the fine print
What to expect as a guest crew member
Prepare to arrive a little early. Crew are expected to help the captain ready the ship. It also helps to get a good overview of the boat and it’s working parts. Expect to be hot, cold, dry, and wet. Sometimes all in the same day. Since sailors are always at the whims of the weather be sure to dress appropriately. Many sailors have specific sailing gear for foul weather, cold water, or summer temperatures. Bring your water bottle, hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Beyond the general discomfort of the elements, sailors face some significant dangers from prolonged exposure. Wear closed toed, non-marking shoes. Nothing worse than having to swab the deck or a cleat between the toes. Be ready to take a swim. While most boats are dry, capsizing, especially on smaller craft, is always a possibility. Bring a USCG approved flotation device or borrow one of ours. Even the best swimmers struggle after taking a boom to the head. Expect to use the restrooms before shoving off. Boats can spend 1-2+ hours on the water with no access to a head. Use the clubhouse or portable restroom at the anchorage before leaving. Expect 1-3 others to be joining you. At the direction of the captain, you will be working as a team to trim the sails. Expect moderate levels of physical activity and mobility. Accommodations can be made for those who require it. Expect to help remove and cover the boats after the races. A clean boat is a fast and a fast boat has a happy captain.
General Club Rules
These rules are based on the BYC Constitution and By-Laws. If you do not have a copy of both, please request one from the BYC Secretary or from the BYC Web Site Members Only Section.
Address and Phone Change: Please notify the BYC Secretary to ensure that you are able to be contacted.
Alcohol: Operating any boat underway while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (>.08 BAC) is illegal under Ohio Operating Laws. Anyone under age 21 may not consume alcoholic beverages at any time on BYC premises.
Anchorage: The anchorage is to be used for actively sailed members' boats only. Seldom used boats or power boats should be kept in the mowed field. The gate should be locked closed except for anchorage use or maintenance. Last user out locks up.
Camping: No camping is allowed on Corps property (clubhouse to the lake and at the anchorage).
Camping is permitted on BYC property west of the clubhouse or in the campground area. Electric is available, no water hook-ups. Quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM are to be observed.
Children: Parents are to provide supervision their children at all times. Children are to accompany their parents when going through the Pot Luck Dinner line.
Clubhouse: It is everyone's responsibility to keep the clubhouse clean. Please clean up after yourselves and your guests. The last one leaving for the day should make sure it is locked and any fires are out.
Club Power Boats: Club power boats are for club activities. Any operator must comply with all Ohio Operating Laws, including a Boating Education certificate for anyone born on or after Jan. 1 1982.
Always leave boats clean, gassed up, contents stowed, and properly moored. Return keys and gear bags to the clubhouse. Post gas receipts on the clubhouse bulletin board.
Committee Assignments: Members are assigned to standing committees to assist in BYC operations.
Please check with your committee chairman as to your specific duties.
Committee Responsibilities: BYC events depend on members fulfilling their kitchen, race committee, and special event duties. Members who have scheduling conflicts may trade assignments with other members. The Vice Commodore must be informed of all such changes. The changes must also be noted on the master calendar posted in the clubhouse.
Conduct: Members and their family and guests should display good conduct and sportsmanship.
Drunkenness, vulgarity, and disorderly or illegal conduct will not be tolerated.
Members are responsible for the behavior of their families and guests.
Fires: Outdoor fires are only permitted in the campground across the driveway. Indoor fires are not permitted at until fire place is fixed.
Food: Members are expected to bring their fair share of food to adequately feed their families and guests at the Sunday Pot Luck Dinners.
Juniors: Teenagers and junior members under 21 may only use the BYC facilities with supervision by their parent or a designated adult member.
Parking: Park on BYC property in front of and adjacent to the clubhouse or on the camp ground southeast and across the driveway from clubhouse. If space is needed at the anchorage, please park across the road west of the gate.
Personal Property: Personal property is not to be stored at the clubhouse or anchorage except as permitted in designated areas during the sailing season. Boats must not be stored on government property during the non-season months.
Boats may be stored on BYC property for a nominal fee. Arrangements for this should be made with the BYC Treasurer.
Pets: Dogs are allowed on BYC premises if on leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the covered back porch. Owners are responsible for pet behavior and must clean up after them.
Playground: The playground is for preteens. Parents are to provide proper supervision.
Private Parties: Members may use the clubhouse for non-club functions as long as such functions do not restrict the use of the BYC facilities by other members at the same time. These events must be approved ahead of time by at least 2 Trustees and recorded on the master calendar posted in the clubhouse. Members are expected to replace any supplies used in such non-club functions, to clean and put away any equipment used, and to leave the clubhouse and grounds clean.
Renting Facilities: Club facilities may be rented for exclusive use by groups other than members and guests if in the judgment of the Trustees such rentals and use are essential to the best interests of BYC.
No such rental may be for a time when members are customarily on the premises.
Speed Limit: The speed limit on the BYC driveway (gravel road) is 10 mph. Please observe it for safety, dust control, and courtesy to our neighbors.
Storage Shed: The storage shed is for seasonal storage of members' small boat equipment (Sunfish, Laser, etc.) Use is "at your risk". It should be locked closed except when in use.
Swimming: We have no lifeguards. Swimming is at not permitted around when the floating dock area while dock and roped off area is not installed.
Use of the roped off swim area is recommended. Adult supervision is expected for children swimming.
Rescue equipment (throw ring and rescue hook) is at the clubhouse and should be at hand when swimmers are in the water.
Telephone: Berlin Yacht Club no longer has a land line in the clubhouse.
Trash: If you see that a waste can is full, please empty it in the dumpster. Twist ties and replacement bags are stored in the kitchen.
Work Parties: All members are expected to contribute time to help operate and maintain the club.
Members who do not participate in at least one Fall and one Spring work day will be assessed $50.00