Conditions for using SGBA craft

All members who have paid the £40 annual boat use fee may use the club boats for free subject to the following conditions:

1. To use an SGBA club boat, you must book in advance using either ad-hoc booking or Sunday boating booking.
2. Only use the boat which you have booked. If your plans change please cancel your ad-hoc booking or cancel your Sunday Boating booking.
3. Use of buoyancy aids or lifejackets is compulsory when using any club boat. Wet suits are advisable unless the water temperature is warm. Stout footwear should be worn to protect from sharp shells and rocks on the foreshore and in shallow water.
4. You should only use club boats within your capabilities - and that of your crew if applicable - paying particular attention to prevailing weather and tidal conditions.
5. If using a boat outside of Sunday Boating Sessions we recommend you go afloat with a buddy boat in case you need assistance. You should carry a means of communication (VHF or mobile in a waterproof case) in case you need external help. Somebody ashore should also be aware of your plans.
6. Check with the SEAL before heading out - Safe conditions. Emergency contact. Appropriate clothing Life jacket or buoyancy aid.
7. Adult members of the club (those over 16 years) may use club craft without being accompanied by a safety boat.
8. Conditions for Junior members (under 16):
   1. Junior members with RYA Stage 2 may use sailing dinghies and other club craft during club events when safety boat cover is provided .
   2. Junior members without RYA Stage 2 must be accompanied on the water by a supervising adult even when safety boat cover is provided.
   3. Junior members (under 16) may use sailing dinghies and other club craft outside of club events provided that parents/guardians are in attendance in an SGBA safety boat or a motor boat with similar performance and equipment and RYA safety guidelines are followed. If parents/guardians consider the junior to be sufficiently experienced and conditions permit safe sailing/boating, they may supervise the junior from another boat.
9. The sailing area for club sailing dinghies is from Duncannon and/or Tuckenhay to the Anchor Stone. Other club boats (including Scillabub and Dibber) can be used within the area boundaried by Dartmouth Castle, Bow Bridge and Totnes Town Bridge.
10. Any breakages or missing or defective gear on the club boats should be reported to the Quartermaster (Sail) or Quartermaster (paddles) as appropriate.
11. After use, please return sailing dinghies on their launching trolley to the allocated space in the SGBA boat park. If the dinghy is left in a place where it may float on a high spring tide, please attach the painter to a secure point. Kayaks, canoes and SUP's should be returned to the appropriate rack.
12. Please refer to the SGBA byelaws for full conditions relating to club boat use. Byelaws can be found in the 'key documents' section of the website.
13. Members going afloat will do so at their own risk. In the absence of any negligence or other breach of duty by us, the use of SGBA facilities and craft is entirely at your risk.

Enjoy your boating. If you have any questions or queries, please do get in touch.

Last updated 14:15 on 20 June 2023