadron member or contractor performing work on behalf of a member must sign a boat work agreement and pay a deposit to the Manager before performing work.
  3. No children under the age of 12 are allowed in the boat work area.
  4. Use of loud, dust/debris-causing equipment or otherwise disruptive equipment is prohibited during major Squadron events.
  5. Sandblasting and spray painting is allowed only if the vessel or affected area is fully tented with plastic or canvas.
  6. The Boat Work Area must be cleaned of dirt and debris after each use. Failure to do so may result in the termination of a member’s or his contractor’s privilege to use the boat work area.
  7. All paints, solvents, supplies and equipment must be disposed of and used properly, neatly organized, and stowed daily. The work site must be completely cleaned up after use.
  8. Barnacles must be swept up and disposed of in the appropriate Squadron dumpster.
  9. No person’s boat may occupy the Boat Work Area for more than 14 consecutive days.
  10. Fees and deposits must be paid prior to commencing work. See appropriate fee schedule.

XIII. Liquor License

The SSS has a 2 COP Beer and Wine Liquor License (package beer and wine). The license allows for only beer and wine to be sold in the clubhouse. STATE REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY OTHER ALCOHOL IC BEVERAGES TO BE BROUGHT IN THE CLUBHOUSE. The clubhouse includes the screened porch area. NO HARD LIQUOR IS PERMITTED IN THE CLUBHOUSE. VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW MAY RESULT IN REVOCATION OF A MEMBER’S MEMBERSHIP.

XIV. Billing Fees

The Squadron may charge a billing fee or service charge, as appropriate.

XV. Regatta Guidelines

  1. The regatta must be sponsored by a member of the Squadron who will plan and organize the event with the Regatta Director.
  2. The Board of Directors must approve the regatta. The date will then be included in the club calendar of events.
  3. The Regatta Director will meet with the Vice Commodore, Club Manager and any others concerned to prepare a budget and outline the regatta details. An application form must be signed by the regatta organizer, Regatta Director, Vice Commodore, and Club Manager.
  4. All monies such as registration fees, sponsorship money, T-shirt sales, etc. will be collected by the Squadron. All expenses (including sales tax) will be paid from these proceeds. ALL FUNDS COLLECTED ARE TO BE REMITTED TO THE SQUADRON MANAGER.
  5. The Squadron will furnish a race committee boat.
  6. The Regatta Director must plan for bartenders (only Squadron members) to be present from at least 8 a.m. to the time the bar closes and be prepared to close the clubhouse at night.

XVI. Video Equipment

The Squadron’s video equipment is intended for the use of the Squadron’s Education Committee. It is to be used for the production and presentation of instructional videos relating to all aspects of sailing and seamanship.

XVII. Non Sailing Social Functions

  1. Types
    1. Office party. A party given by a member or nonmember for persons from his business. See appropriate fee schedule.
    2. Fundraiser. Any fundraising function must first be approved by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS who will forthwith advise the Manager. The Board shall set the fees for fundraisers.
  2. The Club Manager must clear the date of the event.
  3. Overflow parking is available outside the entrance gate. NO CARS ARE TO BE PARKED IN FRONT OF BOATS ON TRAILERS OR IN THE LAUNCHING AREAS OR IN THE AREA OF THE HOIST. SQUADRON MEMBERS MUST HAVE ACCESS TO USE THEIR BOATS 24 HOURS A DAY.
  4. To comply with our liquor license, all beer must be purchased through the Squadron. The Board of Directors must approve any exception.
  5. Set-up and clean-up is the responsibility of the organizer. The organizer shall be responsible for removing all decorations, clean up and restoring the premises to the condition existing prior to the event. All garbage must be put in the dumpster by the entrance road. No glitter. Clean up shall be performed by 8am the following day. Failure to comply shall result in a cleanup charge being assessed.
  6. At the time of reserving the facilities, the organizer shall meet with the Club Manager, sign the required release form and pay a 50% deposit. The form shall spell out all specific charges (also the amount of a clean up fee if it becomes necessary). The deposit is fully refundable if the event does not occur, less any expenses the Squadron has incurred in anticipation of the event.
  7. The organizer is required to have liability insurance naming the Squadron and the City of Sarasota as an insured for the event for fundraisers or large events.
  8. Host liquor liability insurance is required when applicable.
  9. Members shall be permitted to use the clubhouse and pavilion during the event.

XVIII. Camping on Property

  1. Regatta participants will incur no camping fee during the first three days before and three days after a regatta.
  2. Use of electrical receptacles for RVs or camping equipment shall be subject to a fee to be paid to the Manager according to the appropriate fee schedule.
  3. No member may stay overnight at the Squadron property more than five days per month. Any such five-day overnight stay shall not be consecutive with any other five-day stay occurring in the next following month so as to create a consecutive stay longer than five days. A request to extend any stay must be authorized by the Board of Directors.
  4. No person shall sleep overnight within the Clubhouse.
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3 Responses to Standing Rules

  1. Warren Hickernell says:
    Sun 31 Jul, 2011 at 10:47 am

    As a returning past member, it is good to know the updated Standing Rules of the SSS….thank you and I’m glad to be back to a very special place! Everything looks great, organized, but still has that “old Florida” casual feel…time to sail…

  2. Lisa Dodds says:
    Thu 28 Jul, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    Great Job! Thank you to everyone involved.

  3. Carlos Schaefer says:
    Thu 28 Jul, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    Thanks for the Standing Rules of the SSS.

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