The club boats are available for hire to club members only.
5 x Dart 16 catamarans
2 x Wayfarers
3 x Laser 1
1 x Laser 2000
1 x Fireball (not currently available)
1 x RS Vision

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Pre-requisites & Induction /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Users must have a minimum of RYA Level 2 or equivalent experience. An assessment is required in order to assess your competency and to complete the induction and familiarisation session. As part of the session you will be shown where the kit is stored and provided with the numeric code required to access the container.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Approval and Approval Levels /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Approval to use the boats for the current year must be sought from either Andy Robinson, Sam Rowell or Paul Williams. Individual approvals will stipulate which of the club boats you are able to use and which approval level you will be asked to adhere to

     Level 1 – Club organised events only i.e. club racing and training events when there is rescue cover available.
     Level 2 – Use of boats up the river from the public launch slipway
     Level 3 – Use of boats in levels 1 and 2 plus taking them out to sea.

Misuse/abuse of club boats and its system will result in your sign off being revoked.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Your Responsibility /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
You should sail within your own ability and take note of any weather forecast...
1) Tell someone where you are going. Keep them informed of your progress
2) Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof container
3) Carry a VHF radio if you have one
4) Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions
5) Do not use the boat if you are unhappy with its condition
6) Ensure the boat is tied down after use and that kit is put away. For Dart 16s the trolleys must be removed from under the boat and stowed ontop of the bows.
7) Be respectful of other waterusers
8) Consider taking a paddle

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Restrictions of Use /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
1) Club boats are not available for use in actual wind or forecast of over 20 knots (consistent and gusting).
2) The Training Centre has priority over member bookings.
3) Special events may make use of club boats, during which there will be a specific booking system.
4) For those signed off as Level 2 / 3 the river has a limit of Wilford Bridge.
5) For those signed off as Level 3 the sea has a limit of 6km from the Club. This restricts access to the port and its shipping lanes. Exceptions may be requested to the Approvers.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Insurance & Damage /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Prior to use the hirer should inspect the boat and note any defects, if these deem the boat unsuitable to use then the hirer will receive a refund on the hire fee if this has been paid in advance.

As a person hiring a club boat you have a duty of care not only for yourself but also the club boat you are using.  Any defects should be noted in the online damage form and where appropriate the hirer should assist the club in fixing the boat.

https://ffsc.co.uk/damage-reporting/

The dinghies are covered by the club insurance however it is your responsibility to ensure they are used correctly. It is your responsibility to check kit and if you believe it is not fit for purpose then do not use it. You are liable any damage caused by user error up to the value of the insurance excess of £250. This does not include wear and tear.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Note on Sailing Catamarans /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The Dart 16 is a very robust and durable craft and an ideal introduction to Catamaran sailing. However, as with all sailing craft, it is not immune to forcible contact with solid objects such as other craft, jetties, rocks and underwater obstructions whilst afloat, being dragged over the shore or dinghy park when not on its launching trailer or being sailed straight up the beach on coming ashore. Unlike a monohull with a single rudder, the raising and lowering of Dart rudders is of primary importance and can present problems to those unfamiliar with the procedures involved. Make sure you know how to operate them before going afloat and be aware of the time it takes to get BOTH rudders up when approaching the shore.
Once ashore the rig should be lowered and made safe as quickly as possible and the boat either returned to the dinghy park or a safe location if further use is intended.
On a final note, particularly for those new to catamaran sailing, catamarans can achieve remarkable speeds in windy conditions and are capable of rapid acceleration when bearing away, They also have the ability to “ cartwheel “ i.e., burying the leeward bow causing the boat to capsize stern over bows, if over pressed in very strong winds. Righting a capsized catamaran by its crew is a difficult task – so enjoy the thrills – but know when to ease off.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Booking and Payment /\/\/\/\/\/\/\
If a member wishes to use a club boat they must book the boat they wish to use in the diary which is located in the club house.

                     Double Hander Single Hander
Half Day                       £20                          £10
Full Day                               £40                          £20
Club Session (Half Day) £10                          £5

Bookings are made in segments of half/full days as shown above. The fee is discounted by 50% compared to the standard hire fee when there is a club session with safety cover afloat. All fees are reinvested in maintaining and improving the boats. A boat can only be booked a maximum of seven days in advance, unless prior permission has been given by the approvers. This will ensure that all approved members have fair opportunity to use the boats.

Payments can be made over the bar, left in an envelope in the club letter box (Marked “Boat Hire”, with your name, data and the boat you hired) or paid online through the club website.