Club etiquette and rules – the stuff you need to know!

Everything that makes our club run smoothly

We are in the fortunate position to be a very active club, and with all the activity that generates there are a few rules and other ‘done things’ to ensure everybody can have a great experience without any hassle. We also need to hilight that being located in a commercial port makes it imperative, on safety grounds, that a few simple regulations are adhered to.

On the water

  • Harbour regulations: Shoreham Port is busy with commercial and leisure traffic and all those on the water must keep a good lookout at all times. Sailing boats should keep well clear of all commercial vessels and be mindful of all other leisure users. Please keep an eye out for the following;
    • When the orange light flashes on the middle pier there is a large ship approaching/leaving the harbour – you must get clear of the main channel as soon as possible and keep to the sides.
    • When the red light flashes on the lifeboat station keep well clear of the RNLI slipway and middle pier.
  • Buoyancy aids: Buoyancy aids must be worn on the water at all times.
  • Racing: We are lucky to enjoy some of the best sailing water on the south coast and to make it possible;
    • Please read our Advice for all sailors and make yourself familiar with the club’s sailing instructions.
    • All those intending to race need to sign-on (Under 18s need to be signed in by a parent or guardian)
    • If you intend to race, or have raced, your help is required to ensure that the safety boats are launched and recovered.
  • Recreational sailing: If you plan to sail on your own without safety cover it is your responsibility to ensure that someone knows that you are going out, and that you are back safely – please read our Advice for all sailors.
  • Duties: When you join Shoreham SC you are committing to do four duties each season and these can be selected on Dutyman. If you do not feel confident to do any duties then please let the Dutyman co-ordinator know so that you can be paired with one of our more experienced members. More information about duties.

On shore

  • Access: The club facilities are accessed by the code (please do not share and under no circumstances post access codes on WhatsApp or any social media);
    • Vehicle and pedestrian gates should not be left open or unlocked to deter members of the public using the club as a thoroughfare.
    • The clubhouse is accessed by a keypad – please ensure that the door shuts behind you when leaving.
  • Boat park: All boats are parked at the owners risk in spaces allocated by the committee;
    • We recommend that you tie your boat down to the chains provided.
    • It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the grass around your boat cut – there is a mower in the blue container.
    • All boats must be identifiable using a tag issued by the committee.
  • Car parking: Vehicles are only allowed to enter the dinghy park to hitch/unhitch boats/unload tools and must leave immediately. When there is planned activity at the club, vehicles are not allowed on site at all from 9am until after event completion. During planned activity trailers should be dropped/collected outside the main gate and pushed in/out by hand.  The only exemptions are vehicles being used for club business (deliveries, maintenance, etc), and those with disabilities when carrying out boat maintenance when the club is quiet.
  • Slipway: Everyone needs to use the slipway so please try to keep it clear for launching and recovery;
    • No vehicles on the slipway
    • Do not rig your boat on the slipway as others are launching
    • There is a winch at the top of the slipway, the code for which is available on request.
  • Food and drink; Thanks to the hard work of club members we have a great Galley and Bar;
    • Galley: There will be a full catering service from June 8th. Until that time hot drinks are available.
    • Bar: Ivan and Mandy keep our bar well stocked and if they’re not there a committee member will be happy to open it for you.
    • BBQs: We have a number of BBQs (charcoal and gas) for use by club members. If organising your own BBQ please bring your own charcoal.
  • Rubbish: All rubbish goes in the bins – the green lid bin is for general waste and the blue lid ones for recycling
  • Camping: Camping is permitted and we ask those doing so to be mindful of our neighbours and members wishing to access their boats;
    • Camp fires and firepits are not permitted
    • Campervans to be removed before 9am
    • Do not block in boats with tents if left unattended
  • Security: Whilst boats and possessions are left at their owners risk, the club does have CCTV cameras which hold footage for 30 days, please contact the Commodore should you wish footage to be reviewed.
  • Environmental initiative; The club is committed to being more environmentally friendly and we ask members to limit their use of our valuable resources;
    • Limit your time in the showers
    • Actively recycle where possible – think before you bin it
    • Clothes driers are not permitted
  • Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control by their owners at all times and are not allowed in the clubhouse.

Visitors and guests

Please bring friends and family to visit our wonderful club, and enjoy our great facilities. Whilst they are on the premises they are asked to abide by the same code of conduct as all members.

Guests bringing their own boat to the club are allowed four sailing visits and are asked to contribute £10 per visit towards use of the facilities – a bargain for use of such excellent facilities and easy access to some of the best sailing water in the UK. Only one visiting boat is allowed per Shoreham SC member.

The nominating member should add a Temporary sailing membership to their webcollect account (Access your account > Browse subscriptions > Add to basket > Checkout…) and the visitor can pay using our card machine on the day. If you want to visit and don’t have a nominating member please email the relevant fleet captain.

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