NWS Membership Guidelines
Membership Guidelines
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is continually updated. If there is a question regarding specifics, please contact NorthWest Sailing Centers for clarification or an updated version of the guidelines. The enclosed guidelines detail policies, regulations, and privileges designed to maintain safety, insurance and operational standards and provide all members with full access to vessels while keeping membership costs low. Guidelines do not cover all conceivable points of membership – should you encounter a situation not addressed here please give us a call!
· Unlimited Boat Use (per membership plan)
· Use of boats “After Hours”
· Large Variety of Boats
· Family Friendly
· Discounted Lessons
· Discounted Charter Rates
· Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic staff
2. BOAT RESERVATIONS
New members will be invited to an orientation session shortly after joining the Club. NWS staff will then review the finer details and processes contained within these guidelines. Following are the basics….
1. Reservations are made using the online booking tool under the ‘Members’ section of the website. This menu is only visible to NWS members.
2. If your contact information changes make certain you have updated your member contact details on the website so that we can contact you if weather or other circumstances may affect your reservation.
3. After arriving, review the boat and either call or email NWS if you have any questions. Keep an eye towards a “Manifestly Safe Voyage” – i.e., that the vessel is equipped with everything needed for your planned trip.
4. Ask questions: if you are unfamiliar with any piece of equipment, or want something double-checked, just ask.
5. When returning, “tidy” the boat by putting equipment away, flaking mainsails, emptying waste tanks, and taking any rubbish.
6. If a problem was encountered during the sail, inform NWS either by calling or email.
3. MEMBERS FAMILY
Members have access to all NWS sailboats. Memberships extend to a member’s immediate family, and as NWS encourages families to sail, family members receive a discount on Basic Keelboat classes. Family members must be qualified in order to use NWS’s boats without the member.
4. SAFETY
Safety is always the priority. NorthWest Sailing Centers reserves the right to take any action necessary in deference of safety considerations. Examples include changing specific boat reservations due to equipment or member special needs to cancelling reservations if observed/forecasted weather conditions are beyond the certification, skill or experience level of the member.
5. HOURS OF OPERATION
Following are the general hours of operation, which may change with the season. Announcements will be made in advance of any changes. The early morning and late afternoons are generally spent getting boats ready and putting them away for the night, and we will take reservations if available during those times. While reservations are taken 7 days a week, specific locations may ‘close’ during the week to give employees their “weekend”. If a location closes for the day, “After-hours” rules apply.
· Boat reservation hours: 24 hours online, up to 7 days in advance.
· Boat check-out hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 p.m. – Daily
· Business hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 p.m. – Daily
6. RESERVATIONS
All reservations are subject to availability. The club maintains a fleet size commensurate with membership levels throughout the year. Some summer weekends book fast when a disproportionate number of members want to sail on the same day, and so we encourage members to plan in advance.
The following reservation rules are designed to maximize boat availability for all members. NorthWest Sailing Centers may alter reservation times during heavy use days to accommodate members (e.g., requiring morning, afternoon or after-hours time slots).
All members benefit from adhering to reservation guidelines.
· Advanced Reservations: Each full member can make one advance reservation at a time, up to 7 days in advance
· Same Day Reservations: “Same Day” reservations, or reservations made the same day as sailing, may be made between 9:00am and 4:30pm with no effect on a member’s “Advanced Reservation”. Same day reservations are first-come, first serve based on boat availability. Our software doesn’t allow booking for a reservation window that has already started. If the boat is at the dock and Boatcloud shows that it is not reserved, please email or call NWS to confirm you are taking the boat- to satisfy our insurers, our boats have tracking devices that create an alarm when they leave the dock un-reserved.
· Cancellations: If a member does not show up for a reservation within 1 hour and no alternative arrangements are made, then the reservation will be involuntarily cancelled when other members are waiting on the boat.
With courteous regard to other members – please call if you’re planning on being late or cancelling a reservation. This affords other members the time to go sailing.
8. EVENING USE
A Member’s responsibility does not end with their sail but with NWS staff check-in of the boat [the following morning in this case]. Members should recognize that since NWS staff is not securing the boat at the end of the workday, NWS cannot accept responsibility for it overnight. If there is any theft, vandalism, or damage caused by improper mooring/securing, the member will be held responsible for the damage if the cause is determined to be improper stowage of the boat. Historically, NWS has not faced problems with this arrangement. However, if you prefer not to take this responsibility it is best to return the boat to before 9:00pm.
9. AFTER HOURS CHECK-OUT
A privilege not seen in most boating clubs is NWS’s after-hours checkout. With an advanced reservation, members can take out boats after hours.
10. EXTENDED USE (MULTIPLE DAY)
NWS’s larger boats are available for multiple day cruises to suitably qualified members.
12. CERTIFICATION PREREQUISITES FOR BOAT USE
Certification prerequisites are for member safety, to ensure competency when using more advanced sailing equipment, sailing in unfamiliar areas and to minimize the potential for damage to NWS equipment. NWS accepts US SAILING, NauticEd and American Sailing Association (ASA) certification system and standards, which advocates graduated learning that includes practice in-between classes.
· BASIC CRUISING/ SKIPPER (ASA103 or equivalent): After completing the Basic Cruising course members may use the boats to twenty-seven (27′) feet with outboard auxiliary power
· BASIC BAREBOAT/ BAREBOAT MASTER (ASA104 & 105 or equivalent): All diesel auxiliary powered sailboats, and those with inboard controls, may be used by Bareboat qualified members.
· SPINNAKER QUALIFIED: The spinnaker course is required before you may use the spinnaker on any Club boat. This includes sailing or racing with a crew that knows how to fly the spinnaker. The skipper must be spinnaker qualified plus one additional crew member – no exceptions allowed.
13. SAILING CLASSES
NorthWest Sailing Centers offers a wide range of sailing classes, all designed to increase sailors’ skills and knowledge. When combined with a variety of vessels and practice, NWS members are considered some of the best trained sailors in the industry. Members enjoy a standard discount on selected classes plus frequent specials and additional discounts for multiple students, family members, etc.
15. LIABILITY & DAMAGE
Every operator of a NorthWest Sailing Centers vessel is responsible for any damage, theft, etc. that they incur or cause, up to $5,000 when they follow procedures and rules. Details of liability and damage conditions are contained in the Operator Terms & Conditions.
NorthWest Sailing Centers maintains liability insurance of at least $1,000,000, and all active members in good standing are additional insureds. Members should recognize that if found grossly negligent, the member may face additional liability by maritime law.
NorthWest Sailing Centers requires all members to inspect a vessel prior to use and assume responsibility for planning a manifestly safe voyage for the sailboat, crew and guests. Following is the definition of a “Seaworthy Vessel”, and it’s important to note that the maritime definition of seaworthiness includes the skipper’s character, skill and planning for a safe voyage.
“The vessel is competent to resist the ordinary attacks of wind and weather, and is competently equipped and manned for the voyage, with a sufficient crew, and with sufficient means to sustain them, and with a captain of general good character and nautical skill.”
Damage is ascertained on an itemized checklist, and upon a clean check-in by NWS staff, members are released from accountability. It is advisable that members review this checklist with NWS staff for accuracy.
If a member damages a sail, or any other gear, they are required to inform NWS. To report any problem after hours, email or call the club by 9:30 a.m. the next day. By reporting damage, members help the club to repair problems before they become worse, and members do not send fellow members sailing with faulty equipment! NWS staff can also advise members as to why the damage occurred, helping to prevent a re-occurrence. If a member does not report damage, it will be discovered at the next checkout and the damage will be charged back to the member regardless of fault.
IF AN INCIDENT INVOLVES A THIRD PARTY OR AN INJURY, COMPLETE THE INCIDENT REPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This is for the member’s protection, especially when making an insurance claim. These forms can be found on the NWS website in the Members section
NOTE: it is a maritime legal requirement that a skipper fully disclose any problems or breakage that may affect the safety of a vessel. Failure to do so puts other members at risk.
16. OPERATOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CLICK HERE for Operator Terms and Conditions
17. BILLING
Members receive a monthly billing statement for dues, plus any charges that accrued on the account in that month. If payment is late, then a 12% late fee is assessed per month. If an account becomes over 30 days “Past Due”, membership privileges are suspended until the account is current. Suspension precludes boat use, activities, and boat reservations.
18. MEMBERSHIP PLANS
Member Agreements: Long-term membership commitments are required to keep costs low and maintain a year-round fleet for members. When compared to owning a boat, NorthWest Sailing Centers’s member dues are less than half the moorage alone.
· Unless stated otherwise or cancellation arrangements are made in advance, membership agreements renew on the renewal anniversary as per the signed agreement.
· Members must give written notice of resignation thirty (30) days prior to the end of their agreement term. Failure to do this leaves the membership in force and members responsible for accruing dues.
· NorthWest Sailing Centers extends a 30 day “grace period” from the renewal date to cancel a membership. However, members are responsible for all accrued dues during this extended period.
· Exceptions are made for instances including (for example): members moving +40 miles from NorthWest Sailing Centers facility, or physical injuries/serious illness that prevents use of NorthWest Sailing Centers services. Other exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis on approval by the General Manager. All exceptions may require substantiation.
· Dues may be subject to change upon thirty (30) days notice to Member and are effective after the end of the current contract term (i.e., dues are locked until the next renewal).
Membership Transfers: membership of NWS is non-transferable, other than to immediate family members residing in the same household.
Membership Holds: Any membership in good standing may be put on “hold” for up to 3 months and for a $20 per month fee. Members on hold are billed only for their hold fee, and their privileges are suspended. After 3 months, billing and membership begins automatically, and the agreement’s term is extended by the hold period. A member may make another hold after 12 consecutive months of membership.
Military: If actively in the military, in good standing and relocated or deployed during membership, NWS will waive contractual requirement and fees associated with holds or cancellations.
19. EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Membership in the NorthWest Sailing Centers not only offers the ease and convenience of sailing a multitude of sailboats maintained, cleaned, and ready for use; it also gives members the opportunity to become involved socially and further enjoy friendships through activities that are unique to a sailing club..
20. RECIPROCAL CLUB PRIVILEGES
NorthWest Sailing Centers members are considered “preferred” sailors at many schools, charter companies and clubs because of the high standards of NorthWest Sailing Centers’s school and club. That preferred status means NWS members are regarded as well trained and skilled sailors, and this status often translates into discounts or additional privileges.
NorthWest Sailing Centers maintains reciprocal relationship with many sailing organizations. When considering sailing from non-NorthWest Sailing Centers location we encourage you to first discuss with us. There are many reputable, excellent sailing organizations, as well as some less than reputable. NorthWest Sailing Centers will not engage in a reciprocal relationship if the organization does not meet the National standards.
21. SAILING GROUPS
Sailing enthusiast groups are organized by members such as yourself! Never hesitate to discuss what can happen if you share a common interest with other members.
22. VESSEL DESCRIPTIONS
NWS members can sample a variety of sailing vessels while they build experience for certifications. “Newer, Bigger” boats are not necessarily “Better”. NWS boats are selected for their quality of construction and design, performance specifications, and predominant use by club members. For members considering purchasing a boat one day, then “sampling” a wide range of boats is a great way to get a feel for what boat designs and equipment best fitted for the sailing goals.
A complete and updated list of NorthWest Sailing Centers vessels is available on the website.
23. NOTES & REMINDERS
In order to make the NorthWest Sailing Centers run smoothly and provide the finest customer service and equipment, NWS staff asks that members remember the following:
Non-marking shoes only please. No dark/hard soled shoes are allowed on any club boats. The marks left behind by both hard and soft dark soled shoes are very hard to remove from fiberglass boats and may incur cleaning fees.
No Pets are allowed on club boats. Even if your pet is well behaved and trained – their claws and hair are very hard on the sailboats and can cause allergic reactions for other members.
No Smoking Permitted in the cabins of club boats. Smoking is not allowed below deck and is discouraged in the cockpit area where the gasoline tank is located.
Always Motor in and out of the Club location. The harbor – masters have asked that members do not sail in or out unless there is engine failure. They have granted us permission to teach the skill in Coastal courses.
NWS boats are not equipped with toilets or Porta-Pottis. Members are welcome to bring their own portable units for use during their reservation but must remove them when checking the boat back in. A charge will be made to remove and dispose of any units left on NWS boats.
Return Boats in as good or better condition as you got them. Upon completion of a sail:
· Return and properly secure the boat to the slip it belongs in.
· Release backstays, outhauls, cunninghams, and boomvangs.
· Return gear to its proper place.
· Turn all electric devices, switches, and batteries off.
· Flake, stow, bag, and cover all sails.
· Leave engine tilted down & lift mount up.
· Coil and hang all lines to allow them to drip-dry.
· Close and lock the boat.
· Maintenance and cleaning of the fleet is the responsibility of the Club staff, however we ask that if you spill food or beverages that you wipe down and clean up.
Member Boat Use is for Personal Use. Members may use the boats for personal sailing, but may not conduct commercial activity on board the boats, such as sailing lessons, chartering, etc…, and involving any payment or remuneration to the member for the use of the boat. Members agree to prevent the boats from being used for any illegal activities.
24. FEE SCHEDULES
· Per membership agreements
Miscellaneous Charges: ONLY IF… any gear is lost or damaged, outboard fuel used beyond 2 gallons, extra boat cleaning be needed, the following rates will be charged to the member, at current rates, and at the following sources:
· Current per gallon fuel rates at Yarrow Bay Marina (we only use marine ethanol-free fuel to protect the engines).
· Current West Marine prices for replacement parts.
· Current Catalina, J-Boats or comparable manufacturer suppliers.
· Engine parts from Three Rivers Marine.
· Sails from North Sails
The above list is a general guide of most frequently used sources. NorthWest Sailing Centers reserves the right to select the best vendor for the equipment and service depending on the needs at the time.
25. NON-Member DAY RATES
Boats are not available to non-members unless booked with an NWS Captain
26. CHARTER BOATS
Certain boats are equipped, maintained and accessorized for longer trips and ‘chartering’. These require additional fees and rules because the preparation time, maintenance, fuel and supply costs are higher than normal club boats. Notably, we keep these rates well below regional and comparable NW charter rates for members.
Rules:
· Reservation/charges are per member
· Members can stay aboard the night before departing (no charge)
· $100 cleaning fee for excessive cleaning (i.e., tidy-up after use)
· Fuel charge for excessive refueling (more than 4 gallons)
NOTES & RESTRICTIONS:
· Full Day reservation is 9:00am to 9:00pm
· Core class discounts do not include seminars, excursions, offshore and courses taught in partnership with outside sailing instructors and companies.
· Class discounts apply to the retail value; and do not apply to and cannot be combined with other specials and promotional discounts. Instead, members receive the best price.
· Applicable Washington and local sales taxes apply
· Prices are subject to change and/or correction at any time. Most recent prices will prevail
· Boat use and passengers on board limited to USCG regulations
· Additional Day/Multi-Day rates apply only to consecutive Days. First day charged at full rate, discount applies only to additional days
· $100 Cleaning Deposit required for Multi-day sails
· Only one discount is applicable (i.e., not aggregated)