Due to the structure, location and activity of the UBC Sailing Club, all members must follow these rules:
Safety of our members and stewardship of our equipment are of the utmost concern. The Steering Committee reserves the right to determine the consequences if a members neglects or disregards the rules and policies. While the rules help safeguard against unforeseen events, the document is not exhaustive and members must always take appropriate precaution and care. For questions about rules and policies, email commodore@ubcsailing.org
UBC Sailing Club Rules and Policies (2022)
The Club is affiliated with the Alma Mater Society (AMS) of the University of British Columbia (UBC), hence our constitution and bylaws must follow certain overarching requirements. Inquiries may be directed to commodore@ubcsailing.org
Active members of the UBC Sailing Club must be also be members in good standing of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association. At JSCA, Safety is YOUR responsibility:
"On the ocean there are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Regardless of how you decide to use the ocean always show courtesy to others. Please adhere to the code listed below and share with others the responsibility for a safe ocean experience. It is every member’s responsibility to know and observe the rules of the road when on or near the water. Here are some key rules which every Jericho member must know and practice.
0.5 IT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO AVOID A COLLISION
1. Always wear your PFD on the water.
2. Sail powered craft have the right of way over power craft, paddle and rowing powered craft.
3. All non-commercial vessels shall keep well clear of commercial vessels.
4. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to pass between a tug and it’s tow.
5. A port tack sailing vessel shall keep clear of a starboard tack vessel.
6. A windward vessel shall keep clear of a leeward vessel.
7. A vessel clear astern shall keep clear of a vessel ahead.
8. Any vessel overtaking another shall keep clear.
9. A vessel tacking or gybing shall keep clear of a vessel on a tack.
10. The area south of the orange can buoys is for training or transiting only.
11. Swimming or wading on the beach in front of the Centre is prohibited and is particularly dangerous for small children.
12. It is unsafe to loiter or let children play near the bottom of launching ramps.
13. Stay well clear of the end of the Jericho Pier as fishers cast lines as far as possible.
14. Be cautious of pathway traffic when launching/retrieving.
15. Do not leave your craft on the shoreline for extended periods of time.
Common sense goes a long way toward maintaining a safe environment. Membership in the Jericho Sailing Centre Association is contingent on members knowing and observing the Safe Ocean Sailing rules."
As we operate on public waterways, we must follow federal regulations. Members who contravene these not only increase risks to themselves, to other users and to the equipment, but also expose themselves to significant fines from law enforcemnt and loss of membership privileges from the UBC Sailing Club and from the Jericho Sailing Centre Association.
Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide details the minimum requirements for safety equipment to carry on board (see pp. 16-17). Among other things, this means ensuring that everyone (members and guests) properly adjusts their PFD and checks that a whistle is attached to it.
Federal Collision Regulations detail actions that boats must follow to avoid collisions. In particular, Rules 11 to 18 are the most relevant to our activity on the water.