Northwestern University Recreation

MEMBERSHIP & CLASS POLICIES
 
Open Sailing: Open sailing hours — hours when the facility is open for general membership use — are posted in the Sailing Center. There will be a 90 minute limit on sailing when all of one type of craft is on the water. The Officer of the Day (OD) will supervise open sailing hours. The OD has complete authority in all sailing aspects of the center while on duty. The OD may also impose any restrictions or call boats as necessary. The OD may refuse to allow anyone to sail if, in his or her judgment, the rescue craft cannot be launched through the surf, conditions are too severe for a person's ability level, or if a member is sailing recklessly.
 
Rating: All members must have a "skipper" rating before they are allowed to sail any craft single-handed or sail without a skipper aboard. Skipper ratings are not transferable between boats and boards. An "Experienced Skipper" rating is required on days a yellow flag is flown. See the OD for test reservations and details on ratings.
 
Guests: We encourage members to introduce people to our facilities by bringing them as guests. Guests must sign a release form at the desk before going out on the water. Guests may not sail any craft single-handed. Members must steer the craft at all times!
 
Safety: Members must take responsibility for knowing the limits of their sailing ability and must exercise prudent judgment to avoid a potential emergency on the water. If a member is rescued two times, they must retake the skippers test. Two more rescues will result in that member's loss of sailing privileges until a "refresher" beginning class is taken at the member's expense. The OD may waive the rescue penalty if a rescue was necessitated by sudden severe weather.
 
All patrons of the facility must follow the following safety rules:
 
1.     WEAR a personal flotation device AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE WATER.
2.     Stay with your craft; never attempt to swim to shore.
3.     Report all accidents, injury, or damage to the OD immediately.
4.     Memorize and obey all Sailing Center flag and sound signals, and respond immediately.
5.     Do not launch or sail any craft without the express permission of the OD.
6.     Never overload boats. Following capacity recommendations for all craft: Max 420—3 people; Laser—2 people; Max W/S—1 person.
7.     Motorboats are for the exclusive use of the OD, instructors, and the race committee.
8.     Raise masts and carry rigs cautiously. If in doubt, ask the OD for the proper procedure.
9.     Members with private watercraft may launch during Sailing Center open sailing hours only with the permission of the OD.
10.  Do not land boats or boards at any other location other than the Sailing Center beach.
 
 
Liability: Patrons participate in activities at the Sailing Center is at their own risk. Safety and rescue precautions are in place, but patrons must recognize the inherent risk involved in aquatic activities. All members, students, and guests must be able to swim at least 25 yards. The user of any craft is responsible for reporting a craft's seaworthiness. If inspection reveals that any part of the hull, rigging, or hardware is damaged to the point that it may result in failure, immediately report condition to the Officer of the Day. He or she will either fix it or assign you a different craft. DO NOT SAIL AN UNSEAWORTHY CRAFT! If in doubt, ask the OD. Members, students, and guests are encouraged not to bring valuables to the Sailing Center. The Sailing Center is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property.
 
Damage Responsibilities: Members are responsible for all damage to craft and facilities and are liable for any damages. Damages must be paid for in full before a member is permitted to use any craft again. Hulls, sails, and rigs should never come in contact with pavement, rocks, or the breakwall. Drain all hulls before stowage.
 
Refund Policy: Membership fees will be refunded in full if applied for in writing prior to the first day of the membership period. All refund requests must be submitted to the Sailing Center director. Only those requests involving unforeseen circumstances will be considered.
 
Check out Procedures:
 
1.     See the OD for the day's information.
2.     Give the OD your Sailing Center membership card or class card. Always bring your card.
3.     Receive your boat/board assignment from the OD.
4.     Inspect your craft for seaworthiness. If it fails, report the craft to the OD immediately.
5.     Find a personal flotation device that fits, and wear it while out on the water.
6.     See the OD as soon as you return any craft to the beach. The OD will inspect the craft and give derigging instructions.
7.     Derig your craft if the OD instructs you to do so. Derig and roll the sail on the lawn, not on beach.
8.     Properly stow all equipment after draining the water. Hang your lifejacket on a hanger.
9.     The OD will return your card if all derigging is satisfactory.
 
Class Membership Rights: Students enrolled in a sailing or windsurfing class have the same rights and responsibilities as members, with two exceptions:
1.     The right to use Northwestern facilities ends with the 31-day free boat-use period. Student may then join as a member of the Sailing Center.
2.     Students are encouraged to sail in order to sharpen their skills; therefore, rescue policies may be slightly more lenient.
 
 
Miscellaneous:
1.     Members and guests are not allowed to use Sailing Center tools or equipment for personal use without the prior permission of Sailing Center staff.
2.     Behavior and conduct of members and guests must not interfere with the rights of other members to use and enjoy Sailing Center facilities.
3.     Always clean up after yourself.
 
Alcohol Policy: The possession and/or consumption of alcohol while on Sailing Center grounds or watercraft is strictly prohibited except during sanctioned Sailing Center events. During these events all watercraft must be in for the day.  Members in violation of this policy will lose Sailing Center membership with no refund of fees.