Safety

Sailing like all activities sailing is not risk free, but the risk can be minimised if sensible precautions are taken. When using Club equipment or when participating in Club events, the following are mandatory. When individuals are using their own equipment, they are strongly recommended.

  1. Yachts shall conform to Category 4R of the FYCA.
  2. Yacht sailors are recommended to wear life jackets at all times on the water.
  3. Dinghy sailors shall at all times on the water wear buoyancy aids.
  4. Sailors shall wear clothing appropriate to the conditions, e.g. warm waterproof clothing for yacht sailors and a wetsuit or drysuit for dinghy sailors.
  5. Those using Club dinghies shall not take to the water until a safety boat is in attendance and shall go ashore if directed to do so by the safety boat. This is recommended for those using their own dinghies, especially in windy or offshore conditions.
  6. It is the responsibility of the boat skipper and crew to decide whether to sail and to ensure that all equipment, whether owned by individuals or the Club, is fit for purpose.

Use of Safety Boats

FYC has two Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) used to provide safety cover for dinghies and also for other activities such as mark laying and committee boat duty for racing. The red RIB's call sign is Red Fox, while the yellow RIB is named Golden Retriever. Both are moored in the harbour.

Rota

The rota for safety boat and race officer duties is managed in DutyMan. Members will be given details by email.

General Guidelines

  1. A safety boat should be on the water half an hour before racing is due to begin and before dinghies are launched, especially if the wind is strong and/or offshore.
  2. The general recommendation is one safety boat per 10 dinghies. Also a safety boat should be able to reach any dinghy in trouble within one minute.
      1. There is similarly a responsibility on the dinghy sailors to remain within a reasonable distance of the safety boat and to not delay in returning to the beach if requested.
  3. A safety boat should have a crew of two, at least one of whom should be at RYA Power Boat Level 2 and ideally should have the RYA Safety Boat qualification.
  4. VHF Channel 8 should be used to communicate with the race officer and/or competing yachts. Channel 16 should also be continually monitored and be used to communicate with the Coast Guard.
  5. The kill cord must be attached before starting the engine.
  6. When helping someone close by in the water, the engine must be switched off.
  7. The Safety Boat crew should carry the items in the checklist (below).

Further information is available below, but only for members who have logged in.