ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB FIJI 🇫🇯 SPONSORS THE PACIFIC POSSE

Royal Suva Yacht Club Sponsors the South Pacific Posse

FREE 1 MONTH Honorary Membership FOR South  Pacific Posse 

If any members of the Pacific Posse arrive at Suva I am happy to inform you that the RSYC
will recognize them as a bonafide member of a club and grant them the privileges as if they were members of a Yacht/Marine Club!
Royal Suva Yacht Club
Any visiting member of the Pacific Posse will be granted Honorary Membership for up to 1 month free of charge.
Any visiting yachts can apply for temporary mooring @ FJ$10 / day ( <US$5.00).
If, in the meantime the Fiji authorities reinstate us, newly arrived yachts to Suva can contact the Club (by radio) to arrange for clearance for a nominal fee (FJ$60 = £22.00 or < US$30.00). The Club will then contact the relevant authorities and transport them out to their yacht as new arrivals are not permitted to step ashore until they are cleared. Once again I warn it is better to head straight for Denarau.
Some general points of interest.
Be careful around our reefs and stay well off – especially at night. There are many places where my depth sounder shows 100 meters while the reef is just off my beam – a mere 5 meters away! There are also quite a few submerged reefs that (especially on a calm day) are not breaking and just below the surface. Places like the north and east of Kadavu, north and east of Beqa, Namena Reef (near Savusavu) and stay well away from Nairai Island as it has a huge reef that is almost fully submerged.
Even going through any of the reef passages. You may be in 10 – 20 m of water and the reef will rear up suddenly. Even me, with over 20 years of sailing all around Fiji waters (>55,000 nm in 10 years) in a power boat with 1.3m draft, will not attempt to go through a reef passage at night unless I know it like the back of my hand!
There are also a lot of reefs (mostly to the south of Viti Levu and a little away from the larger islands) that are shown on a GPS chart and are actually up to ½ nm off! One has to be very careful in our waters!  Reefs like Mubilici (Gau), Cakua Lekaleka (Beqa), Vuata Ono, Tuvula-i-Ra & Tuvana-i-Colo (Ono-i-Lau) are well off from what is shown on a chart.

ReefsSafe Approach

Patrick Todd  R•S•Y•C

Royal Suva Yacht Club

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+679 992 2921

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Updated 11th August, 2021

 

Mention of Recent Updates

Amendment – By-Law 12 (f): Measurement criteria for yachts.

Amendment – Terms:  All references to “Secretary” amended to “General Manager – 12th April, 2021.

 

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… GO TO HEADING CONTENTS PAGE …

 

CONTENTS

HEADINGS CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – RULES                                                         Rule to Rule    Page to Page

Introduction 1 6 1 11
Membership 7 23 13 31
Membership & Fees 24 32 32 36
Office Bearers & Flag Holders 33 49 37 48
Committees 50 64 49 59
Meeting Elections – Nominations 65 77 61 68
Regulatory 78 98 70 88
Yachts 99 102 89 92

 

SECTION 2 – BY-LAWS

General By-Laws 1 11 93 95
Yacht Registration, Mooring Facilities Conditions  By-Laws 12 30 97 109
Other Conditions / Crew Pass / Visiting Tradesmen / Casual Workers/Hurricane/Sea Burial 31 35 109 112

 

SECTION 3 – SAILING INSTRUCTIONS

Part A  – Suva Harbour 1 23 117 125
Part B  – Nukulau Island & Pat’s Beacon 24 31 126 130
Part C – Beqa 32 37 131 132
Part D –  Olympic Course Race 38 63 132 142
Part E – P Class Courses 64 64 143 143
Part F – Suva Harbour Courses 65 65 143 143
Part G – Modified Olympic Scoring 66 66 145 146

SECTION 4 – SAFETY REQUIREMENTSSafety Requirements

                                                                                                             Page 147 to 152

SECTION 5 – COMMODORESCommodores  –                                      Page 154

SECTION 1 – RULES

Introduction Rule Page
Name 1 1
Address 2 1
Objects 3 2
Club Flags 4 3
Interpretation 5 7
Code of Conduct 6 11

Return to Main Index

Membership Rule Page
Membership 7 13
Nomination and Admission of Members 8 15
Full Members 9 17
Associate Members 10 20
Temporary Associate Members 11 21
Junior Members 12 22
Student Members 13 22
Country Members 14 23
Supernumerary Members 15 24
Honorary Members 16 24
Life Members 17 27
Permanent Honorary Members 18 27
Former Members 19 27
Transfer to Another Category of Membership 20 28
Visitors 21 29
Visiting Yachts – Cruising Members 22 30
Resignations 23 31

Return to Main Index

Membership & Fees Rule Page
 Eligibility and Fees 24 32
Junior Member Transfer 25 32
Fees 26 33
Reminder Notice 27 33
Deadline 28 34
Members in Default 29 34
Membership Lapse 30 35
Members’ Liabilities 31 35
Members’ Ownership/Interests 32 35

Return to Main Index

Office Bearers & Flag Holders Rule Page
Office Bearers and Flag Holders 33 37
Election or Appointment 34 38
Patron 35 38
Vice-Patrons 36 38
Commodore 37 39
Vice-Commodore 38 40
Rear-Commodore 39 40
Trustees 40 41
Fleet Captain – Sail 41 42
Sail Rep 42 42
Fleet Captain – Power 43 43
Power Rep 44 43
General Manager 45 44
Auditor 46 46
Ocean Cruising Division 47 46
Duty Officers 48 47
Club Historian 49 48

Return to Main Index

Committees Rule Page
Committees 50 49
General Committee 51 49
Committee Duties 52 50
Committee Powers 53 50
Committee Meetings 54 52
Yachting Committee 55 53
Yachting Committee Meetings 56 53
Yachting Committee Duties/Powers 57 54
Protest Committee 58 56
Protest Committee Hearings 59 56
Appointment of Handicappers Etc. 60 57
House Committee 61 57
House Committee Meetings 62 57
House Committee Duties 63 58
Removal From Office 64 59

Return to Main Index

Meeting Elections – Nominations Rule Page
Chairperson 65 61
Quorum and Adjournment 66 61
Meeting Dissolved/Adjourned 67 61
Voting at Meetings 68 62
Resolutions Binding On all Members 69 64
Scrutineers 70 64
Place of Meetings 71 64
Annual General Meeting 72 65
Notice of Annual General Meeting 73 66
Notices of Motion 74 66
Elections – Nominations 75 67
Special (Extraordinary) and General Meetings 76 67
Dissolution 77 68

Return to Main Index

Regulatory Rule Page
Use of Club House 78 70
Club Functions 79 70
Notices 80 71
Suggestions 81 71
Payments Made by the Committee 82 72
Reciprocal Privileges 83 72
Day Book 84 72
Commercial Properties – Conditions / Yacht Crews 85 73
Rules – Rule Book 86 75
Submission to Rules and By-Laws 87 77
Prohibitions 88 77
Liquor Laws 89 78
Damages and/or Removal or Loan of Property 90 79
Complaints – Discipline 91 80
Infringement of Sailing Rules 92 84
Enemy Aliens 93 84
Refusal of Entry 94 84
Suspended Members 95 84
Expelled Members 96 84
Power to Remove, Sell or Dispose of Yachts and/or Trailers 97 85
Adoption of Rules 98 88

Return to Main Index

Yachts Rule Page
No Wake Zone 99 89
Yacht Registry 100 89
Classification of Yachts 101 91
Racing Rules 102 92

 

SECTION 2 – BY_LAWS                                                           Return to Main Index 

 

General By-Laws By-Law Page
Bar Hours 1 93
Bowser Hours 2 93
Dress Code 3 93
Music, TV and/or Intrusive Activity 4 94
Dogs On the Premises 5 94
Cheques/Tabs 6 95
Swimming 7 95
Pool Tables 8 95
Smoking 9 95
Fish Cleaning 10 95
Juniors and Children 11 95

Return to Main Index

Yachting By-Laws By-Law Page
Yacht Registration and Safety Inspections / Measure 12 97
Yacht Identification 13 98
Yachts and Club Activities 14 99
Duty/Rescue Boats 15 99
Starter 16 100
Refuelling, Repair, Embarkation Berths 17 100
Obstructions 18 100

Return to Main Index

Facility Lease/Hire Conditions By-Law Page
Main Cradles, Wooden Cradle, Careening Bay & Repair Sheds 19 101
Pontoons, Moorings, Hardstands, Dinghy Racks, Lockers & Berths 20 101
Fenders 21 101
Leases 22 102
Leasing of Moorings 23 103
Casual Facility Hire Rates 24 105
Mooring Berths Along the Wall (Trot) – 20 Places 25 105
Floating (Centre) Pontoon Conditions 26 106
Visiting Yachts Mooring Rental – for Concrete Cross Pontoon only – 12 Places @ 5.5 m 27 106
Yachts Leasing Hardstand Space 28 107
Trailer Park Conditions 29 108
Leasing Locker Spaces 30 110

Return to Main Index

Other Conditions / Crew Pass / Visiting Tradesmen By-Law Page
Members Living On Board Their Yacht 31 110
Employees Other Than Club Staff / Crew Pass 32 111
Visiting Tradesmen / Casual Workers 33 113
Hurricane Protocol 34 114
Sea Burial Site 35 117

 

SECTION 3 – SAILING INSTRUCTIONS                                 Return to Main Index

PART A

Sailing Instruction for Suva Harbour Races

Race Rule Page
Racing Rules 1 119
Safety and Responsibility 2 120
Personal Buoyancy 3 120
Sail Numbers 4 120
Anchors 5 121
Eligibility 6 121
Entry 7 121
Sole Entrant 8 122
Starting Times 9 122
Starting Line 10 122
Course and Course Signals 11 122
Class Warning Signs 12 123
Preparatory Signals 13 123
Starting Signal 14 124
Mark Foy Starting Signal 15 124
Recalls 16 124
Postponement 17 125
Abandonment 18 125
Time Limits 19 126
Finish Line 20 126
Placings 21 126
Scoring 22 127
Protests 23 127

Return to Main Index

PART B

Sailing Instructions for Nukulau & Pat’s Beacon

Race Rule Page
Suva to Nukulau Island – Inside Main Reef 24 129
Nukulau Island to Suva – Inside Main Reef 25 129
Suva to Nukulau Island – Outside Main Reef 26 130
Nukulau Island to Suva – Outside Main Reef 27 130
Suva to Nukulau Island – Inside/Outside 28 131
Pat’s Beacon – Inside Main Reef 29 131
Pat’s Beacon – Outside Main Reef 30 132
Protests 31 132

Return to Main Index

PART C

Sailing Instruction for Beqa

Race Rule Page
Safety 32 133
Starting Line 33 133
Course 34 133
Finish Line 35 133
Time Limit 36 134
Scoring 37 134

Return to Main Index

PART D

Sailing Instruction for Olympic Course Race

Race Rule Page
Olympic Racing Rules 38 134
Safety & Responsibility 39 135
Personal Buoyancy 40 135
Sail Numbers 41 136
Anchors 42 136
Eligibility 43 136
Officer of the Day 44 136
Entries 45 136
Sole Entrant 46 137
Starting Times 47 137
Starting Line 48 137
Courses 49 138
Course Signals 50 139
Starting Sequence & Class Flags 51 139
Starting Signals 52 140
Other Signals 53 140
Recalls 54 141
One Minute Rule 55 141
Postponement 56 141
Abandonment Signal 57 142
Abandoned Race 58 142
Time Limits 59 142
Finish Line 60 143
Placings 61 143
Scoring 62 143
Protests 63 144

Return to Main Index

PART E

P Class Courses

Race Rule Page
P Class Courses 64 145

 

PART F – Suva Harbour Courses Race Rule Page
Suva Harbour Courses 65 145

 

PART G – Modified Olympic Scoring System Race Rule Page
Modified Olympic Scoring System 66 147

Return to Main Index

SECTION 4 – MINIMUM SAFETY & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Safety & Equipment Requirements Rule Page
Owners’ Responsibility 1 149
Status 2 149
Inspections 3 149
Certificates 4 150
Confidentiality 5 150
Hull & Gear Requirements 6 150
MSAF Minimum Requirements 7 150
RSYC Minimum Requirements 8 152
Minimum Safety Requirements for Club Registered Class “C”, Dinghy, Hobie & Sailboard Class 9 153

 

SECTION 5 – Commodores of the Royal Suva Yacht Club

 

Return to Main Index

 

SECTION ONE – RULES

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The following Rules apply to the Club as a whole and to all Members and Visitors to the Club irrespective of category.

 

INTRODUCTION

Rule 1 The name of the Club shall be the ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB, hereinafter referred to as “the Club”.

 

ADDRESS                                                                                                                             Return to Main Index

Rule 2 (a)   The registered office of the Club shall be at the Club House, Korovou, Suva, Republic of Fiji.

 

(b)   Postal Address: P.O. Box 335, Suva, Republic of Fiji.

 

(c)    Telephone: (679) 331 2921

Fax: (679) 330 4433

 

(d)   Email: reception@rsyc.org.fj

Web: http://rsyc.org.fj/

 

(e)   A notice to any Member shall be deemed to be as duly delivered 5 working days from the day it is dispatched by ordinary post or by email addressed to him as it is recorded in the Members’ Registry under “Contact Details”.

 

 

 

OBJECTS                                                                                Return to Main Index

The Objects for which the Club is established are:-

Rule 3 (a)   The encouragement of Yacht sailing, cruising and other aquatic sports, games and pastimes;

 

(b)   The encouragement of the study of seamanship, pilotage and navigation and the improvement in the design and building of racing and cruising Yachts;

 

(c)    The holding and arrangement of races, matches, regattas and competitions in Yachting and other aquatic sports, games and pastimes and the offering and granting of contributions towards the provision of prizes, awards and distinctions;

 

(d)   The granting or making of awards and distinctions for acts and achievements done and attained in the interests of Yachting;

 

(e)   The encouragement of social intercourse between yachts people, the promotion of entertainment of Club Members and their friends and the provision of accommodation with the usual privileges and advantages of a Club for the purpose aforesaid;

 

(f)     To acquire by purchase or otherwise real and personal property and to dispose of the same by sale, mortgage, lease, or charge and otherwise to deal with any such property for any purpose or objects aforesaid;

 

(g)   To allow chartering or leasing of any Yacht by the Club or by any individual Member where the purpose of the charter or lease is to enter Club events;

 

(h)   To do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objectives.

 

CLUB FLAGS                                                                           Return to Main Index

The Club Flags shall be as follows:-

Rule

4

(a)  Ensign: The British Blue Ensign defaced by the badge of the Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)   Burgee: Red and blue with white cross; upper cantons red, lower cantons blue, with a Naval Crown superimposed on a white circular background where the white crosses meet;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)    Commodore’s Pendant: A broad pendant of similar device to the Burgee;

 

 

 

 

 

(d)   Vice-Commodore’s Pendant: A broad pendant of similar device to the Burgee with the addition of one white ball in the inner upper canton;

(e)    Rear-Commodore’s Pendant: A broad pendant of similar device to the Burgee with the addition of one white ball in each of the inner, upper and lower cantons.

 

 

 

 

(f)    Club Badge: An image of a ship’s wheel in gold with two concentric blue rings and an image of a takia (sailed Fiji canoe) at the centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(g)   Club Logo: An image of a ship’s wheel with the Club Burgee at the centre and surrounded by the words “ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB: EST 1932”.

 

 

(a)    British Blue Ensign defaced by badge of the Club

 

 

 

 

 

 (b) Club Burgee

 

Flying Burgee

 

 

 

(c) Commodore’s Pendant

 

 

(d) Vice-Commodore’s Pendant

 

 

(e) Rear-Commodore’s Pendant

 

 

 

 

 

 (f) Club Badge

(g) Club Logo

 

Club Colours/Codes:

Pantone: Blue: 280 C; Red: 186 C ; White: Safe C ; Gold: 729 C

CMYK:

Blue: (C) 100, (M) 72, (Y) 0, (K) 18.5; Red: (C) 0, (M) 91, (Y) 76, (K) 6;

White: (C) 0, (M) 0, (Y) 0, (K) 0; Gold: (C) 0, (M) 20, (Y) 60, (K) 20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERPRETATION                                                                                  Return to Main Index

In these Rules:-

Rule

5

(a)   DEFINITION OF A YACHT

 

The following definitions apply to any boat, vessel or craft.

 

(i)     Unless the context otherwise requires, a “Yacht” is a vessel, boat or craft used for pleasure purposes and/or fishing and other marine activities.

 

(ii)   A Yacht may be powered by sail, engine/s or a combination of both.

 

(iii) A Yacht must be Registered with the Club before it is entitled to use any Club Facility.

 

(iv)  The words “maintained in an efficient state and in good repair” {Rule 100(g) & Rule 5(e)} shall mean a Yacht that is seaworthy (not just afloat but able to put to sea with reasonable notice) and demonstrates its seaworthiness regularly and complies with the Laws of the Republic of Fiji and M.S.A.F.

 

(v)   Yachts unable to demonstrate their seaworthiness regularly may be deemed unauthorised by the Committee.

 

(vi)  Yachts shall be “Classed” as their dimensions and equipment dictates.

 

(vii)  The length and beam of a Yacht that may be registered with the Club is limited by its ability to successfully and safely negotiate the Fuel and Embarkation dock and/or to safely use the Swing Moorings immediately in front of the Club Harbour and adjacent to the Dynamite Shack.

 

(viii)    Yachts that exceed these limits may apply in writing to the Committee for special consideration.

 

(ix)   “Live-aboard” means any yacht that complies with Rule 100 (f) and By-Law 31 may be used as accommodation.

 

COMMERCIAL YACHTS

 

(b)   Any Yacht operating under a commercial basis and who wishes to make use of the Club’s facilities must first apply, in writing, and be approved by the Committee and further subject to the following:-

 

(i)     Any Yacht must, if required by law, be registered with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (M.S.A.F) and comply with all regulations under their jurisdiction.

 

(ii)   To be a Registered Yacht of the Club for commercial purposes, the owner must be a Full or Associate Member.

 

(iii) Crew of such Yachts may also apply for Membership in the usual manner herein provided for in these Rules.

 

(iv)  Whether a Member or not, any Crew member of such Yachts are subject to the same obligations and Rules as all other Members, Visitors or Guests of the Club and are the responsibility of the Owner.

 

(v)   The Committee shall have the power at any time without assigning any reason to revoke or cancel the admission of any Non-Member Crew.

 

GENERAL

(c)    “Facility” means any Club Facility provided for Member’s use, such as, but not limited to; moorings; hardstands; trailer park; dinghy shed; locker; slipway etc. and subject to terms and conditions as may apply.

 

(d)   “Registered” means registered with the Club, except where such word is used in relation to the Merchant Shipping Acts.

 

(e)   “Registered Sailing Yacht” and “Registered Powered Yacht” mean a Yacht which has been registered with the Club and which has been properly maintained in an efficient state and in good repair and has participated actively in the Club activities to the satisfaction of the “Yachting Committee”.

 

(f)    “Registered Sailing Yacht Owner” and “Registered Powered Yacht Owner” mean a Member of the Club who is the owner of a Registered Sailing Yacht or a Registered Powered Yacht respectively.

 

(g)   “General Manager” means the person who, in return for a salary, is responsible for the day to day running of the Club whatever designation the position may from time to time be given by the Committee.

 

(h)   Wherever the words “he” or “his” or “him” or “himself” are used in these Rules, such words may be interpreted as “she” or “her” or “her” or “herself” as the case may be, in respect of a female person or persons. 23rd May, 2022 the Rules & By-Laws have been “degenderized”.

 

(Where the context so permits, words importing the masculine gender include the feminine gender and words importing the singular number include the plural number and vice versa.)

 

(i)     The General Committee shall also be referred to as the “Committee”.

 

(j)     With regard to annual payment of fees and subscriptions the term “Pro Rata” refers to the following scale of application:-

 

(i)     From 1st January to 31st December in the same calendar year = 100%;

 

(ii)   After 31st March to 31st December in the same calendar year = 75%;

 

(iii) After June 30th to 31st December in the same calendar year = 50%;

 

(iv)  After 30th September to 31st December in the same calendar year = 25%.

 

COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES/PROPERTIES

 

(k)   With regard to commercial operations on the Club premises or grounds the term “Commercial Enterprises” shall mean, but not be limited to any business undertaking, commercial operation or any activity for which lease payments, rental or hire charges are paid to the Club for the permission to trade or operate that involves the taking and acceptance of money or payment for services rendered or items sold.

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

(l)     The various types of Member; Full, Life, Associate, Temporary Associate, Country, Supernumerary, Honorary, Permanent Honorary and Junior shall be referred to as a “Category”. i.e.: A maturing Junior may wish to transfer to Associate Category.

 

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT                                                                             Return to Main Index

This Code of Conduct has been drafted to ensure a safe, respectful and friendly environment for RSYC Members, Visitors, Guests and Staff. It is written in a relaxed spirit of cooperation, goodwill and mutual respect.

Rule 6 (a)   The Club expects its Members, Visitors and Guests to comply with the Club Rules and By-Laws while on the property and its water lot, including the terms of this Rule. Failure to comply in any way may result in suspension or expulsion from the Club property and/or sanctions from the Committee.

 

(b)   Anyone using Club facilities shall conduct themselves in a manner not injurious to the reputation, interest, congeniality and good order of the Club.

 

(c)    Anyone using Club facilities must at all times be respectful to the Club’s Members, Visitors and Guests.

 

(d)   Members are responsible for the conduct of their Visitors and Guests at all times when the Visitors and Guests are on Club property.

 

(e)   Members, Visitors and Guests are to refrain from smoking in all indoor areas of the Club, adjacent to and a safe distance from the fuel bowser and from any other areas that may be designated from time to time by the Committee.

 

(f)     Conduct that is injurious or detrimental to the Club may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

 

(i)     Overt and unnecessary use of foul language on the premises.

 

(ii)   Aggressive, abusive and/or unnecessarily loud communications with Members, Visitors, Guests and Club employees or Staff.

 

(iii) Any acts of violence or attempted acts of violence directed towards Club property, Members, Visitors, Guests and Club employees or Staff.

 

(iv)  Harassment of any kind including, but not limited to, bullying or sexual harassment of Members, Visitors, Guests and Club employees or Staff.

 

(v)   Inappropriate use of Club facilities or the personal property of other Members, Visitors and Guests.

 

(g)    Any violation of the Code of Conduct will be addressed as outlined in Club Rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

The following shall give details on the types of Membership, their rights, privileges and responsibilities.

MEMBERSHIP                                                                                          Return to Main Index

Rule

7

(a)   The Club shall consist of:

 

(i)           Full Members (including Senior Members);

 

(ii)         Associate Members;

 

(iii)       Temporary Associate Members;

 

(iv)        Junior Members;

 

(v)         Country Members;

 

(vi)        Student Members;

 

(vii)      Honorary Members;

 

(viii)    Supernumerary Members;

 

(ix)        Life Members;

 

(x)         Admitted to membership of the Club in accordance with Rules in that behalf hereinafter set forth.

 

(b)   There may also be a category in Membership Application for Family Members whereby a family may apply collectively. This can be a combination of Associate, Country and Junior Members. Each Family Member shall be subject to and abide by the Rules and By-Laws and be granted the same privileges applicable to the respective Member’s category. The Fee for Family Membership shall be as prescribed by the Committee.

 

(c)    The Club may in General Meeting amend the enrolment limit of Full and Associate Membership to any specified number either for a fixed or unlimited period, or until removing such limitation.

 

(d)   No candidate shall be eligible for admission to membership of the Club if it be known that the prospective member has, at any time, committed an act, which in the opinion of the Committee, would have justified his/her expulsion if the member had committed it whilst a member.

 

(e)   No candidate under eighteen (18) years of age shall be eligible for election except as a Junior Member.

 

(f)     There shall be a Membership Register, which Register shall be prima facie proof of what persons are Members, and in what class of membership they are listed. A list of Members and a separate list of Honorary Members shall be available in the Club House and kept up to date.

 

(g)   Upon any Member ceasing for any reason to be a Member of the Club, his/her name shall be struck off the Membership Register and the reason thereof shall be entered in the register, dated and signed by the General Manager.

 

(h)   For the purposes of Notice every Member shall be contactable either by mail or by email. Any Member who changes his/her postal/email address and/or contact details shall notify the General Manager in writing or by email of such change of contact details for entry and amendment in the Club Resister.

 

(i)     All notices and other communications forwarded to a Member will be dispatched to his/her contact details as shown in the Membership Register.

 

NOMINATION AND ADMISSION OF MEMBERS                        Return to Main Index

Rule

8

(a)   Every candidate for admission to the Club must present a properly completed Club Nomination Form that includes two passport sized photos and photographic proof of identification to the Club General Manager and pay the prescribed Nomination Fee and/or subscriptions.

 

(b)  Every candidate must be proposed by a Full Member and seconded by another Full Member.

 

(c)    On receipt of a candidate’s Nomination Form, prescribed Fees, photos and I.D. the General Manager shall:-

 

(i)     Bring the nomination to the notice of the committee at its next regular meeting and shall, unless the Committee directs otherwise, enter the candidate’s name, profession or occupation and the contact details, together with the names of the proposer and seconder in the candidates’ book and post a copy of such entries on the Club Notice Board for a period of two (2) months, and issue the candidate with an Honorary Membership Card;

Or

 

(ii)   If the nomination is for Associate Membership and at the time of nomination there is no vacancy in the roll of Associate Members, the candidate’s name shall be placed on a waiting list. When a vacancy occurs in the list of Associate Members the nomination shall be dealt with as in subparagraph (c)(i) of this Rule provided the Committee shall have the power to bring forward such nominations for admission as it thinks fit and may, at its discretion, give preference to candidates who own Yachts of Classes A, B, C or D, and the Members shall be admitted as Temporary Associate Members.

 

(d)   Any candidate whose name has been posted for election to Membership and who holds an Honorary Membership shall enjoy all the privileges and obligations of an Associate Member during the period his/her name is posted except the right to introduce Visitors to the Club.

 

(e)   Should a candidate not be elected for cause one half (½) of his/her Nomination Fee shall be forfeited.

 

(f)     A candidate whose name is on the waiting list and who is not an honorary Member may not use the Club until a vacancy occurs and his/her name is posted.

 

(g)   Any Member who objects to any candidate becoming a Member shall, within two (2) months from the date on which the candidate’s name was posted for election, appear before the Committee or state in writing his/her reasons for so objecting.

 

(h)   After the expiry of the aforesaid period of two (2) months, and on receipt of the due subscriptions (which are to be refunded as per section (e) of this Rule if the candidate fails to be elected) the Committee shall, at a subsequent Committee Meeting, decide by secret ballot the election or otherwise of such proposed Member.

 

(i)     During such election at least seven (7) Members of the Committee shall vote using the “Ballot Box” (Rule 9(e)).

 

(j)     Two black “balls” shall reject the candidate. No explanation is required.

 

When voting on the election of a Full Member where the vote must be unanimous.

 

 

 

FULL MEMBERS                                                                             Return to Main Index

Rule

9

(a)   The level of Full Membership carries with it the great responsibility of ensuring the smooth, harmonious and profitable operation of the Club. It permits the privilege (among other things) of participating, speaking and voting at all General Meetings.

 

It must be ensured that all Full Members have proven their merit with regular contributions by way of time and effort spent on the Club’s behalf and must have demonstrated commendable behaviour and are not liable to bring the Club into disrepute.

 

(b)   Subject as hereinafter provided, the number of Full Members shall be limited to the number of permissible Associate Members (Rule 10(b). (Limit of 150 removed at Annual General Meeting 23rd March, 2021).

 

(c)    The Club may, in General Meeting, change the limit of Full Membership to any specified number either for a fixed or unlimited period, or until removing such limitation.

 

(d)      All applications for Full Membership are dependent on the unanimous consent of the Committee and must be made in writing and lodged with the Club General Manager for consideration of the next available Committee Meeting.

 

(e)      Voting, in this regard, shall be completed using secret ballot with the “Ballot Box”. Each voter is given a black dice (negative) and a white dice (positive). To cast their vote, each voter places either a black dice or a white dice in the “Ballot Box”. Only one black dice means the application is denied. No explanation is required.

 

(f)       Should an application be denied, an applicant cannot reapply until one (1) year has passed from the date of denial.

 

 

 

The following candidates are eligible for election as Full Members:-

(The following qualifications shall not apply to persons who were Full Members at the date of adoption of these Rules – February 23rd, 2011.)

 

(g)   Any candidate who has been a continuous Associate Member or Junior Member and an active and beneficial participant in Club activities for a period of not less than three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his/her application for, or election to, Full Membership.

 

(h)   Any candidate who has been the registered owner of a registered Yacht or Yachts of Class A, B, C or D, or the owner of a registered Powered Yacht or Yachts of Class A continuously for a period of not less than three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his/her application for, or election to, Full Membership.

 

(i)     Any candidate who has been a regular member of the crew of a Registered Sailing Yacht or Yachts of Class A, B, C, or D for a period of not less than three (3) years immediately preceding the date of application for, or election to, Full Membership.

 

(j)     Any candidate who has been the Leading Hand of a Registered Powered Yacht or Yachts of Class A for a period of not less than three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his/her application for, or election to, Full Membership.

 

(k)    A candidate who, during the three (3) years immediately preceding the date of application for, or election to, Full Membership has been engaged without fee in designing or assisting in the building of Yachts for Members, or acting as Honorary Instructor in seamanship or navigation to Members, or engaged without fee in planning or constructing yachting facilities for the Club, or who in the unanimous opinion of the Committee has rendered valuable service to the social or yachting activities of the Club.

 

(l)     A candidate who has been a Country Member for a period of not less than three (3) years prior to his/her application and who moves back to Suva and who pays the prescribed subscription or pro rata part thereof may apply for, and/or elected to Full Membership.

 

(m) A candidate who has been a Supernumerary Member for a period of not less than three (3) years prior and who returns to Fiji and moves back to Suva and who pays the prescribed subscription or pro rata part thereof may apply for, or be elected to Full Membership.

 

(n)   Honorary Members must first amend their membership status before their qualifying period is recognised.

 

(o)   A Full Member is entitled to the enjoyment of the amenities and facilities of the Club, to register any Yacht or Yachts of which the member is the owner, to sail in a Yacht during a race or other event as owner or as steersman or as crew, to fly the Club Burgee, to introduce Honorary Members and Visitors under Rule 21 (a) and to attend any social function organised by the Club and to nominate guests for invitation to social functions.

 

(p)      A Full Member is entitled to speak and vote at General Meetings and to be elected as an Officer Bearer or Flag Officer of the Club and to sit on Committees.

 

(q)     SENIOR MEMBERS

 

Full Members, sixty-five (65) years or over, are eligible to apply to the Committee for Senior Membership.

 

Senior Membership Fee is the same as Students.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS                                                                         Return to Main Index

The following candidates are eligible for election as Associate Members:-

Rule

10

(a)   Any person who is not eligible for Full Membership or who does not desire Full Membership may be elected as an Associate Member of the Club provided that a vacancy exists in the Associate Membership Register.

 

(b)   Subject as hereinafter provided the number of Associate Members shall be limited to 800.

 

(c)    The Club may, in General Meeting, change the limit of Associate Membership to any specified number either for a fixed or unlimited period, or until removing such limitation.

 

(d)   An Associate Member is entitled to the enjoyment of the amenities and facilities of the Club, to register any Yacht or Yachts of which the member is the owner, to sail in a Yacht during a race or other event as owner or as steersman or as crew, to fly the Club Burgee, to introduce Honorary Members and Visitors under Rule 21 (a) and to attend any social function organised by the Club and to nominate Guests for invitation to social functions.

 

(e)   An Associate Member who is appointed, without fee, as Handicapper or as Timekeeper, or as Starter or as Master of Ceremonies or as Press Officer or as Bar Supervisor, or who is appointed by the Committee to investigate and report on any matter, or who is appointed by the Committee to perform some particular duty for the Club, may, may, for and during the period the member is actually occupying such office, or actually engaged on such duties, as the case may be, be permitted by the Committee to enjoy the privileges of a Full Member under Rule 9 (l).

 

(f)     The Committee may permit Associate Members to attend any specific General Meeting of the Club, without however, the right to speak or vote.

 

(g)   The Chairperson may, with the prior consent of the meeting, invite some particular Associate Member to speak but not to vote.

 

TEMPORARY ASSOCIATE MEMBERS                                             Return to Main Index

The following candidates are eligible for election as Temporary Associate Members:-

Rule

11

(a)   Any Junior Member who upon attaining the age of eighteen (18) years applies for Associate Membership and who pays the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof.

 

(b)   Any Country Member who applies for Associate Membership and who pays the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof.

 

(c)    Any Supernumerary Member who applies for Associate Membership and who pays the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof.

 

(d)   Any new candidate for admission who is the owner of a Yacht Class A, B, or C may, at the discretion of the Committee, be elected as a Temporary Associate Member, should, at the  time of application, there be no vacancy in the Associate Membership Register.

 

(e)   A Temporary Associate Member may be elected an Associate Member as vacancies occur in the Associate Membership Register, or to any other class of Membership for which the member may be eligible.

 

(f)     A Temporary Associate Member shall enjoy the same rights and privileges as an Associate Member.

 

JUNIOR MEMBERS                                                                                Return to Main Index

The following candidates are eligible for election as Junior Members:-

Rule

12

(a)   A person between the ages of eight (8) and eighteen (18) may be elected as a Junior Member of the Club.

 

(b)   In addition to any other privileges specified in these Rules as being applicable to Junior Members, and subject to any age or other restrictions imposed by these Rules on the privileges of Junior Members, a Junior Member shall enjoy the same privileges as an Associate Member as set out in Rule 10 (d) and also the privilege of nominating Junior Guests for invitation to Junior social functions.

 

(c)    The Committee may appoint a qualified Junior Sailing Member not less than sixteen (16) years of age to attend meetings of the Yachting Committee. Such Junior Members may speak, but not vote, at any such meetings.

 

(d)   The Committee may permit qualified Junior Sailing Members not less than sixteen (16) years of age to attend any specified General Meeting of the Club without, however, the right to speak or vote.

 

STUDENT MEMBERS                                                                            Return to Main Index

The following candidates are eligible for election as Student Members:-

Rule

13

(a)   Bona fide Students over eighteen (18) years of age are eligible for Student Membership.

 

(b)   Photographic proof of enrolment at a University, College or any other recognised educational institute is required. Nomination application fees apply also.

 

(c)    Student Members shall enjoy the same privileges and responsibilities as an Associate Member of the Club as set out in Rule 10 (d) except that they may not introduce Honorary Members and only introduce other bona fide Students as Visitors or Guests for social functions.

 

(d)   A Student Member shall not have any right, title or interest in any property of the Club.

 

COUNTRY MEMBERS                                                                           Return to Main Index

The following candidates are eligible for election as Country Members:-

Rule

14

(a)   Any person resident in Fiji at a place more than 75 kilometres distant from the Club House may be elected as a Country Member.

 

(b)   Any financial Full or Associate Member who leaves Suva to reside in some place in Fiji more than 75 kilometres from the Club House may, on written application to the General Manager, be placed on the list of Country Members.

 

(c)    On returning to Suva to reside, such Country Member may apply to resume his/her former Class of Membership on payment of the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof.

 

(d)   A Country Member shall enjoy the same privileges as an Associate Member as set out in Rule 10 (d), provided that a Country Member who has transferred from the list of Full Members shall also enjoy the privilege of nominating guests for invitation to social functions.

 

SUPERNUMERARY MEMBERS                                                          Return to Main Index

The following candidates are eligible to apply for Supernumerary Membership:-

Rule

15

(a)   Any financial Member of two (2) or more years standing who leaves Fiji to reside in some place overseas may, on written application to the General Manager, be placed on the list of Supernumerary Members.

 

(b)   On returning to Fiji to reside a Supernumerary Member may apply to resume his/her class of Membership on payment of the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof.

 

(c)    A Supernumerary Member shall be entitled to fly the Club Burgee and on any visit to Suva shall be entitled to the privileges of an Associate Member for a period not exceeding two (2) months free and for a further four (4) months only on payment in advance of the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof.

 

HONORARY MEMBERS                                                                       Return to Main Index

The following criteria shall apply to persons with regard to Honorary Membership and Members introducing them:-

Rule

16

(a)   A Member introducing an Honorary Member shall be responsible for that person’s conduct in the Club and be liable for all debts due by him to the Club, and shall be held responsible for the character of the Honorary Member or Visitor being such as will be acceptable to Members, and for his/her non-infringement of any of the Rules or By-Laws of the Club.

 

(b)   Any person not resident in, but visiting Fiji may, with the approval of a Flag Officer or the General Manager, become an Honorary Member of the Club for any period not exceeding one (1) month without payment of any fee.

 

(c)    The General Manager may, with the approval of a Flag Officer, extend the Honorary Membership of such an Honorary Member for a further period not exceeding four (4) months and on advance payment of the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof.

 

(d)   Any person resident in Fiji at a place more than 75 kilometres distant from the Club House, or a person newly arrived in Fiji, may, with the approval of a Flag Officer, or the General Manager become an Honorary Member as in Rule 12 (a).

 

(e)   Upon satisfactory proof being given that a person is on a temporary transfer to Suva from any place within Fiji, and upon advance payment of the prescribed Fee or pro rata part thereof,  the Committee may grant such person Honorary Membership for a period not exceeding six (6) months.

 

(f)     Any person who has special knowledge of some subject or project connected with the affairs or activities of the Club, and who has accepted an invitation to serve as a member of a sub-committee to investigate and report thereon, and any person who is appointed to carry out any particular duty for the Club, may, with the approval of the Committee become an Honorary Member for such period as the member is engaged on such duties and without payment of any fees.

 

(g)   Any bona-fide member of a recognised overseas Boating/Marine Club, may, with the approval of a Flag Officer or the General Manager, be made an Honorary Member for a period of not exceeding three (3) months without payment of any fee.

 

(h)   Except as otherwise provided for in these Rules, an Honorary Member must be introduced by a Full Member, or an Associate Member.

 

(i)     Every Honorary Member shall be provided with an Honorary Membership card.

 

(j)     An Honorary Member shall not have any right, title or interest in any property of the Club.

 

(k)    The Committee shall have the power at any time without assigning any reason to revoke or cancel the admission of any Honorary Member.

 

(l)     A Member introducing an Honorary Member shall be responsible for the Honorary Member’s conduct in the Club and be liable for all debts due by him to the Club, and shall be held responsible for the character of the Honorary Member or Visitor being such as will be acceptable to Members, and for his/her non-infringement of any of the Rules or By-Laws of the Club.

 

(m) The General Manager shall keep a book wherein are recorded particulars of Honorary Members’ periods of Honorary Membership.

 

(n)   An Honorary Member shall enjoy the same privileges as an Associate Member as set out in Rule 10 (d), except the privilege of introducing Honorary Members, Visitors, or guests for social functions, provided that an Honorary Member appointed under sub-paragraph (e) of this Rule may also enjoy the privileges set out in Rule 10 (d) and (e).

 

LIFE MEMBERS                                                                                        Return to Main Index

The following criteria shall apply to the election of a Life Member:-

Rule

17

(a)   On the recommendation of the Committee, Members at a General Meeting may elect a Member as a Life Member of the Club in recognition or outstanding services to the Club.

 

(b)   A Life Member shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of a Full Member for Life and shall not be liable for payment of annual subscriptions.

 

PERMANENT HONORARY MEMBERS                                           Return to Main Index

The Following criteria shall apply to the appointment of a Permanent Honorary Member:-

Rule 18 (a)   The Committee may, by unanimous vote of the whole Committee, elect as a Permanent Honorary Member, without payment of any fee, a yachtsman of international reputation who is living overseas.

 

(b)   Such Honorary Membership shall only be effective whilst such Honorary Member is ordinarily resident overseas.

 

FORMER MEMBERS                                                                              Return to Main Index

Rule

19

(a)   Any Member who has resigned and who leaves or has left Suva to reside in some place overseas, and who was a financial Member when the member left, and who has not elected to become a Supernumerary Member, and any former financial Member who has voluntarily retired from the Club, may apply to resume his/her former Class of Membership by paying the pro rata subscription fee only. Such sum, together with the nomination fee previously paid by him, will make up the nomination and subscription fee payable at the time the member resumes Membership.

 

(b)   Any such former Member who is residing overseas may become a Supernumerary Member by paying the annual subscription for a Supernumerary Member and any additional entrance fee as described in paragraph (a) of this Rule.

 

TRANSFER TO ANOTHER CATEGORY OF MEMBERSHIP       Return to Main Index

Rule

20

(a)   A Junior Member ceases to be eligible for Junior Membership on the 1st January next after the date the member attains the age of eighteen (18) years.

 

(b)   If such a Member desires to retain Membership of the Club the member must apply to the Committee in writing to be transferred to the list of Associate Members, or, if eligible, and the member so desires, to the list of Full Members.

 

(c)    After any Associate Member becomes eligible for Full Membership, the member may, if the member so desires, apply to the Committee in writing to be transferred to the list of Full Members.

 

(d)   A Full Member may, if the member so desires, be transferred to the list of Associate Members on application to the Committee in writing.

 

(e)   If the Committee is satisfied that an applicant for another category of Membership has the qualification as prescribed by these Rules for the category of Membership to which the member has made application to be transferred, the Committee shall transfer such applicant accordingly.

 

VISITORS                                                                                                    Return to Main Index

Rule

21

(a)   A Member introducing a, Visitor or Guests shall be responsible for that person’s conduct in the Club and be liable for all debts due by him to the Club, and shall be held responsible for the character of the Honorary Member or Visitor being such as will be acceptable to Members, and for his/her non-infringement of any of the Rules or By-Laws of the Club.

 

(b)   A Full Member or an Associate Member or a Country Member, may, introduce a Visitor for one (1) day (but not to a formal social function).

 

(c)    A Junior Member may introduce a Visitor in like manner, provided the Visitor is not less than eight (8) years of age and not more than eighteen (18) years of age.

 

(d)   A Student Member may introduce a Visitor in like manner, provided the Visitor is a bona fide Student over eighteen (18) years of age.

 

(e)   Such Visitors as are mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a), (b) (c) and (d) of this Rule may not be introduced for more than four (4) days in any one calendar year without prior consent of a Flag Officer and two (2) other Members of the Committee.

 

(f)     With the approval of the Commodore and for a special reason, persons in a category other than those mentioned heretofore may be introduced as visitors for one (1) day.

 

(g)   The General Manager shall keep a book at all times at the main entrance to the Club House where should be recorded the name, date, address of the Visitor as well as the name and Membership number of the Member who introduced the Visitor.

 

(h)   A Member introducing a Visitor, and the Visitor, shall sign the Visitor’s Book immediately after such Visitor has entered the Club Premises.

 

(i)     Commissioned Officers of any Navy, Army, or Air Force, and Officers of Merchant Marine or of overseas airlines serving in ships or aircraft respectively visiting Fiji may be invited by the Committee to visit the Club for such periods as the Committee may decide.

 

(j)     The Committee shall have the power at any time without assigning any reason to revoke or cancel the admission of any Visitor.

 

(k)    A Member introducing a Visitor shall be responsible for the Visitor’s conduct in the Club and be liable for all debts due by him to the Club, and shall be held responsible for the character of the visitor being such as is acceptable to Members, and for his/her infringement of any of the Rules or By-Laws of the Club.

 

VISITING YACHTS – CRUISING MEMBERS                                   Return to Main Index

Rule

22

(a)   All visiting Yachts who wish to make use of Club Facilities and/or to participate in RSYC scheduled races must register with the RSYC Office.

 

(b)   Cruising Members shall have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a Visitor – Rule 21.

 

(c)    See By-Law 27 for more information.

RESIGNATIONS                                                                                       Return to Main Index

Rule

23

(a)   Any Member intending to resign from the Club shall signify his/her intention so to do in writing to the General Manager before the 31st December of the year the member wants to do so, or shall otherwise be liable for the succeeding year’s subscription unless an explanation to the satisfaction of the Committee of the failure to signify such intention is submitted before the 1st February of the next year, when the Committee may, in its discretion, if it considers that hardship would otherwise be inflicted, accept such signification as if it had been made before the 31st December.

 

(b)   No such resignation shall relieve any Member from the payment of any subscription or other money due or payable by him to the Club, at the time of such resignation, and no refunds will be made of any subscription which may have been due and already paid by him.

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP & FEES

 

The following shall give details of Fees and Membership liabilities

 

ELIGIBILITY AND FEES                                                                                                    Return to Main Index

Rule

24

(a)   No new Member shall be considered for Membership until all Nomination and/or subscription fees have been paid in full.

 

(b)   Upon the transfer of a Member from one Class of Membership to another the General Manager shall notify such Member accordingly.

 

(c)    The Member shall pay the amount of his/her liability for any additional nomination fee or subscription which may be payable within fourteen (14) days and should such payment not be made within thirty-two (32) days such transfer shall be null and void.

 

(d)   A Member who has been transferred from one Category of Membership to another shall not be entitled to enjoy any of the additional privileges of the category of Membership to which such Member has been transferred until the payment aforesaid has been made in full.

 

JUNIOR MEMBER TRANSFER                                                                                     Return to Main Index

Rule

25

(a)   A Junior Member who has been transferred to the list of Full or Associate Members and who has not discharged his/her liability for additional nomination fee and/or subscription within thirty-two (32) days of the transfer shall cease to be a Member of the Club, provided, however, that the Committee may, on application by such former Junior Member, and for good reason, extend this period to two (2) calendar months.

 

 

 

FEES                                                                                                                                   Return to Main Index

Rule

26

The various categories of Members shall pay nomination fees and annual subscriptions as may from time to time be decided by an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting. Such fees and subscriptions shall be prominently displayed in the Club House.

(a)   The annual subscription shall be due and payable on the 1st January each year.

(b)

(c)    It is the responsibility of a Member to pay his/her annual subscriptions and fees on time without notice from the Club.

(d)

(e)   A new Member joining the Club after the 1st January of any given year shall pay the full annual subscription but such a Member joining after March 31st  shall pay the pro rata fee or subscription as set out in the Definitions in these Rules Rule 5 (j).

(f)

(i)     For the purpose of this paragraph of this Rule the date on which a Member shall be deemed to have joined the Club shall be the date on which the member was granted Honorary Membership under Rule 6 (c).

 

(ii)   For the purpose of this paragraph of this Rule shall apply when making subscription adjustments in the case of Members transferring to another Class of Membership and when a former Member resumes Membership and in like cases.

 

REMINDER NOTICE                                                                                                        Return to Main Index

Rule

  27

(a)   After January 31st of each year the General Manager shall forward to Members either by mail or email whose subscriptions remain unpaid a notice marked “REMINDER”.

 

(b)   With this notice the General Manager shall enclose a copy of the Rules 28 and Rule 29.

 

DEADLINE                                                                                                                           Return to Main Index

Rule

28

(a)   If any Member fails to pay his/her annual subscription by March 31st of that same year the member shall be regarded as being in default and the General Manager shall report accordingly to the Committee, who may at any time thereafter cause the name of such Member to be posted in the Club House as being in arrears with his/her subscription, and whether or not the name of such Member has been posted, may cause the name of such Member to be struck from the list of Members.

 

(b)   In the event of an explanation in writing being made to the Committee, prior to June 30th of the same year, which it considers sufficient, they shall have the power to restore his/her name to the List of Members upon payment by June 30th of the same year of all monies due by him to the Club.

 

MEMBERS IN DEFAULT                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule

29

(a)   Any defaulting Member shall not be permitted entry to the Club and is not entitled to enjoy any of the privileges of Membership of the Club including any privileges with regard to Yacht Registration and use of Club Facilities.

 

Any defaulting member who has a yacht moored and/or a trailer stored on the Club property/marina shall also have his/her yacht “chained & locked” until such time as any arrears are paid in full.

 

(b)   Any former Member who ceased to be a Member under Rule 95  and Rule 96 of these Rules shall not be admitted to the Club as an Honorary Member or as a Visitor or as a Guest of a Member without the prior consent of the Committee.

 

(i)     Should such former Member subsequently apply for Membership and be elected, the member shall pay any and all indebtedness to the Club before the member is considered for re-election.

 

MEMBERSHIP LAPSE                                                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule

30

(a)   A Supernumerary Member whose subscription is more than six (6) months in arrears shall revert to the status of a Member who is covered by Rule 19 and Rule 96 (c) shall not be applicable to him.

 

MEMBERS’ LIABILITIES                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule

31

(a)   Every Member shall pay all expenses and/or liabilities the member may incur to the Club at such time and in such manner as may be from time to time decided upon by the Committee or Annual General Meeting.

 

(b)   In the case of any default in payment for a period of exceeding one (1) month the Committee shall have the power to post the name of such defaulter in the Club House for such time as it shall think fit, or to erase his/her name from the List of Members, or to take both courses.

 

(c)    Upon such erasure the Member shall cease to be a Member of the Club, provided, however, that if a satisfactory explanation for such default is later made in writing, the Committee shall have the power to restore his/her name to the List of Members upon payment of all moneys due by him to the Club.

 

MEMBERS’ OWNERSHIP/INTERESTS                                                       Return to Main Index

Rule

32

(a)   No Member shall by reason of his/her Membership have any transmissible or assignable interest by operations of law or otherwise in any of the property of the Club, on his/her Membership ceasing by death, resignation, expulsion, or otherwise, all his/her interest in any of the effects or property of the Club shall survive, accrue and belong to the other Members for the time being.

 

 

 

OFFICE BEARERS & FLAG HOLDERS

 

The following shall give details of Office Bearers and Flag Holders of the Club, their duties and responsibilities.

OFFICE BEARERS & FLAG HOLDERS                                                         Return to Main Index

Rule

33

(a)   Officers and Office Bearers of the Club shall consist of:-

 

(i)          Patron

 

(ii)         Two (2) Vice-Patrons

 

(iii)       Commodore

 

(iv)       Vice-Commodore

 

(v)         Rear-Commodore

 

(vi)       Two (2) Trustees

 

(vii)      Fleet Captain Sail

 

(viii)    Fleet Captain Power

 

(ix)       General Manager

 

(x)         Other Elected Officers

 

(b)     All Officers or Office Bearers shall have qualified as Full Members and be elected or appointed as hereinafter provided.

 

(c)  Any Office Bearer ceasing to be a Member of the Club ceases, ipso facto (by the fact itself), to be an Office Bearer.

 

 

 

ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT                                                          Return to Main Index

Rule

34

(a)   All Officers of the Club and Members of the General Committee shall be elected by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting except where the number of nominations does not exceed the number of vacancies for any position, in which case the nominees shall be declared elected.

 

PATRON                                                                                                     Return to Main Index

Rule

35

(a)   The President of the Republic of Fiji shall be invited to accept the Office of Patron.

 

(b)   If the President of the Republic of Fiji declines the invitation, The Committee may in its absolute discretion invite distinguished persons to be Patrons of the Club.

 

(c)    The Patron shall enjoy all the privileges of a Full Member and the privilege of introducing or nominating a Visitor or Visitors at his/her discretion subject or in addition to such other terms as the Committee may determine from time to time.

 

(d)   A Patron may, at any time, apply to become a Member with all the rights and privileges of such a Member upon payment of a fee to be determined by the Committee.

 

VICE-PATRONS                                                                                       Return to Main Index

Rule

36

The Committee may in its absolute discretion invite distinguished persons to be Vice-Patrons of the Club.

 

(a)   Two (2) Vice-Patrons only shall be elected annually.

 

(b)   The Vice-Patrons shall enjoy all the privileges of Full Members.

COMMODORE                                                                                        Return to Main Index

Rule

37

The Commodore shall:-

 

(a)   Be elected at the Annual General Meeting from the roll of all Full Members entitled to vote as set out in these Rules.

 

(b)   Chair all meetings called on Club business except as where it is set out in these Rules.

 

(c)    Ensure that Members’ interests are protected.

 

(d)   Take note of the view of the members of the club on aspects of discipline.

 

(e)   Have regard that all items of expenditure must remain within a viable limit.

 

(f)     Be responsible, in conjunction with the General Manager or any other Committee Member who shall be appointed in writing in that behalf by the Committee, for the signing of cheques or the payment (in any acceptable way) of any invoice, bill or note presented or incurred by the Club in the day to day operation of the Club.

 

(g)   Ensure all decisions are suitably proposed, seconded and voting recorded.

 

(h)   In the case of equality of votes the Commodore may use an extra casting vote to decide the vote.

 

(i)     Be in general charge of, and keep in close touch with, the general administration of the affairs of the Club.

 

(j)     Represent the Club at official functions and in any dealings with outside persons.

(k)    Prepare an annual forecast of projected repairs, renewals and developing projects.

 

(l)     Liaise with the Vice Commodore.

 

(m) Perform such other duties as directed by the Committee.

 

VICE-COMMODORE                                                                             Return to Main Index

Rule

38

The Vice-Commodore shall:-

(a)    Be elected at the Annual General Meeting from the roll of all Full Members entitled to vote as set out in these Rules.

 

(b)   Assist the Commodore in the discharge of his/her duties

 

(c)    In the absence of the Commodore, officiate in his/her stead.

 

(d)   Sit on the Committee.

 

(e)   Chair meetings of the Yachting Committee and shall hold a casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.

 

(f)     Be in general charge of, and keep in close touch with, the aquatic activities of the Club.

 

REAR-COMMODORE                                                                            Return to Main Index

Rule

39

The Rear-Commodore shall:-

 

(a)   Be elected at the Annual General Meeting from the roll of Full Members entitled to vote as set out in these Rules.

 

(b)   Assist the Commodore and the Vice-Commodore in the discharge of their duties.

 

(c)    In the absence of the Commodore and the Vice-Commodore, officiate in their stead.

 

(d)   Sit on the Committee.

 

(e)   Chair meetings of the House Committee and shall hold a casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.

 

(f)     Be in general charge of, and keep in close touch with, the administration and social activities of the Club.

 

TRUSTEES                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule

40

(a)   Two (2) Trustees shall be elected by Members at a General Meeting and shall continue in office until death, resignation or removal from office at a General Meeting.

 

(b)   The Property of the Club, subject to the liabilities thereof, shall be vested in the Trustees upon trust for the members’ for the time being, subject, however to any resolutions of any General Meeting of the Club.

 

(c)    No Member shall by reason of his/her Membership have any transmissible or assignable interest by operations of law or otherwise in any of the property of the Club, on his/her Membership ceasing by death, resignation, expulsion, or otherwise, all his/her interest in any of the effects or property of the Club shall survive, accrue and belong to the other Members for the time being.

 

 

 

FLEET CAPTAIN SAIL                                                                             Return to Main Index

Rule

41

The Fleet Captain Sail shall:-

 

(a)   Be elected at the Annual General Meeting from the roll of Full Members who are the owners of a Registered Sailing Yacht of Class A, B, or C and who are entitled to vote as set out in these Rules and subject to the following:-

 

(i)     Owners of a Registered Sailing Yacht are entitled to one (1) vote only irrespective if they own more than one Yacht.

 

(ii)   Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (a) i) of this Rule, each Sailing Yacht, whether owned by one (1) owner or by several joint owners shall be entitled to one (1) vote only during the election of a Member to represent Sailing Yacht Owners on the Committee, and during the elections for Fleet Captain Sail.

 

(b)   Sit on the Committee.

 

(c)    Sit on the Sailing Committee.

 

(d)   Oversee any duties and actives of the sailing fleet.

 

(e)   To liaise with the Sail Rep.

 

SAIL REP                                                                                                     Return to Main Index

Rule 42 The Sailing Yacht Owners’ Representative shall:-

 

(a)   Be elected as per Rule 41 (a).

 

(b)   Act as representative and spokesperson for the Sailing Yacht Owners.

 

(c)    To liaise with Fleet Captain Sail.

 

FLEET CAPTAIN POWER                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule

43

The Fleet Captain Power shall:-

 

(a)   Be elected at the Annual General Meeting from the roll of Full Members who are the owners of a Registered Powered Yacht of Class A, B, or C and who are entitled to vote as set out in these Rules but subject to the following:-

 

(i)     Owners of a Registered Sailing Yacht are entitled to one (1) vote only irrespective if they own more than one Registered Power Yacht.

 

(ii)   Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (a) i) of this Rule, each Power Yacht, whether owned by one (1) owner or by several joint owners shall be entitled to one (1) vote only during the election of a Member to represent Powered Yacht Owners on the Committee, and during the elections for Fleet Captain Power.

 

(b)   Sit on the Committee.

 

(c)    Sit on the Sailing Committee.

 

(d)   Be responsible for and oversee any dealings with the powered yachts of the fleet.

 

POWER REP                                                                                             Return to Main Index

Rule

44

The Powered Yacht Owners’ Representative shall:-

(a)   Be elected as per Rule 43 (a).

(b)   Act as representative and spokesperson for the Powered Yacht Owners.

 

(c)    To liaise with Fleet Captain Power.

 

GENERAL MANAGER                                                                            Return to Main Index

Rule

45

(a)   The General Manager shall be a paid position and be appointed by the Committee which, subject to the terms and conditions stated in his/her letter or contract of appointment, may at any time cancel his/her appointment and replace him and may renumerate him as it thinks proper.

 

(b)   The General Manager shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration and operation of the Club in accordance with the directions of the Committee.

 

(c)    It shall be the duty of the General Manager in addition to his/her other duties to keep full and accurate minutes in books provided for that purpose of the proceedings at all meetings of the Club and of the General Committee, and when required, at meetings of any other  Committee.

 

(d)   The General Manager shall also keep records of the names and classifications of all Members, Visitors and Guests together with their respective professions, occupations and contact details, and the ages of Junior Members.

 

(e)   The General Manager shall also keep records of all Registered Yachts, lease of moorings, hardstands, trailered Yachts, dinghys and storage lockers.

 

(f)     The General Manager is responsible for the upkeep of the Day Book and all records as are directed by these Rules and the Committee therein.

 

(g)   The General Manager shall receive all nomination fees, subscriptions and other moneys on account of the Trustees and his/her receipt shall be a sufficient discharge.

 

(h)   All sums received shall be paid as soon as is practicable into the Bank at which the Club transacts its business.

 

(i)     The General Manager shall also keep an account of all moneys received and disbursed and submit the same to the Committee from time to time as the member may be directed.

 

(j)     The General Manager shall be responsible, in conjunction with the Commodore or any other Committee Member who shall be appointed in writing in that behalf by the Committee, for the signing of cheques or the payment (in any acceptable way) of any invoice, bill or note presented or incurred by the Club in the day to day operation of the Club.

 

(k)    It shall be the duty of the General Manager to inform the Commodore immediately of the receipt of any important correspondence or of any other urgent matter affecting the Club and to carry into effect any direction of the Committee.

 

(l)     Upon his/her appointment the General Manager shall automatically be granted Membership to the Club without charge or fee.

 

(m) Should the General Manager resign his/her position voluntarily the General Manager may retain his/her Membership status but will be responsible for any subscriptions for renewal in subsequent years.

 

(n)   Should the General Manager be removed from office for any reason, ipso facto, his/her Membership shall be terminated.

 

AUDITOR                                                                                                   Return to Main Index

Rule

46

(a)   The accounts of the Club shall be audited by an Auditor who shall be registered as a Public Accountant, and who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

 

(b)   No Office Bearer of the Club shall be eligible to be an auditor.

 

(c)    If no Auditor is elected at the Annual General Meeting or if a vacancy shall occur, the Committee shall appoint an Auditor to fill the vacancy and shall fix the remuneration.

 

(d)   The Auditor shall have the power to call for the production of all books, papers, accounts and documents relating to the annual balance affairs of the Club.

 

(e)   The Auditor shall audit the annual balance sheet and statement of accounts and, if they are found to be correct, shall so certify them in writing under his/her hand before they are submitted to the Annual General Meeting or, if they are found to be incorrect, after investigation, report to the Annual General Meeting.

 

OCEAN CRUISING DIVISION                                                              Return to Main Index

Rule

47

There shall be and Ocean Cruising Division.

(a)   Any Member of the Club who can prove to the satisfaction of the Committee that the member was the unpaid skipper or crew member of any Yacht during the time that such Yacht made an ocean voyage (during a race or otherwise) not less than one thousand nautical miles (1,000 nm), may be enrolled as a Member of the Ocean Cruising Division of the Club.

 

(b)   A Member who has made such a voyage in a Sailing Yacht may be enrolled in the Sailing Section of such Division.

 

(c)    A Yacht with auxiliary power, which uses its propelling machinery only in calms or during light winds, may be regarded as a Sailing Yacht.

 

(d)   A Member who has made such a voyage in a Powered Yacht may be enrolled in the Powered Section.

 

(e)   A Yacht of which mechanical or other such power is the principal means of propulsion shall be regarded as a Powered Yacht whether auxiliary sail is also used or otherwise.

 

(f)     The enrolment of a Member in the Ocean Cruising Division of the Club shall be at the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

(g)   The Committee may award a Badge or Certificate to any Member of the Ocean Cruising Division.

 

(h)   A deceased Member of the Club who, during his/her lifetime made a qualifying voyage or voyages as aforesaid, may be enrolled in the Ocean Cruising Division and awarded a Badge or Certificate posthumously.

 

DUTY OFFICERS                                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule

48

The Committee may appoint Duty Officers from the roll of Members to assist the General Manager and may appoint a Master of Ceremonies for any social function.

 

CLUB HISTORIAN                                                                                   Return to Main Index

Rule

49

 

(a)   The Club shall elect a Club Historian at the Annual General Meeting and officially recognise his/her work.

 

 

COMMITTEES

 

Members of the Club shall elect various Committees to oversee and direct the functions and activities of the Club.

The following shall set out the make-up, duties, powers, functions and any other details that may apply to a Committee.

COMMITTEES                                                                                                                    Return to Main Index

Committees shall consist of, but not be limited to:-

Rule 50 (a)   A General Committee –

in these Rules referred to as “the Committee”;

 

(b)   A Yachting Committee;

 

(c)    A Protest Committee;

&

(d)   A House Committee.

 

GENERAL COMMITTEE                                                                                                 Return to Main Index

Rule

51

(a)   There shall be a General Committee

(b)   (in these Rules referred to as “the Committee”) consisting of:-

(c)

(a)   Commodore (Chairperson)

 

(b)   Vice-Commodore

 

(c)    Rear-Commodore

 

(d)   Fleet Captain (Sail)

 

(e)   Fleet Captain (Power)

 

(f)     One (1) Member elected by Registered Sailing Yacht Owners as per Rule 40 to represent the Registered Sailing Yacht Owners

 

(g)   One (1) Member elected by Registered Powered Yacht Owners as per Rule 42 to represent the Registered Powered Yacht Owners;

 

&

 

(h)   Three (3) other Members elected or appointed as hereinafter provided.

 

COMMITTEE DUTIES                                                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule

52

(a)   The elected Committee must act, at all times, in the best interest of the Club and its Members and carefully manage its financial performance ensuring that the Club always remains solvent and is able to pay current liabilities.

 

COMMITTEE POWERS                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule

53

 

(a)   The Committee shall have full power to direct and manage all the affairs and business of the Club, and from time to time as it thinks fit make, alter, suspend or repeal Sailing Rules and By-Laws for the good government of the Club, provided always that no By-Laws shall be made which is repugnant to or inconsistent with any of these Rules.

 

(b)   The Committee shall have the power to legislate on any point or matter affecting the Club which may arise and which is not provided for in these Rules, and to appoint Sub-Committees to investigate and report on any matter, or for any special purpose or purposes, and to appoint any competent person to perform any particular duty for the Club, and to fix the honorarium, salary or wages payable to any officer or servant of the Club, and to exercise generally the usual powers of a Committee.

 

(c)    The Committee may from time to time, as it may deem desirable or expedient, make reasonable donation on behalf of the Club to an approved charity or some other cause.

 

The Committee, at every ordinary meeting thereof shall have power to transact all business within its province, but it shall not be competent for the Committee at any Special Meeting thereof to transact any business except such as shall in the opinion of at least two thirds (⅔) of the Members of the Committee present directly arise there-from.

 

The Committee may, from time to time as it may think expedient, and subject to Rule 52, acquire land by purchase, lease or otherwise, and provide, purchase, construct or erect any buildings, slipway, etc., on any land belonging to or hereafter acquired for the Club and may dredge channels, and may demise, under let, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of any such land or buildings or any part thereof and may alter, extend, add to, pull down or replace any such building or any part thereof, provided however, that no power contained in this Rule shall be exercised except pursuant to a Resolution of the Club passed by a two-thirds (⅔) majority in a General Meeting unless the expenditure or income involved is less than ten (10) thousand dollars (FJ$10,000).

 

The Committee shall, in addition to any other powers vested in it, have the power to borrow or raise money from time to time by issue of debentures, bonds, mortgages, bills, notes, receipts, or any other security founded or based on all or any of the property or rights of the Club or without any such security and at such a rate of interest and upon such terms as to priority and otherwise as the Committee shall think fit, but the powers of so borrowing or raising money shall not be exercised except pursuant to a Resolution of the Club passed by a two-thirds (⅔) majority in a General Meeting.

 

(d)   All Members of the Club, whether voting on such Resolution or not and all Members becoming Members of the Club after passing of such Resolution shall be deemed to have assented to and be bound by the same as if they had voted in favour of such Resolution.

 

(e)   All servants of the Club shall be appointed by the Committee or by its authority.

 

(f)     The members of the Committee are hereby indemnified by the Club against any bona fide claim or reward in respect of any liability incurred on behalf of the Club.

 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS                                                                                Return to Main Index

Rule

54

The Committee shall meet monthly for the transaction of ordinary business and at such other times as may be considered advisable, use Flying Minutes (Consensus by E-Mail). Flying Minute motions can only be passed with a two thirds (⅔) majority.

 

(a)   Five (5) Members shall form a quorum except as otherwise provided for in these Rules.

 

(b)   Each Office Bearer present at the meeting shall be entitled to one (1) vote on any question before any Committee and the Chairperson shall have an ordinary and, in the case of equality of voting, a casting vote.

 

(c)    Except where otherwise provided for in these Rules, all questions before any Committee Meeting shall be decided by a majority of the voters.

 

(d)   The Committee may, from time to time, adjourn its meetings as it thinks fit.

 

YACHTING COMMITTEE                                                                                Return to Main Index

Rule 55 The Yachting Committee shall consist of:-

 

(a)   Vice-Commodore (Chairperson);

 

(b)   Fleet Captain Sail;

 

(c)    Fleet Captain Power;

 

(d)   One (1) Member elected by Registered Sailing Yacht Owners as per Rule 41 to represent the Registered Sailing Yacht Owners;

 

(e)   One (1) Member elected by Registered Powered Yacht Owners as per Rule 43 to represent the Registered Powered Yacht Owners;

 

(f)     Starters or Time-Keepers (Sail and Power) shall be elected or appointed as hereinafter provided;

 

&

 

(g)   Two (2) other Members may be co-opted by the General Committee at the request of the Yachting Committee.

 

YACHTING COMMITTEE MEETINGS                                                         Return to Main Index

Rule 56 (a)   The Yachting Committee shall meet at least once a month and at such other times as it may think fit.

 

(b)   Four (4) Members shall form a quorum except as otherwise provided for in these Rules.

 

(c)    Each Office Bearer present at the meeting shall be entitled to one (1) vote on any question before the Committee and the Chairperson shall have an ordinary and, in the case of equality of voting, a casting vote.

 

(d)   Except where otherwise provided for in these Rules, all questions before any Yachting Committee Meeting shall be decided by a majority of the voters.

 

(e)   The Committee may, from time to time, adjourn its meetings as it thinks fit.

 

YACHTING COMMITTEE DUTIES/POWERS                                           Return to Main Index

Rule 57 It shall be the duty of the Yachting Committee:-

 

(a)   To see the proper care of all boat sheds, slip-ways, marinas, and the grounds adjacent thereto, mooring buoys, etc., and to see to the allotment of the same to Yacht Owners;

 

(b)   To supervise the use of all Club equipment and property used by Yacht Owners and Sailing Members, and to report any loss or damage sustained to the next General Committee Meeting.

 

(c)    The Yachting Committee shall have the power to extend a sum not exceeding five hundred Dollars (FJ$500) for any work immediately necessary without reference to the General Committee, but shall report the circumstances to the next Committee Meeting;

 

(d)   To supervise slipping arrangements for all craft, appointing each craft a particular place that it may occupy, and stipulating the length of time that such craft may remain in the position;

 

(e)   To see that the Starting and Finishing lines, and all buoys and other marks on the courses are properly defined and in the correct position;

 

(f)     To see that the Yachting Rules are adhered to;

 

(g)   To nominate certain Members to the Protest Committee.

 

(h)   To supervise generally matters appertaining to aquatic activities;

 

(i)     To prepare in advance a schedule showing proposed Yachting activities for the year and submit same to the General Committee for approval prior to the beginning of the racing season.

 

(j)     To frame By-Laws relating to the use and care of Club property under its charge for submission to the General Committee.

 

(k)    To report monthly to the General Committee and to make any observation or recommendations deemed advisable.

 

(l)     ANNUAL REPORT: The Chairperson of the Yachting Committee shall submit a report at the Annual General Meeting on the activities of Yachting for the past season.

 

PROTEST COMMITTEE                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule 58 There shall be a Protest Committee which shall consist of:-

(a)   Fleet Captain Sail (Chairperson);

 

&

 

(b)   Two (2) other Members nominated by the Yachting Committee.

 

(c)    The procedure for protest and appeals shall be incorporated in the Sailing Instructions.

 

(d)   CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

No Officer or Member who is personally involved in a protest shall sit on the Protest Committee during an inquiry in which the member is so involved and in such case the Yachting Committee shall appoint a competent person or persons to act in his/her or their places.

 

(e)   UNAVAILABILITY:

Should any Member or Members of the Protest Committee be ill or otherwise not available to sit on such Committee during an inquiry the Yachting Committee shall appoint a competent person or persons to act in his/her or their stead.

 

PROTEST COMMITTEE HEARINGS                                                                           Return to Main Index

Rule 59 (a)   After a Protest has been lodged it shall be the duty of the Protest Committee to hear the evidence, to give a decision thereon, and subsequently advise the Yachting Committee.

 

(b)   In the absence of a National Body, should an appeal be lodged, the Yachting Committee shall appoint an additional two (2) Members to the Protest Committee.

 

(c)    The decision of the enlarged Committee shall be final.

 

(d)   The details of the protest and/or appeal shall be displayed in the Club Notice Board.

 

APPOINTMENT OF HANDICAPPERS ETC.                                              Return to Main Index

Rule 60 (a)   Handicappers, Starters, Time-Keepers shall be appointed by the Committee and such officials may be removed from office by the Committee.

 

(b)   The Yachting Committee may appoint assistants to the Handicappers, Starters and Time-Keepers for duty during a regatta or such other occasions as may be deemed necessary.

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE                                                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule 61 There shall be a House Committee consisting of:-

(a)   Rear-Commodore (Chairperson);

 

&

 

(b)   Three (3) “other” Members of the Committee mentioned in Rule 51, elected or appointed as hereinafter provided;

&

(c)    In addition, two (2) other Members may be co-opted by the Committee, at the request of the House Committee.

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE MEETINGS                                                                Return to Main Index

Rule 62 (a)   The House Committee shall meet at least once a month and at other times as it may think fit.

 

(b)   Three (3) Members shall form a quorum.

 

(c)    Each Office Bearer present at the meeting shall be entitled to one (1) vote on any question before the House Committee and the Chairperson shall have an ordinary and, in the case of equality of voting, a casting vote.

 

(d)   Except where otherwise provided for in these Rules, all questions before any House Committee Meeting shall be decided by a majority of the voters.

 

(e)   The Committee may, from time to time, adjourn its meetings as it thinks fit.

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE DUTIES                                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule 63 It shall be the duty of the House Committee:-

 

(a)   The House Committee shall have general charge of the Club House and grounds adjacent thereto.

 

(b)   It shall have authority to expend a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars (FJ$500) for any work immediately necessary without reference to the General Committee, but shall report the circumstances to the next General Committee Meeting.

 

(c)    To prepare and submit through the Rear-Commodore, for the consideration by the General Committee, By-Laws relating to the management of the Club.

 

Such By-Laws shall in particular contain provisions relating to:-

 

(i)     Hours during which the Club House and Bar will be opened and closed;

 

(ii)   Management of the restaurant;

 

(iii) Social Functions;

 

(iv)  Junior Dances;

 

(v)   Management of the Bar; Any other matters deemed expedient.

 

(vi)  To make arrangements for Social Functions;

 

(vi)  To organise amusements and games;

 

(vii)   To provide reports through the Rear-Commodore on the activities of the House Committee at each monthly meeting of the General Committee.

 

(viii)  To provide reports through the Rear-Commodore for consideration by the General Committee regarding furniture, furnishings, etc., and in regard to matters affecting the Female Members and to any other matter involving the usefulness or comfort of the Club House.

 

REMOVAL FROM OFFICE                                                                              Return to Main Index

Rule 64

 

(a)   A Member of any Committee failing to attend three consecutive meetings of that Committee shall, ipso facto, cease to be a Committee Member thereof unless leave of absence shall be granted to him by resolution of that Committee, or unless explanation is made to the General Committee which it considers sufficient.

 

(b)   Any Officer or Committee Member may be removed from Office by majority of two-thirds of the votes of Members at a Special General Meeting convened under Rule 76.

 

(c)    Any Member of any Committee who has been suspended or expelled under Rules 88, 91 & 92, ipso facto, shall be removed from Office.

 

 

 

MEETINGS – ELECTIONS – NOMINATIONS

 

The following Rules shall apply to Annual General, General and Extraordinary (Special) Meetings held at the Club.

CHAIRPERSON                                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule 65

 

 

(a)   If at any meeting of the Club or of any Committee the Officer prescribed by these Rules to be Chairperson is not present, the Members or the Committee concerned, as the case may be, shall elect a Chairperson from among those present.

 

(b)   The Chairperson, once taking the Chair may retain that position during the meeting, notwithstanding that the Officer prescribed as aforesaid to be Chairperson may afterwards attend, unless the temporary Chairperson desires to relinquish the Chair.

 

(c)    In the case of an AGM/SGM where elections are held for Office Bearers/Flag Officers of the Club the incumbent Committee shall resign immediately before the election.

 

A Club Trustee will then oversee the election as Interim Chairperson.

 

If no Trustee is available, members present at the AGM/SGM shall elect an Interim Chairperson, by two thirds (⅔) majority, to chair the voting process – Rule 75(e).

 

The Interim Chairperson shall have the casting vote in the event of equality of votes – Rule 68(h).

 

QUORUM AND ADJOURNMENT                                                               Return to Main Index

Rule 66

 

(a)   Except as otherwise provided for in these Rules, a quorum at any Annual General, General or Extraordinary Meeting shall be formed by the presence of Full Members of a number that is at least equal in number to fifteen per centum (15%) of the total number of Full Members of the Club.

 

(b)   Proxies cannot constitute part of the quorum.

 

MEETING DISSOLVED/ADJOURNED                                                        Return to Main Index

Rule 67

 

(a)   If within one half hour (30 minutes) from the time appointed for any Annual General, General or Extraordinary Meeting of the Club a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened on the requisition of Members shall be dissolved.

 

(b)   In any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same place and time.

 

(c)    At the subsequent adjourned meeting the number of Full Members present shall form a quorum.

 

VOTING AT MEETINGS                                                                                                 Return to Main Index

Rule 68 (a)   No Member shall be entitled to vote unless all his/her subscriptions, fees and dues payable for the current year have been paid prior to such meetings.

 

(b)   Voting at any Annual General, General or Extraordinary Meeting may be given either in person or by Proxy.

 

(i)     A Proxy must be appointed in writing (letter, fax or printed email) under the hand of the member entitled to vote.

 

(ii)   No Voting Member is permitted to hold more than one proxy.

 

(iii) Where a Voting Member holds a proxy, the member shall be entitled to one vote in his/her capacity as proxy for the Voting Member whom the member represents in addition to his/her own vote as a Voting Member, provided that, for the purpose of determining whether there is a quorum for the Annual General, General or Extraordinary Meeting, the Voting Member holding a proxy shall be deemed as one person only.

 

(iv)  Proxies cannot constitute part of the quorum.

 

(v)   Proxies cannot be made if the Full Member is not compliant with Rule 68(a).

 

(vi)  Such instrument of proxy must be lodged with the General Manager of the Club not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of the General Meeting or adjourned meeting to which it refers, and in default shall be treated as invalid.

 

(c)    Except as otherwise provided for by these Rules, at any election and on all other questions before any Annual General, General or Extraordinary Meeting, each Member attending the meeting shall be entitled to one vote.

 

(d)   The Chairperson shall have an ordinary and, in the case of equality of voting, a casting vote.

 

(e)   Except as otherwise provided for by these Rules, the method of voting on all matters shall be a show of hands.

 

(f)     Except as otherwise provided by these Rules, all elections and all other questions at any General Meeting shall be decided by the majority of votes.

 

(g)   SECRET BALLOT:

 

Wherein specified in these Rules that elections be decided by Secret Ballot the following shall apply:-

 

(i)     A secret ballot shall be decided by voters marking an appropriate ballot to indicate the name or names of the candidate or candidates on the ballot paper for whom they wish to vote;

 

(ii)   The candidate who has obtained the greater number of votes shall be declared elected;

 

(iii) A ballot paper which is marked in any manner other than as prescribed shall be deemed invalid.

 

(h)   EQUAL VOTES:

In the case of an equality of votes for candidates for Office in the Club, the election shall be decided by the drawing of lots.

 

RESOLUTIONS BINDING ON ALL MEMBERS                                          Return to Main Index

Rule 69 (a)   All Resolutions passed at any Annual General, General or Extraordinary Meeting of the Club shall be conclusive and binding on all Members, whether present at such meeting or not, if such meeting shall have been held in substantial conformity with the Rules.

 

SCRUTINEERS                                                                                                                    Return to Main Index

Rule 70 (a)   At all ballots of whatever nature the count of votes shall be witnessed by at least two (2) Scrutineers.

 

(b)   The Scrutineers shall be elected by the Full Members present at any Annual General, General or Extraordinary Meeting.

 

(c)     In the event of the failure of the Members aforesaid to elect Scrutineers, the Chairperson of the meeting shall appoint Scrutineers.

 

PLACE OF MEETINGS                                                                                                     Return to Main Index

Rule 71 (a)   All meetings, whether of the Committee or of Members, to transact any business of the Club shall be held at the Club House, unless the circumstances are such as to make this impracticable, when the place of meeting shall be determined by the Flag Officers.

 

(b)   If the Flag Officers present fail to make such determination, any five (5) Members of the Committee may decide.

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule 72 (a)   The Annual General Meeting shall be held at the Club House between March 1st and March 31st every year or as near as possible within those dates as circumstances shall reasonably permit and at such time as the Committee shall appoint for the purposes following:-

 

(i)     Receiving from the Committee a report as to the concerns of the Club for the past year and the balance sheet and statement of receipts and expenditure made up to December 31st of the previous trading year;

 

(ii)   Electing the Officers and Members of the Committee;

 

(iii) Electing an auditor;

 

(iv)  Electing a Club Historian;

 

(v)   Transacting any other business specified in the notice convening the meeting and any other business which may be introduced by any Full Member with the permission of the Chairperson of the meeting whose decision shall be final.

 

(b)   The Annual General Meeting may be attended by any financial Member, however only Full Members may have the right to speak and vote on any matters arising unless, after approval by a majority vote of the Full Members present, specific Members other than Full Members may be invited to participate.

 

(c)    Minutes of each Annual General Meeting shall be posted on the Official Notice Board no later than two (2) weeks after the date of that meeting. Minuted must be available to all Members during office hours on request.

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING                                              Return to Main Index

Rule 73 (a)   Notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be posted in the Club House and mailed or emailed to all Full Members not less than twenty-one (21) days immediately preceding the scheduled date of the Annual General Meeting.

 

(b)   Copies of the Annual Report, balance sheet and statement of account together with a notification of the names of the candidates for election as Office Bearers and Auditor and any business directed by the Committee to be dealt with at the meeting, shall be posted on the Official Club Notice Board and mailed or emailed to all Full Members at least 7 days prior to the scheduled date of the Annual General Meeting.

 

(c)    Irregularities in connection with the requirements of this Rule shall not invalidate any of the proceedings of any Annual General Meeting or any election or any other business carried out thereat unless before the close of such meeting the Chairperson of the meeting shall decide or the Members present shall resolve that the interests of the Members or any of them may be prejudiced by such irregularities in which case the Chairperson shall declare the meeting and any election or other business carried out thereat to be invalid and of no effect.

 

NOTICES OF MOTION                                                                                                   Return to Main Index

Rule 74 (a)   Notices of Motion for consideration at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting must be sent to the Committee in writing not later than 2100 hours on the 14th day prior to the scheduled date of the meeting.

 

(b)   As such notices are received they shall be placed on the Official Club Notice Board.

 

ELECTIONS – NOMINATIONS                                                                                     Return to Main Index

Rule 75 (a)   The nomination of any candidate for office in the Club must be sent to and be in the hands of the General Manager not later than 2100 hours on the 14th day prior to the date of the annual General Meeting in each year.

 

(b)   As nominations are received they shall be posted on the Official Club Notice Board.

 

(c)    Such nominations must be signed by at least two (2) Full Members who shall propose such candidate.

 

(d)   Any candidate must be eligible (Rule 68(a)) and shall signify his/her assent to such nomination by affixing his/her signature thereto unless the candidate for office is unable to do so by reason of absence from Suva or illness, in which case a letter, fax or email indicating agreement to the nomination will suffice.

 

(e)   OFFICE BEARERS’ ELECTION AT AGM/SGM

 

Immediately before the election of Office Bearers/Flag Officers at an AGM/SGM the incumbent Committee shall resign.

 

One of the Club’s Trustees will then oversee the election as Interim Chairperson.

 

If no Trustee is available, an Interim Chairperson shall be elected, by two thirds ⅔ majority, from among the eligible Full Members present, to chair the voting process.

 

Members on the Ballot and just-resigned Committee members are ineligible to stand for this position.

 

For this election, only eligible Full Members present may vote. No proxy vote shall be counted.

 

(f)     During the election of the three (3) Flag Officers and three (3) “other” Members of the General Committee mentioned in Rule 51(h), all eligible Full Members (Rule 68(a)) shall be entitled to vote.

 

(g)   All Officers of the Club and Members of the General Committee shall be elected by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting except where the number of nominations does not exceed the number of vacancies for any position, in which case the nominees shall be declared elected.

 

 

 

SPECIAL (EXTRAORDINARY) AND GENERAL MEETINGS   Return to Main Index

Rule 76 (a)   The Committee may at any time call a Special General Meeting of the Club, not being a meeting to consider dissolution of the Club, on giving ten (10) days’ notice.

 

(b)   Such notice, which shall specify the object of the meeting, shall be posted on the Official Club Notice Board and mailed or emailed to each Full Member.

 

(c)    At such Meetings the same Rules that apply to those Rules set out for an Annual General Meeting shall apply except for what is set out in this Rule.

 

(d)   At such meeting no business shall be transacted other than that mentioned in the notices specific to that meeting.

 

(e)   The Committee shall also, in like manner, call a Special General Meeting upon receiving the written requisition of not less than fifteen per centum (15%) of the Full Members of the Club.

 

DISSOLUTION                                                                                                                    Return to Main Index

Rule 77 (a)   On application being made to the Committee in writing by Full Members of the Club not less in number than fifteen per centum (15%) of such Members signifying their desire that the Club be dissolved, an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called to consider the question.

 

(b)   Notice of such meeting shall be posted on the Official Club Notice Board for not less than three (3) calendar months immediately preceding the date scheduled for the meeting.

 

(c)    A copy of such notice shall also be sent to all Full Members of the Club by mail or email within ten (10) days from the time the notice is posted in the Club House.

 

(d)   The same Rules as are set out for an Annual General Meeting shall apply except for what is set out in this Rule.

 

(e)   The votes of Members equal in number to at least two-thirds (⅔) of the number of Full Members of the Club shall be necessary to carry the proposition for the dissolution.

 

(f)     In the event of the dissolution of the Club the surplus assets (if any) shall be disposed of in such a manner as the Members present and voting at the meeting aforesaid shall decide.

 

 

 

REGULATORY

 

USE OF CLUB HOUSE                                                                                                     Return to Main Index

Rule

78

The Club House shall not be used for a purpose other than a Club purpose except in the event of an emergency or in exceptional circumstances and upon a unanimous vote to that effect at a Special Meeting of the Committee, or at any other time, except by a two-thirds majority vote of Members present and voting at a General Meeting of the Club.

 

CLUB FUNCTIONS                                                                                             Return to Main Index

Rule

79

(a)   In the case of a special occasion or a formal dance or other social function organised and conducted by the Club, all Members (subject to the By-Laws relating to Junior Members) may attend. Members eighteen (18) years and over except Members on duty in the Club House, shall not attend Junior Dances.

 

(b)   The guests to be invited on a Visitor’s Day are at the discretion of the Committee.

 

(c)    The Committee may make special regulations for any particular function and if a notice relating thereto is posted in the Club House such regulation shall have the force of a By-Law for the duration of such function.

 

(d)   All guests attending any social function or event at the Club House have the responsibility show respect for the Club and to abide by the same Rules and By-Laws as all Members and Visitors of the Club.

 

(e)   The Club reserves the right to apply a Cover Charge to any function as should be required.

 

NOTICES                                                                                                                              Return to Main Index

Rule

80

(a)   The Club shall erect a Notice Board in an easily accessible area of the Club House where official notices or business can be posted from time to time or as is necessary.

 

(b)   This Notice Board shall be known as and referred to as the “Official Club Notice Board”.

 

(c)    Every notice required to be posted in the Club House shall be deemed to be properly posted if affixed to or adjacent to the Official Club Notice Board.

 

(d)   No notice shall be posted on the Official Club Notice Board which does not bear the signature of the Commodore or the General Manager.

 

(e)   A notice which has been posted on the Official Club Notice Board shall be deemed to be sufficient notice to all members of the Club of the matter or matters mentioned therein except as otherwise provided for by these Rules.

 

SUGGESTIONS                                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule81 (a)   There shall be a Suggestion Box kept in the Club House wherein any Member may deposit a written suggestion.

 

(b)   The contents of the Suggestion Box shall be produced to the Committee at each meeting thereof.

 

(c)    Any Member may address a letter containing suggestions to the General Manager who shall bring them to the notice of the Committee.

 

 

 

PAYMENTS MADE BY THE COMMITTEE                                                Return to Main Index

Rule

82

(a)   All payments shall be made under order of the Committee by cheques signed by any two (2) of the following persons:-

 

(i)     The Commodore and the General Manager;

 

(ii)   The Commodore and a Member of the Committee who shall be appointed in writing in that behalf by the Committee.

 

(iii)  The General Manager and a Member of the Committee who shall be appointed in writing in that behalf by the Committee.

 

RECIPROCAL PRIVILEGES                                                                              Return to Main Index

Rule

83

For the purpose of promoting co-operation and collaboration with any Yacht Club or sailing association the Committee may make such reciprocal arrangements as it may consider desirable with any club or association. This reciprocal arrangement may be made with other bona fide Clubs as well, as seen fit by the Committee. Details of any such arrangement shall be posted on the Club Notice Board.

 

DAY BOOK                                                                                                                         Return to Main Index

Rule

84

(a)   The General Manager of the Club shall keep a daily record of Club activity in the “Club Day Book”.

 

(b)   If the General Manager is not present for the day this task shall be carried out by the leading staff member at the end of the day.

 

(c)    Daily diarising of events, weather conditions, opening/closing times, functions, socials and any other interesting, unusual or pertinent incidents shall be summarised.

 

(d)   Any incidents that could result in sanctions or expulsion for any Member, Visitor, Guest or Staff shall also be recorded.

 

(e)   Any Flag officer or Full Member may enter any events in the Club Day book as the member sees fit.

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES/YACHT CREWS – CONDITIONS          Return to Main Index

Rule

85

The Club, after written application and after the written direction and authority of the Committee, may lease, rent or hire appropriate buildings or areas on the Club premises for commercial purposes subject to any statutory or other requisite approval and upon the conditions set out hereunder and to the Rules and By-Laws of the Club. With regards to Yacht Staff (By-Law 32) Sections (e, f, g, i, j, k , l& m) shall apply.

 

(a)   Written application for approval must be made to the Committee by the prospective owner, operator or proprietor that describes, in detail, the objects and intention for which the area shall be used, the specific area, the time frame the building or area is to be utilised, the number of staff or employees, the proposed hours of business and any other details that may apply. These details of operation shall be documented in a written, notarised and legally acceptable agreement or contract and signed by the owner, operator or proprietor and the authority of the Committee.

 

(b)   Any commercial enterprise within the Club premises must be beneficial to and relate in harmony with any Object and activity of the Club.

 

(c)    Any commercial enterprise must comply with any law or rule that applies to that business activity under the Laws of the Republic of Fiji and any statutes of the Suva City Council.

 

(d)   Any owners, operators or proprietors of such commercial enterprises must be or become Full or Associate Members of the Club and shall enjoy all the benefits and privileges that applies to their category of Membership.

 

(e)   Any staff members or employees of said commercial operations are the responsibility of the owner, operator or proprietor of that business and are subject to all Club Rules and By-Laws (By-Law 32).

 

(f)     Any staff members or employees of said commercial operations may apply for membership of the club. Until they do so and are accepted by the Committee NO employee or staff member shall enjoy the rights and privileges of a Club Member and may not enjoy use of Club facilities unless signed in by a member subject to the same conditions for Visitors as set out in the Rules. Unsigned or non-member staff members or employees must confine their activities to their place of employment.

 

(g)   By signing any lease, rental or hire agreement or contract the owner, operator or proprietor of said commercial enterprises becomes a “tenant” and indicates his/her submission to and acceptance of all Rules and By-Laws and authority of the Club whether it be tacit or specified.

 

(h)   By accepting or entering into an agreement or contract with an owner, operator, proprietor or tenant of any said commercial enterprise the Club agrees to abide by any current law of the Republic of Fiji Islands that applies to tenancy agreement unless that law directly contradicts or nullifies or dilutes the Rules and By-Laws of the Club agreed to by signing or entering into any aforementioned agreement or contract in which case the Club Rules and By-Laws shall hold precedence.

 

(i)     The Club reserves the right to deny entry to the Club grounds to any staff member or employee of any business or commercial enterprise established within the Club premises for any reason and without recourse.

 

(j)     Should a dispute, disagreement or conflict arise with the Club, the owner, operator or proprietor, as a Full or Associate Member, may address the matter or appeal as prescribed in these Rules.

 

(k)    Any commercial enterprise may only make use of the defined area for which they pay rent, hire or lease payments.

 

(l)     Any commercial enterprise may not obstruct, hinder or in any way disrupt the normal day to day operation of the Club and its Members, Visitors, Guests, staff or employees.

 

(m) Any Owner, operator, proprietor or tenant who does not fully discharge his/her liabilities to the Club within an acceptable time frame and in accordance to any Rule as set out in these Rules shall be deemed in default and subject to any action or recourse available to the authority of the Club and/or the Committee.

 

RULES – RULE BOOK                                                                                                       Return to Main Index

Rule

86

(a)   The Rules and By-Laws shall be conclusive and binding on all Members, Visitors and Guests of the Club if they have been resolved and passed by the majority vote prescribed at an Annual General Meeting and if such meeting shall have been held in substantial conformity to the Rules and shall stand as valid irrespective if they have been published in the Rule Book or not.

 

(b)   Any amendment, replacement suspension to a Rule, introduction of a new Rule or the abandonment of an old Rule can only be done so with the sanction of a two-thirds (⅔) majority of the votes at a General Meeting, nor unless the notice convening the meeting shall specify the proposed repeal, alteration, suspension, or new Rule.

 

(c)    No notice of motion affecting these Rules or any By-Laws made by the Committee which has been duly considered and rejected shall be brought forward again during the same year unless by or with the consent of the Committee.

 

(d)   The decision of the Committee on the construction or interpretation of any Rule or By-Law shall be conclusive and binding on all Members of the Club, unless and until set aside or varied at a General Meeting of the Club.

 

(e)   The Rules and By-Laws of the Club shall be open to inspection to all Members and copies shall be supplied upon such terms as the Committee, from time to time, may direct.

 

(f)    A copy of the Rule Book – whether in printed form or by electronic media – shall be available to all Members at all times but subject to any amendments or additions specified in sub-paragraph (a) of this Rule that have yet to be published.

 

(g)   A copy of the Rules in digitised form (PDF or Word Document) shall be deemed as an acceptable copy of the Rules but subject to any amendments or additions specified in sub-paragraph (a) of this Rule that have yet to be published.

 

(h)   Upon the election or re-admission of a Member, the General Manager shall notify that fact to him and shall send him a copy, either by mail or email, of the Rules and By-Laws of the Club.

 

 

 

 

SUBMISSION TO RULES AND BY-LAWS                                        Return to Main Index

 

Rule

87

(a)   Any Member on payment of his/her subscription or any other applicable fees becomes entitled to the benefits and certain specified privileges, as defined in these Rules, of the Club.

 

(b)   Such payment shall be deemed as declaration of his/her submission to the Rules and By-Laws of the Club and to the obligations and liabilities imposed thereunder.

 

(c)    Honorary Members and Visitors, by signing the respective Registers, also are entitled to the specific benefits and privileges, as defined in these Rules, and declare their submission to the same Rules and By-Laws and to the same obligations and liabilities imposed hereunder.

 

PROHIBITIONS                                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule

88

(a)   Any activity that is illegal under any current Law of the Republic of Fiji is forbidden.

 

(b)   Any incidence that involves violence or abusive behaviour of any kind toward any person is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate expulsion of the persons involved and their subsequent obligation to present themselves to a Hearing of the Committee should that person be any category of Member. This Rule is to be rigorously enforced without prejudice.

 

(c)    Gambling of any kind is forbidden on the Club premises unless it is for the expressed purpose of raising funds for the Club and the necessary permit or licence has been obtained from the competent authorities under any written law.

 

(i)     Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c) of this Rule Membership Draws and/or lotteries may be organised with the approval of the Committee and any relevant government authority.

 

(d)   The funds of the Club shall not be used to pay the fines of Members who have been convicted in Court.

 

(e)   No Member shall borrow in the name of or pledge the credit of the Club.

 

(f)     The Club shall not indulge in any political activity or allow its funds and/or premises to be used for political purposes.

 

(g)   No Member, Visitor or Guest shall criticize directly or otherwise censure any employee or member of the staff of the Club. Any such criticism of an employee or staff member of the Club shall be directed to the General Manager, Office Bearer or Flag Officer privately and confidentially.

 

(h)    No member shall give the address of the Club in any advertisement, or use the Club address for business purposes unless authorised by the Committee.

 

(i)     The Club shall not raise funds from the public for whatever purpose without the prior written approval of the Committee.

 

LIQUOR LAWS                                                                                                                   Return to Main Index

Rule

89

The Club is a licensed premises and, as such, comes under the Rules and Regulations of the Government of the Republic of Fiji.

 

i.           REFUSAL TO SERVE: The Club practises the responsible service of alcohol and reserves the right to refuse service of alcoholic beverages, drinks, or liquor at the discretion of the General Manager, a Flag Officer, a Committee Member or Bar Attendant without recourse, to any Member, Visitor or Guest.

 

ii.           No provisions, fermented beverages, wines, or liquor shall be sent out of the Club to the order of, or for the use of, any Member or any other person unless with the sanction of the Committee.

 

iii.           No provisions, fermented beverages, wines, or liquor shall be supplied to any person other than a Member, Visitor or Guest as defined in Rule 7.

 

iv.           No provisions, fermented beverages, wines, or liquor shall be brought into the Club for consumption on the Club Premises other than those sanctioned by the Committee.

 

v.           Junior Members are forbidden to enter the Bar, and other Members are forbidden, under pain of expulsion from the Club, to supply Juniors or any person under eighteen (18) years of age with provisions, fermented beverages, wines, or liquor.

 

vi.           On the occasion of a Junior Dance no provisions, fermented beverages, wines, or liquor shall be consumed other than in the Bar.

 

vii.           Fermented beverages, wines or liquor sold unopened to Members for the purpose of stocking their Yachts are not to be opened and consumed on the Club Premises.

 

DAMAGES AND/OR REMOVAL OR LOAN OF PROPERTY               Return to Main Index

Rule

90

(a)   No Member shall, upon any pretext whatsoever, remove, damage, deface or, except as permitted by the By-Laws, take or allow to be taken away from the Club any article that is the property of, or in use of, the Club. This includes, but not limited to, any glasses, jugs, tumblers, stubby holders or any other items related to the Club.

 

(b)   If any item is required urgently on loan, permission to remove it must first be obtained from the General Manager. Any such item must be signed for before being removed and the borrower accepts full responsibility to return or replace the item in good working order within a reasonable time frame.

 

(c)    The Committee, may, from time to time, and for good reason, lend or hire property of the Club.

 

(d)   Any Member breaking or injuring any article or other property belonging to or in the use of the Club, shall pay the General Manager the necessary cost of replacing or repairing such article or property, such cost to be fixed by the Committee.

 

COMPLAINTS – DISCIPLINE – APPEAL                                                       Return to Main Index

Rule91 (a)   All complaints shall be made by letter or email and signed by the Member complaining and shall be submitted by the General Manager to the Committee for its consideration.

 

(b)   When appropriate, it is advisable to quote the Rule or By-Law number that has been violated. This will greatly ease the disciplinary process.

 

(c)    If any Member, Visitor or Guest shall wilfully infringe any of the Rules and By-Laws of the Club, or persistently infringe any of the Sailing Rules, or in any way conducts himself either inside or outside the Club House or on the Club Premises or elsewhere in a manner unbecoming of a Member, the member shall be liable to suspension or expulsion.

 

(d)   Any violation of any Rules or By-Laws in this regard shall be immediately recorded in the Club Day Book – Rule 84 – describing details of the incident, the date, the time, any persons involved and any witnesses to the incident.

 

(e)   In the case of an Honorary Member, the Flag Officers shall, after investigation, take such action as they consider fit, and report this action to the Committee at the earliest convenient opportunity.

 

(f)     In the case of a Full Member, Associate Member, Temporary Associate Member, Country Member, Supernumerary Member, Student Member or Junior Member, any charge in that behalf shall, in the first instance, be submitted in writing to the Committee by a Member, or if the matter of the charge shall come under the notice of the Committee in any other way, by the General Manager.

 

(g)   The Committee shall forward to the Member accused a copy of the charge made against him and call upon him to answer such charge in person before the Committee on a specified date not later than one (1) month from the date of his/her receipt of the notice, or in writing to the Committee within the same period.

 

(h)   If the Committee has sufficient positive knowledge to enable it to decide, and it does so decide, that the gravity or nature of a case justifies the immediate suspension of a Member, it may suspend such Member from Membership pending any investigation or appeal as provided for herein.

 

(i)     The Committee shall, after an investigation of the charge, decide what action is to be taken.

 

(j)     If the Committee decides that its investigation shows the Member to be unworthy to continue as a Member the member shall be called upon to resign his/her membership by way of formal notice within fourteen (14) days after his/her notification of such decision.

 

(k)    Any member who is to be terminated or dismissed and has been given a formal notice in writing by the club must respond within 3 working days to the allegation upon receipt of the notice.  However, if the member fails to respond within 3 days it will be sufficient that the member has agreed to the reasons of termination or dismissal.

 

(l)     In the event of such Member refusing or failing within this period to resign or to exercise his/her right of appeal as hereinafter provided the member shall forthwith cease to be a Member and his/her name shall be struck from the list of Members of the Club and details of the Member’s expulsion recorded against his/her name.

 

(m) In the event of such member responding to the official notification of termination of membership the following will apply:

 

A member will have a right to fair hearing before the Committee prior to taking any further action against the Club.

 

A member may choose to mediate the dispute between the club and member as follows:

 

i.          Either at the club;

 

ii.          At the Fiji Mediation Center … or …

 

iii.          Any other mediator selected by the club and the member mutually.

 

(j)    Note: The cost of mediation will be borne by the grieving member absolutely as the club is operated by volunteers.

 

(k)    No Officer, Committee Member or Member who is personally involved in a complaint shall sit on the Committee during an inquiry in which the member is so involved. In such case the Committee shall appoint a competent Full Member to act in his/her or their places should the need arise.

 

(l)     RIGHT OF APPEAL

The Member so called upon to resign shall have the right to appeal to an Extraordinary General Meeting which shall be called (on receipt from such Member of written notification of appeal) by the Committee in conformity with Rule 76.

 

(m) Due notice of such meeting shall be given to the Member who may appear in person to submit his/her defence to the charge brought against him.

 

(n)   The opinion of such Special General Meeting shall be obtained by ballot, when, if a majority of the Members present and voting at the meeting decide that the matter has merited expulsion the member shall forthwith cease to be a Member and shall be informed to that effect in writing by the General Manager.

 

(o)   If the Committee decides that its investigation shows that the Member should not be expelled but should be suspended from Membership, the Committee may suspend such Member for any specified period not exceeding six (6) months and the decision of the Committee shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal.

 

(p)   A Member’s suspension or expulsion shall be without prejudice to his/her liability for all subscriptions or other moneys due to the Club, and such suspended or expelled Member shall have no right of action or other remedy against the Club or any Member thereof in respect of such suspension or expulsion.

 

INFRINGEMENT OF SAILING RULES                                                          Return to Main Index

Rule

92

A Member who has wilfully and seriously infringed any of the Sailing Rules may have the privilege of sailing as steersman during a race withdrawn for a period of not exceeding four (4) weeks by the Committee.

 

ENEMY ALIENS                                                                                                                 Return to Main Index

Rule93 Any Member who is of the nationality of a country at war with the Republic of Fiji Islands shall cease to be a Member of the Club and his/her name shall be struck off the roll of Members. The decision of the Committee as to the nationality of a Member for the purpose of this Rule shall be conclusive.

 

REFUSAL OF ENTRY                                                                                                        Return to Main Index

Rule

94

Any former Member who has ceased to be a Member under Rule 91 or Rule 93 of these Rules, or who ceased to be a Member under any equivalent Rule which was in force before the coming into force of these Rules shall not be admitted to the Club as an Honorary Member, or as a Visitor or as a Guest of a Member.

 

SUSPENDED MEMBERS                                                                                 Return to Main Index

Rule

95

 

Any Member who has been suspended from Membership of the Club shall not be admitted to the Club nor as an Honorary Member, as a Visitor or as a Guest of a Member, during his/her period of suspension.

 

EXPELLED MEMBERS                                                                                                     Return to Main Index

Rule

96

(a)   An application for Membership of the Club by a former Member, who was expelled from Membership under Rule 91 or any other similar Rule in force before the coming into force of these Rules, shall not be considered by the Committee until the expiry of a period of not less than two (2) years from the date of such expulsion. Should any former Member be again elected to Membership the former member shall be required to pay the prescribed nomination fee and any subscription fees and any other outstanding liabilities.

 

(b)   An application for Membership of the Club by a former Member who ceased to be a Member under the provisions of Rule 93 shall not be considered until a date to be determined by the Committee after consultation with the Government of Fiji. Should such former Member be again elected to Membership of the Club the member shall be re-elected in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, but as qualified by subparagraph (c) of this Rule.

 

(c)    The applicants for Membership referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule may not be elected to their former Class of Membership. The Class of Membership to which they are elected is subject to the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

POWER TO REMOVE, SELL OR DISPOSE OF YACHTS AND/OR TRAILERS

Rule

97

(a)   The Club may enforce the removal and disposal of, as it deems fit, any Yacht, vessel or craft abandoned by a former Member whose membership has expired, ceased, been terminated or found to be in default. Members failing to act in this regard shall attract a daily fee as set by the Committee.

 

(b)   The Committee may, after determining that a Member is in default of payment of any fees and/or in contradiction to any of these Rules regarding any Yacht using any Club Facility, and after giving 30 days notice of such and that notice has been ignored or not acted upon may deem the Yacht unauthorised and remove or dispose of the Yacht by sale or otherwise as it deems fit.

 

In the case of an abandoned or unauthorized Yacht and/or trailer (as defined below) the Committee may:-

 

(c)    Move the Yacht and/or trailer to any part of the Club premises without being liable for any loss or damage to the Yacht and/or trailer howsoever caused;

 

(d)   Upon giving one (1) month’s notice require the member or former Member to collect and remove the Yacht and/or trailer from the Club premises or grounds;

 

(e)   Upon giving three (3) months’ notice in writing by registered post to the member or former Member at his/her last known address shown in the register of members sell the Yacht and/or trailer and deduct any monies due to the Club (whether arrears of subscription or facility fees or dinghy park fees or otherwise);

 

(f)     If the Yacht and/or trailer is unsaleable (in the reasonable opinion of the Committee), may, after giving notice in writing as aforesaid, dispose of the Yacht and/or trailer in any manner the Committee may think fit and deem the cost of doing and any arrears as aforesaid to be a debt owing to the Club by the Member or former Member.

 

(g) The Club reserves the right to charge storage for the Yacht and/or trailer until such time as the owner collects the Yacht and/or trailer or until notice has been served under clause (b) and (c) above.

 

(h)  PROVIDED THAT in each case that proper evidence is available to show that reasonable steps have been taken by the Committee to trace a Member or former Member and that when and if the Yacht and/or trailer is sold the proceeds of sale (where these exceed the amount of any indebtedness by the Member or former Member to the Club) shall be placed in a bank deposit account and retained against the eventuality of a claim by the owner (whether the member be the said member or former member) for a period of six (6) years.

 

(i)    The Committee shall be entitled to treat any of the following as an abandoned or unauthorized Yacht and/or trailer:

 

(i)     Any Yacht/Trailer that contravenes requirements for Club registration, Club Rules and/or Club By-Laws.

 

(ii)   A Yacht and/or trailer located in the dinghy or trailer park without the consent of the Committee.

 

(iii) A Yacht on the Hard Standing without the consent of the Committee.

 

(iv)  A Yacht which occupies a mooring without the consent of the Committee.

 

(v)   A Yacht and/or trailer located otherwise than in its properly allocated space;

 

(vi)  A Yacht and/or trailer that remains in the dinghy park for more than one (1) month after any date advised by the Committee by which Yachts and/or trailers must be removed;

 

(vii)  A Yacht and/or trailer which is the property of a Member or former Member which remains on Club premises after any fees payable to the Club by any Member or former Member (whether by way of arrears of subscription or facilities fees, dinghy park fees or otherwise) are more than one (1) month in arrears.

 

(j)     LIEN ON YACHTS AND/OR TRAILERS

 

(i)     In addition to the powers set out above to move, sell or dispose of Yachts and/or trailers the Club shall enforce a lien over Members’ or former Members’ Yachts and/or trailers parked on the Club’s premises in respect of all monies due to the Club, whether in respect of arrears of facilities fees or subscriptions or otherwise and shall be entitled to retain possession of the Yacht and/or trailer until such time as all monies due to the Club have been paid in full.

 

RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNERS                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule

98

All facilities leased/rented/loaned and utilised by the Members is done so with the understanding the club accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by such use.

 

The security and safety of all yachts and equipment, whether moored, trailered, cradled, stored in lockers and/or utilising docks is the responsibility of each respective owner.

 

ADOPTION OF RULES                                                                                                    Return to Main Index

Rule

99

The 1973 Rules were adopted as the Rules of the ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB at a Special General Meeting of Full Members on the 14th day of November, 1973, and all previous Rules were repealed as at that date, provided, however, that anything lawfully done under the former Rules was thereby validated.

Wednesday November 14th, 1973 : B. Maesepp, Commodore.

Reprinted in 1990 incorporating all amendments approved from 1973 to 1990 in accordance with Rule 111 (b) and renumbered for ease of reference.

Thursday January 31st, 1991 : R. A. Storck, Commodore.

Reprinted without amendment or change – Rules 1 – 114 inclusive.

Saturday November 30th, 1996 : Albert A. W. Threadingham, Commodore.

The 2014 Rules were adopted as the Rules of the ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB at the Annual General Meeting of Full Members on the 26th day of February, 2014. Mr Mark Hirst, Commodore.

The 2015 Rules were adopted as the Rules of the RSYC at the Annual General Meeting of Full Members on the 31st day of March, 2015. Mr Mark Hirst, Commodore.

The 2021 Rules were adopted as the Rules of the ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB at the Annual General Meeting of Full Members on the 23rd day of March, 2021. Mr Spencer Ah Sam, Commodore.

The 2022 Rules were adopted as the Rules of the ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB at the Annual General Meeting of Full Members on the 28th day of March, 2022. Mr Spencer Ah Sam, Commodore.

 

 

 

YACHTING

NO WAKE ZONE                                                                                                              Return to Main Index

Rule

99

The Club Harbour, dock areas and the waters adjacent thereto constitute a NO WAKE ZONE. Members, Visitors and Guests shall operate their boats accordingly and shall observe the four (4) knot limit within these areas.

 

YACHT REGISTRY                                                                                                         Return to Main Index

Rule 100 (a)   The new (2014) Maritime Decree (MTD) and Ships’ Registration Decree (SRD) require that all ships (Yachts) must be registered with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF). Members must make their own arrangements to comply with this law.

 

(b)   The General Manager shall keep a Yacht Register wherein shall be entered particulars of all Yachts owned by Members of the Club.

 

(c)    Registration of a Yacht is a prerequisite to entitlement to use Club Facilities.

 

(d)   Owners must be either a Full Member – Rule 9 – or an Associate Member – Rule 10 – to apply for Yacht Registration.

 

(e)   The information collected is also required to “Class” a Yacht.

 

(f)     Yachts may be used as “live-aboard” accommodation but must comply with By-Law 31.

 

TO REGISTER A YACHT:-

 

The Owner shall inform the General Manager in writing the following details of his/her Yacht/s’:-

 

(i)          The vessel must clearly display the Name of the Vessel on both sides of the bow =/> 70 mm high.

 

(ii)        “SUVA” & “RSYC” must be displayed at the stern of the vessel.

 

(iii)      MSAF Registration Number – Boatmaster’s Name & Boatmaster’s Licence # (BML).

 

(iv)       Hull Type/Number

 

(v)        Construction Material

 

(vi)       Rig

 

(vii)      Tonnage

 

(viii)    Propulsion :-  Type; Engine (if any) ; Kilowatts (H.P.)

 

(ix)       Any alteration to any Yacht, affecting her size, weight, sail area, horsepower rig or any other particulars required by the Committee shall be notified in writing to the General Manager as soon as is practicable.

 

(g)   Information supplied to the General Manager by a Yacht Owner shall be verified by the Yachting Committee.

 

(h)   The Committee may remove from the Yacht Register any Yacht which has not been maintained in an efficient state and in good repair, or which fails to qualify under Rule 5 & Rule 97;

 

(i)     All Yachts registered with the Club shall carry a name, number or distinguishing mark in accordance with MSAF regulation – Rule 100 (e(i, ii & iii)) – with the addition of the yacht’s name or distinguishing mark  and the letters “SUVA” & “RSYC” on the stern in letters of a minimum of 50mm high.

(j)     All charter Yachts registered shall give the General Manager a copy of the relevant charter agreement. The Charterer will become the Registered Yacht Owner, however the member will not be permitted voting rights under Rule 41, 42, 43 & 44.

 

CLASSIFICATION OF YACHTS                                                                                      Return to Main Index

Rule 101 All Registered Yachts shall be classified as follows:-

 

(a)   CLASS A:

Sailing Yachts and Powered Yachts which, if registered under the British Merchant Shipping Act, 1884, would be eligible to apply for Admiralty Warrant to fly the defaced Blue Ensign;

 

(b)   CLASS B:

Sailing Yachts and Powered Yachts of not less than 5 metres in length and which are propelled by an engine of not less than 15 Kilowatts (app 20 h/p – 1 horsepower = 0.75 kilowatts).

 

(c)    CLASS C:

Sailing Yachts of between 3 metres and 5 metres and Powered Yachts of between 4 metres and 5 metres in length.

 

(d)   CLASS D:

Sailing Yachts of less than 3 metres length and Powered Yachts of less than 4 metres in length which have been recommended by the Yachting Committee for registration with the Club.

 

(e)   CLASS E:

Boats propelled by oars, paddles or outboard engines of less than 15 kilowatts which are normally used as tenders to a Registered Yacht, or Sailing or Powered Yachts not recommended by the Sailing Committee for registration as Class D Yachts. A separate list of such boats will be kept in a book other than the Yachting Register.

 

(f)     In the case of a Yacht which is so rigged and fitted that it is capable of being propelled by sail or by power or by both, the Yachting Committee shall, after consultation with the owner of such Yacht, make recommendation to the General Committee as to whether such Yacht should be classified as a Sailing Yacht or as a Powered Yacht; but not withstanding the classification of such Yacht, the owner may enter it for Sailing Yacht events and Powered Yacht events if the Yachting Committee concurs in such entries.

 

(g)   The classification described in this Rule are only for Club registration purposes in determining Membership and voting rights and are not intended to be a substitute for internationally or nationally recognised Yacht classes, or classifications for racing purposes.

 

RACING RULES                                                                                                                  Return to Main Index

Rule 102 (a)   All Yachts shall be sailed under the Rules of the I.Y.R.U (see Royal Yachting Association Year Book) and the sailing instructions of the Club, provided that in the case of a special race or contest the race or races shall be sailed under rules approved by the Yachting Committee prior to the race or races.

 

See Section 3 for further clarification of these Rules

 

(b)   When not racing, Yachts shall obey the international Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

 

(c)    Yachts when not participating in a race are expected to keep clear of Yachts racing.

 

END OF SECTION ONE
SECTION TWO – BY-LAWS OF THE ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB

 

BY-LAW 1: BAR HOURS                                                                 Return to Main Index

The bar hours are as under:-

Monday                          08.00 hrs to 22.00 hrs

Tuesday                          08.00 hrs to 22.00 hrs

Wednesday                    08.00 hrs to 22.00 hrs

Thursday                        08.00 hrs to 22.00 hrs

Friday                             08.00 hrs to 23.59 hrs

Saturday                         08.00 hrs to 23.59 hrs

Sunday                           08.00 hrs to 23.59 hrs

Special Functions          Closing time 02.00 hrs

Formal Functions          Closing time 03.00 hrs

 

(a) EXTENSION OF HOURS

With the approval of a Committee Member and the consent of the bar staff the bar may be kept open beyond regular posted hours provided payments of overtime are made for each bar attendant in attendance, and their transport home is provided by the person or persons requesting the extended hours.

 

BY-LAW 2: BOWSER HOURS                                                                     Return to Main Index

The Bowser is operated by the Royal Suva Yacht Club.

Times of opening are posted at the Bowser.

However, the Club has been known to vary the opening hours in the case of an event (e.g.: Game Fishing Completion) at the request of members.

 

BY-LAW 3: DRESS CODE                                                                Return to Main Index

(a)   Members, Visitors and Guests are, at all times, expected to wear appropriate apparel in the Club House and Hospitality areas.

 

(b)   Suitable footwear is mandatory at all times.

 

(c)    Clothing that is torn, dirty or offensive is not acceptable.

 

(d)   Daytime beach wear with an appropriate shirt, blouse or top is acceptable before sunset.

 

(e)   After sunset, dress requirements are to be in conformity with acceptable local social standards.

 

(f)     Hats are expected to be removed within the Club House. (This by-law originates from old Navy custom where members of the Navy are required to salute an officer wearing a hat. When relaxing inside a building hats were removed and a salute was not required).

 

(g)   Dress for formal functions shall be appropriate to accepted social standards.

 

BY-LAW 4: MUSIC, TV AND/OR INTRUSIVE ACTIVITY     Return to Main Index

(a)   The playing of TV, musical instruments, recorded music or singing is permitted in the bar at the discretion of the Committee Members present.

 

(b)   Any activity in this regard is to be in conformity with Rule 6 and must be respectful of other Members, Visitors and Guests.

 

BY-LAW 5: DOGS ON THE PREMISES                                            Return to Main Index

(a)   Dogs are NOT permitted at any time in the Club House, Bars or Verandah.

 

(b)   Dogs on the Club property must be on a leash and under full control of its owner at all times.

 

BY-LAW 6: CHEQUES/TABS                                                                       Return to Main Index

The cashing of cheques and/or running a tab is not permitted unless by prior, written arrangement with the Club General Manager or Committee.

 

BY-LAW 7: SWIMMING                                                                 Return to Main Index

Swimming in the vicinity of the Club is prohibited.

 

BY-LAW 8: POOL TABLES                                                              Return to Main Index

Members, Visitors or Guests under the age of 12 years are not permitted to use the coin operated pool tables.

 

BY-LAW 9: SMOKING                                                                                Return to Main Index

(a)   Smoking is strictly prohibited in all the Club Restrooms, the Restaurant and inside the Bar and Hall areas of the Club House.

 

(b)   The Verandah and Bure Bar and outside areas of the Club (except around the Fuel Bowser) are excluded.

 

BY-LAW 10: FISH CLEANING                                                                      Return to Main Index

The cleaning of fish is strictly prohibited anywhere on the Club premises.

 

BY-LAW 11: JUNIORS AND CHILDREN                                          Return to Main Index

(a)   Children under eight (8) years of age are not permitted in the Club unless under the supervision of a parent, responsible guardian or Member.

 

(b)   Children under the age of eight (8) years of age are not permitted in the Club after 2000 hrs.

 

(c)    Junior Members and their guests are not permitted in the Club after 2000 hrs unless attending a function especially arranged for them.

 

(d)   Children playing in the Children’s’ Playground must be supervised by responsible adults at all times.

 

(e)   While all care is taken the Club accepts no responsibility for Children suffering any injuries or accidents while making use of the Playground facility.

 

 

YACHT REGISTRATION & MOORINGS

Return to Main Index

BY-LAW 12: YACHT REGISTRATION AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS / MEASUREMENT

(a)   All yachts must be registered with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and conform with Rule 100 of these Rules and By-Laws.

 

(b)   All Yachts must be registered with the Club within one month of launching, or change of ownership. An appropriate form is available from the Club General Manager.

 

(c)    Inspection by a Safety Inspector is a prerequisite to registration and shall be carried out annually.

 

(d)   The R.S.Y.C. minimum requirements for safety shall form the basis of inspections, and shall form part of, and attach to, these By-Laws.

 

(e)   Any changes, which affect the “registered description” or safety of a Yacht must be brought to the notice of the Club General Manager, who shall advise the Safety Inspector accordingly.

 

(f)     Yacht Measurement: All vessels are to be measured in the following manner (see graphic). Bow Sprits and/or Anchor Chain Rollers are NOT to be included but duckboards and outboard motors are to be included in the measurement.

 

 

BY-LAW 13: YACHT IDENTIFICATION                                            Return to Main Index

(a)   All yachts must conform to M.S.A.F. guidelines for identification – Rule 100 (i), (ii) & (iii)

 

(b)   A label showing the owner’s name and telephone number or address shall be attached in a position where it may be clearly seen.

 

 

BY-LAW 14: YACHTS AND CLUB ACTIVITIES                                 Return to Main Index

Each Registered Yacht must take part in a recognised Club activity and be ready at all times to assist the Club when called upon to do so.

 

BY-LAW 15: DUTY/RESCUE BOATS                                                           Return to Main Index

(a)   All Registered Yachts shall be required to carry out the duties of Duty/Rescue Yacht at such times as are required by the Yachting Committee.

 

(b)   At the beginning of each season and as necessary during the season the Yachting Committee shall prepare a roster showing the dates each Yacht will be required to be on duty and such roster shall be placed on the Official Club Notice Board.

 

(c)    If the owner of a Yacht is unable to carry out his/her duty on the day rostered the member must make his/her own arrangements with another Yacht Owner to carry out the duty on his/her behalf and the member must inform the Yachting Committee of the change. Failure to comply with this By-Law will be dealt with under Rule 91.

 

(d)   The Duty/Rescue Yacht must have at least two (2) persons on board and they must report to the starter at least 30 minutes before the start of the first race of the day which they are covering.

 

DUTIES:

(e)   The Duty/Rescue Yacht is required to stand by the Sailing Yachts participating in races sponsored by the Club and render such assistance as may be necessary in the event of mishaps, calms etc.

 

(f)    At least 10 m length of rope for towing should be carried.

 

(g)   An allowance of fuel which, in the opinion of the Powered Yacht Owners Representative is compatible with the type of Powered Yacht and duties performed shall be granted to each Duty/Rescue Yacht.

 

BY-LAW 16: STARTER                                                                                Return to Main Index

(a)   All sailing Members, former sailing Members, with the exception of those Members already rostered for Duty/Rescue Yacht shall make themselves available as Duty Starter at the request of the Yachting Committee.

 

(b)   A starter roster will be posted on the Yachting Notice Board at least one month in advance of duty being required.

 

BY-LAW 17: REFUELLING, REPAIR, EMBARKATION BERTHS

(a)   Yachts may not make use of the above facilities except for the sole purpose for which they have been defined, without having first obtained permission from the Yachting Committee.

 

(b)   Yachts must not be left unattended at the Refuelling and Embarkation Berths and must be manned at all times by a Member and/or person who is competent and able to safely move that Yacht should the need arise. A penalty will occur for disregarding this By-Law.

 

BY-LAW 18: OBSTRUCTIONS                                                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   Yachts shall not be moored in any position which, in the opinion of the Yachting Committee obstructs the free passage of other Yachts or constitutes a danger to other Yachts moored in the vicinity.

 

(b)   Trailers and/or trailerable yachts obstructing the slipways unnecessarily and without prior permission of the Club General Manager and/or Committee shall incur a fine and may be answerable under the terms of Rule 91.

 

(c)    No equipment, rubbish, dinghies or any other items are to obstruct any thoroughfares on the Trot, Pontoon, Slipways or any other area of the Club.

(d)   No areas of the club premises, other than the Hardstand area, are to be used for major repairs to vessels.

                                                                                          

BY-LAW 19: MAIN CRADLES, WOODEN CRADLE, CAREENING BAY & REPAIR SHEDS

(a)   Yachts shall not make use of the above facilities, without having first obtained permission from the Yachting Committee through the General Manager, completing the appropriate form available at the Club Office and paying the fee as from time to time is prescribed.

 

(b)   A waiting list will be posted by the General Manager showing dates booked.

                                                                                                                  

BY-LAW 20: PONTOONS, MOORINGS, HARDSTANDS, LOCKERS & BERTHS

Members shall not make use of the above facilities without having first obtained permission from the Yachting Committee through the General Manager and paid the fee as from time to time is prescribed.

 

BY-LAW 21: FENDERS                                                                                                    Return to Main Index

All Yacht owners at all moorings are required to deploy at least four (4) fenders to the Yachting Committee’s satisfaction to prevent damage to adjacent boats. Sub-standard or ridiculously small fenders will not be accepted.

BY-LAW 22: LEASES                                                                                   Return to Main Index

(a)   Annual fees for leasing the following facilities to Members are due and payable in advance in January of each year: Mooring space; Hard Stand space; and Lockers.

 

(b)   Leases on facilities are available for single use only; i.e.: One (1) Yacht per mooring allocation; One (1) Yacht per Hardstand allocation; and so on. If a Member uses his/her facility allocation for more than a single instance for any period of time the member will incur the current cost prescribed for temporary use of that facility per day.

 

Moorings are NOT ‘owned’ by the lessee.

Leases are not transferable and shall be relinquished upon the sale or disposal of the Yacht unless the lessee acquires another Yacht within 30 days.

 

(c)    A member taking up a facility allocation at a time other than January 1st of each year shall pay a pro-rata rate as defined in Rule 5 (j).

 

(d)   Credits will be allocated on a reciprocal quarterly basis, upon relinquishing the lease of the facility as defined in Rule 5 (j).

 

(e)   If a Member fails to make use of the facility within 30 days of notification by the Club of being allocated this facility then the use of the facility is automatically forfeited. The lease will then be offered to the next Member on the waiting list for that facility. Any lease payments made for the facility will be refunded the pro rata residual – Rule 5 (j) – if any) except for the initial quarter of that payment.

 

(f)    If a Member fails to make payment of the lease for the facility within 30 days of notification by the Club then the offer of the lease of the facility automatically expires. The lease will then be offered to the next Member on the waiting list for that facility.

 

(g)   The onus of payment is on the owner of the Yacht.

 

(h)   The Club retains the right to re-lease a facility immediately following the expiry of the aforementioned 30 days period without further action or recourse.

 

(i)     All yachts, trailers and/or other equipment are bound by the Rules and By-Laws of the Club and, in particular are subject to Rule 97 of these Rules.

 

BY-LAW 23: LEASE OF MOORINGS                                                           Return to Main Index

APPLICATION

(a)   Application can only be made by a Member on the Mooring Application Form to the Yachting Committee via the General Manager.

 

CLUB LEASE

(b)   The Club will lease only to the Member applying for a period ending December 31st of that year.

 

AVAILABILITY OF MOORING

(c)    Should there be no moorings available, the name of the applicant Member and the Yacht name will be placed on a waiting list on a “first come – first served” basis but subject to draft and length limitations.

 

BOW MOORING

(d)   The Club will provide a concrete mooring block. Should there be no riser chain supplied/left by the previous lessee, it is the Yacht Owner’s responsibility to provide his/her own riser chain, float and pontoon mooring lines to the satisfaction of the Yachting Committee. Minimum standards are available at the Club Office.

 

OWNERSHIP

(e)   The mooring space belongs to the Club. The lessee with the Yacht named in his/her application only, and no other person may use or moor his/her Yacht in that space.

 

(f)    With the permission of the lessee the Yachting Committee may allocate the mooring on a temporary basis to accommodate an urgent need.

 

(g)   If the lessee vacates his/her mooring or is away on a cruise for an extended period the Club has the right to make use of his/her mooring space on a temporary basis as it sees fit. Mooring lessees must notify the Office of the dates their mooring will be vacated.

 

JOINT/ CO-OWNERSHIP

(h)   In the case of Joint or Co-Ownership (a yacht co-owned by two or more persons) all lessees must be members. All co-owners must be registered with Club management in writing (By-Law 12). No lessee can gain single owner lease conditions of a mooring if the member has been a co-owner for less than 12 months. If other co-owners leave or sell their share of the yacht to one remaining owner, that owner must have been on the Club records as co-owner for at least 12 months. If co-ownership is less than 12 months the relevant mooring space will be made available to the next person on the moorings waiting list (By-Law 23(c)).

 

SALE OF YACHT

(i)     Should the Yacht owner sell his/her Yacht the mooring space reverts immediately to the Club and is allocated to the next Member on the waiting list for that facility except for the following:-

 

PURCHASE OF A ‘NEW’ YACHT

(j)     If the owner sells his/her present Yacht and purchases another Yacht, the leased mooring reverts to the Club and the owner is entitled to a refund of lease fees to the end of December, however, under By-Law 22 (c) the Yacht Owner may retain his/her mooring space if the member replaces his/her Yacht within 30 days.

BY-LAW 24: CASUAL FACILITY HIRE RATES                                   Return to Main Index

(a)   Daily hire rates and conditions for the following Club facilities are available on request at the Club Office.

 

(b)   Facilities include: Steel and wooden cradles: Careening Bay: Shed Space: Hardstand: Hi-Ab Crane: Locker.

 

(c)    Note: After two (2) weeks the hire rate on the cradles shall be increased to three (3) times the normal daily hire rate, unless prior approval for alternative hire rates has been obtained from the Yachting Committee.

 

BY-LAW 25: MOORING BERTHS ALONG THE WALL (TROT) – 20 Places

(a)   Each Yacht must be registered with the Club and have a current “O” rating and “A” certificate.

 

(b)   Each Yacht must have a hull length of at least 7.5 m.

 

(c)    Such Yachts must have the following:

 

(i)     Extended range built in fuel tanks

 

(ii)   Built in water tanks

 

(iii) Toilet

 

(iv)  Full Galley

 

(v)   Built in accommodation

 

(d)   The Club will provide a riser from the Trot. Club Members will be required provide their own mooring and float, bow line and stern mooring ropes crossed to holding positions.

                                                                                                                  

BY-LAW 26: FLOATING (CENTRE) PONTOON  – 66 berths @ 3m.

(a)   Each Yacht must be registered with the Club and have a current Safety Certificate (of Examiners rating).

 

(b)   The beam of each Yacht shall not exceed 3 m (app.).

 

(c)    The Club will provide a 16 mm riser from Trot approximately 2 m long. This trot and riser will be located approximately 14 m from the floating pontoon.

 

(d)   Club Members will be required to provide their own bow line and float and stern mooring ropes crossed to holding cleats.

                                                                                                      

BY-LAW 27: VISITING YACHTS MOORING RENTAL – CONCRETE CROSS PONTOON ONLY – 12 berths @ 5.5m

(a)   Overseas Yachts visiting, if not already cleared by Fiji Customs, must clear with Fiji Customs and Immigration before coming ashore.

 

(a)   All Members of the Crew/Passengers including Registered Owners of Visiting Yachts wishing to rent a mooring in this section of the floating pontoon must register and remain registered with the Club for the duration of the rental.

 

(b)   Visiting Yachts must be registered with the Club before being entitled to participate in RSYC scheduled races.

 

(b)   Moorings will be allocated on first come – first served basis. A waiting list may be kept for the purpose of regulating the order of mooring.

 

(c)    Fees are based on a per person, per monthly basis. Costs can be obtained on application to the RSYC Office.

 

(d)   Should a Cruising Member wish to make use of the Club Facilities (Showers, Laundry etc.) and refundable Key Bond must be paid.

 

(e)   The Club will provide a 25 mm riser 3 m long from trot and 2 m mooring chain of 16 mm at which a float will be provided. The riser will be approximately 14 m from the edge of the floating pontoon.

 

(f)     Visiting Yachts will be required to provide all other attachments forward and aft.

 

(g)   The Club reserves the right to refuse rental of these moorings where it considers the Yacht is too large.

 

(h)   It is not intended that this area be used to store Yachts.

 

BY-LAW 28: YACHTS LEASING HARDSTAND SPACE

(a)   The Hardstand area is the ONLY area of the Club where it is permissible to carry out major repairs

 

(b)   Each Yacht must be registered with the Club and have a current Safety Certificate (of Examiners Rating).

 

(c)    Each Yacht must be of a suitable size to fit marked out spaces so as not to hinder any other Yacht on this area.

 

(d)   Each Yacht must have a suitable trolley or means of launching and securing.

 

BY-LAW 29: TRAILER PARK CONDITIONS                               Return to Main Index

(a)   Trailers must be in a sound and usable condition.

 

(b)   Trailers must be identifiable to Club Management. A tag, plate or similar identifier must be apparent on each trailer. Details of the owner’s name, contact details and the name of the yacht it is paired with must be clearly visible and legible on each trailer.

 

(c)    Trailer storage and mooring spaces are independent. If a Member requires a mooring space and trailer storage, both of the leased assets must be paid for. However, if a Member who has a mooring space needs to trailer his/her yacht short term** approval may first be obtained from Club Management. The mooring may be used by the Club as a temporary mooring until that yacht is returned. No extra fees will be levied.

 

(d)   A trailered yacht may not use a mooring space without express, written permission from the Committee and must pay any relevant fees.

 

(e)   Trailers will not be permitted to use the car park space, or left on the hard stand or launching areas, and must be confined to the trailer park only. (The exception being trailers being used as trolleys for Yachts leasing hard stand space).

 

(f)    Trailers and/or Yachts may be moved by the Club at any time to the trailer park. Any costs incurred will be charged to the registered Member – Rule 97.

 

(g)   While all care will be taken the Club accepts no responsibility for any damage that may occur to the trailer or Yacht during any movement.

 

·       * Penalty is subject to change without notice.

 

(h)   ** “Short Term” means 1 week or 7 days.

 

(i)     Any trailer and/or Yacht left on the concrete ramps or in the car park for a period longer than 1 hour will incur a penalty of FJ$50.00* by Notice in writing to the registered owner Member.

 

(j)     The trailer park areas are as defined by the map: Yellow denotes trailer park & red denotes the hard stand areas.

 

 

 

 

BY-LAW 30: LEASING LOCKER SPACES                                         Return to Main Index

(a)   Storage Lockers are available for Members to lease on a yearly basis.

(See the map under By-Law 29 for location).

 

(b)   Priority will be awarded to Mooring/Trailer Park space lessees.

 

(c)    Non-Members and/or Members in default or Yachts deemed ‘unauthorised’ shall not lease any locker space. Rule 29

 

(d)   Lockers shall not be used to store flammable, toxic, illegal or unsavoury items.

 

 

 

OTHER CONDITIONS / CREW PASS / VISITING TRADESMEN / HURRICANE / SEA BURIAL

 

BY-LAW 31: MEMBERS LIVING ON BOARD THEIR YACHT   Return to Main Index

(a)   Members complying with all relevant membership, yacht registration obligations, Rules & By-Laws to the Club may moor their yacht in the Club Marina to use as living accommodation. Rule 100.

 

(b)   Members wishing to use their yacht as “live-aboard” accommodation must make written application to the Committee and complete the appropriate form.

 

(c)    “Live-Aboard” applications must be approved by the Committee.

 

(d)   “Live-Aboard” yachts may not discharge sewage or any other effluent/waste into the Club Marina.

 

(e)   “Live-Aboard” yachts must pay a monthly fee in addition to any mooring fees for their yacht as set by the Committee.

 

(f)     “Live-Aboard” yachts using shore power and water are liable and agree to pay any charges/fees as recorded on any meters available. If no meter is available or apparent a reasonable fee set by the Committee shall be levied.

 

(g)   “Living Aboard” Members must pay a bond of 1 month’s “Live Aboard” fees in advance and in addition to their monthly “Live Aboard” fee.

 

(h)   “Live-Aboard” members may use the ablution block for their shower and toiletry needs.

 

(i)     The same Rules & By-Laws apply to any guests/visitors hosted by the “Live-Aboard” member, who is responsible for their behaviour at all times.

 

BY-LAW 32: EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN CLUB STAFF / CREW PASS                                                                        

                                                                                                         Return to Main Index

(a)   Any person regularly employed for any reason at the Club other than those in the direct employ of the Club must apply for and produce a Crew Pass to gain entry to the Club grounds.

 

(b)   This includes, but is not limited to, all personnel of any Commercial Property (See Rule 85 (k)) and any Yacht owners’ personnel and/or crew who are employed to work on their Yacht for any reason and at any place on the Club property.

 

(c)    Written application for a Crew Pass shall be made to the office for approval by the Committee providing the following details:

 

(i)       Yacht name/Commercial property business name.

(ii)      Owner’s/Proprietor’s name.

(iii)    Owner’s/Proprietor’s address.

(iv)    Owner’s/Proprietor’s phone number.

(v)      Employee’s name.

(vi)    Employee’s address.

(vii)   Employee’s phone number.

(viii) Passport sized photo of the employee.

(ix)   Nature of the intended work.

 

(d)   Upon approval by the Committee the person employed will be provided with a Crew Pass that shows the employee’s name, photo, commercial property/yacht and other relevant details.

 

(e)   A Crew Pass is valid for the period of one month.

 

(f)     A nominal fee, decided upon by the Committee, will be charged for issuance of each Crew Pass.

 

(g)   Irrespective of when the employee began it is the responsibility of the Owner/Proprietor to renew their Crews’ Pass by the 1st January of each year.

 

(h)   Should any employee of any Owner/Proprietor cease employment it is the responsibility of that Owner/Proprietor to notify the Club in writing as soon as possible. Failure to do so will mean that the employee remains the responsibility and liability of that Owner/Proprietor (Rule 85 (e, f & i).

 

(i)     Owners/Proprietors are reminded that they are responsible for their employees’ conduct while the employee is on the Club premises (Rule 85).

 

(j)     By accepting a Crew Pass, the holder is bound by all Rules and By-Laws of the Club and must conduct themselves accordingly while on the Club premises.

 

(k)    The holder of a Crew Pass must present themselves, with their valid Crew Pass to the Club Security upon every entry and departure to or from the Club premises. No valid Crew Pass means NO ENTRY.

 

(l)     A Crew Pass must be carried by the holder at all times when on the Club premises and must be presented when requested by any Club Staff, Security Staff and/or any Club Committee Member.

 

(m) Failure to provide a valid Crew Pass on demand will result in that person’s immediate eviction from the Club premises.

 

(n)   Upon any departure from the Club premises a Crew Pass holder may be required to submit to a security check of anything they may be carrying or transporting.

 

(o)   A Crew Pass DOES NOT entitle the holder to any of the Club facilities or any membership privileges (Rule 85). A Crew Pass enables the holder to attend ONLY to his/her place of work/yacht. Those who are found at any other place other than specified on their Crew Pass Card will be subject to immediate eviction and refusal of any subsequent entry to the Club premises.

 

(p)   Any holders of a Crew Pass may apply for membership under the Rules and By-Laws herein.

 

BY-LAW 33: VISITING TRADESMEN / CASUAL WORKERS    Return to Main Index

(a)   Any Tradesmen/Casual Worker engaged by any Owner/Proprietor of the Club must be introduced to the Club or notify the Club before entry can be granted.

 

(b)   Visiting Tradesmen/Casual Workers must be cleared by Club Security and signed in before entrance can be granted.

 

(c)    Visiting Tradesmen/Casual Workers must also sign out upon departure of the Club premises.

 

BY-LAW 34: HURRICANE PROTOCOL                                       Return to Main Index

BEFORE THE HURRICANE

(a)   Given today’s internet and available hurricane forecasts the Club will endeavour to alert all yacht owners by email, Club Notice Board, RSYC Web Page &/or FaceBook on the strategies/actions to take to safeguard yachts, marina & Club assets.

 

(b)   Commodores/Committee will assess the situation and make decisions on preparations required. In extreme cases, all yachts will be required to vacate the Central Pontoon.

 

(c)    An owners meeting may be held at the club so that owners can be informed of the Club’s Hurricane Plan and the Owners’ obligations.

 

(d)   The RSYC stresses all care shall be taken but accepts but no liability for storm damage. It is the yacht owner’s responsibility to secure his/her vessel.

 

(e)   Insurance is suggested if the owner feels his/her vessel is not adequately protected. Insurance is the responsibility of the yacht owner.

 

(f)    Yachts wishing to moor alongside the fuel dock must seek permission from the Committee beforehand.

 

(g)   The RSYC Duty boats should be readied (fuel, ropes) to provide assistance during the hurricane.

 

(h)   All vessels/moorings will be inspected by Flag Officers/Committee/Club General Manager. If vessels are found to be poorly secured, RSYC personnel will secure them at a rate of $50/hr* plus cost of materials before the storm and $200/hr* during the hurricane.

 

(i)     All members are bound to follow the instructions of the Flag Officers/Committee/Club General Manager. Any decisions of the Flag Officers/Committee/Club General Manager are final and must be adhered to.

 

DURING THE HURRICANE

 

(j)     Yacht owners will be held responsible for any damages to moorings and to other boats and RSYC facilities, if their boats break loose during the hurricane. Yachts moored at the fuel dock/main wharf will be held responsible for any damages caused to these facilities.

 

(k)   RSYC personnel shall be on standby at the Yacht Club throughout the hurricane. If yachts need attention a rate of $200/hr* shall be applied. The discretion of such employment lies with the Club General Manager/Flag Officer/Committee.

 

(l)     Yacht owners shall be contacted if their boats are sinking or otherwise in trouble for advice and assistance. It is the responsibility of each boat owner to ensure the Club has up-to-date contact information.

 

·       * Costings subject to change without notice.

 

Protocol for Using Bay of Islands/Bilo Creek.

 

(m) Bay of Islands: Mooring/Anchoring space is available within the Bay of Islands (adjacent to Novotel). Moorings are owned by individuals and permission must be sought to use them. Anchoring space is available but keep in mind sufficient swing space must be allowed for.

 

(n)   Bilo Creek: Access via the mouth of the Veisari River is limited to high tide and yachts with a draft of <1.5 – 1.6 m. The entrance should be reconnoitred by RSYC members to ensure clear access. Average depth at Veisari River entrance is 1.5m @ high tide. Bottom is generally soft silt.

 

(o)   All yachts to form in a line (one behind the other) in such a way their bows are facing out towards the entrance in case a quick escape is needed. The first boat there must go up as far as possible. There have been instances in the past where inconsiderate yacht owners have moored right at the entrance and blocked access to anyone else who

arrives later.

 

(p)   All yachts must have sufficient mooring lines (at least 4) long enough to double back from attaching to mangrove trees. It is pointless to have ropes knotted to the trees – if a quick exit is needed then these lines will have to be cut with the potential to foul rudders/props of any other following boats.

 

(q)   All yachts should remove or lay down any aerials/outriggers as they can be fouled in the overhanging vegetation.

 

(r)    All yachts are to be manned at all times while in the Creek. This is necessary in case of real trouble and (for example) the yacht at the front of the line is unmanned it will effectively block and endanger boats further up. If this does actually happen then the unmanned boat can be cut away and left to drift with no recourse available to the owner

of said boat. If yacht owners are unwilling to look after their own property, they have no right to endanger others. The expectation/or relying on another boat owner who is on his/her own vessel in Bilo Creek to look after another yachts is not practical – if an emergency happens one cannot expect someone who is in difficulty with his/her own boat to look after someone else’s at the same time.

 

(s)    Quick access to land is possible by dinghy (about 300m) from Bilo Creek to the bridge crossing the Veisari River.

 

Mud map of Veisari River & Bilo Creek

 

 

BY-LAW 35: SEA BURIAL SITE                                                   Return to Main Index

The Club has traditionally (those who wish to be …) buried members at the following co-ordinates:

 

18° 09.737’ S  : 178° 23.492’E

 

See the map below. It is about 3.5 nautical miles from the Club House.

 

Permission for a Sea Burial must be sought from the Fiji Navy or M.S.A.F.

 

Please provide a copy of the Death Certificate & Police Report.

 

END OF SECTION TWO

 

 

 

SECTION THREE – SAILING INSTRUCTIONS

 

PART A – SAILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUVA HARBOUR RACES

 

The following Instructions apply to all races conducted by the Club within Suva Harbour.

They also form the basis for races to and from Nukulau Island, Pat’s Beacon races, and B Class races to Beqa.

Additional instructions, modifying these instructions, are to be found under Parts B and C respectively.

Separate instructions for all Olympic course racing are contained in Part D.

 

RACE RULE 1: RACING RULES                                                       Return to Main Index

(a)   ALL races shall be conducted under current issue of the IYRU (International Yacht Racing Union) rules, and these Sailing Instructions. Yachts and Hobie 16, C, P Dinghy and Sailboard Classes shall conform to the measurement rules of their respective Class Associations.

 

(b)   Should it be necessary to change these Instructions, International Code (I.C.) flag “L” will be hoisted on the main yard of the Club Flagstaff at least two (2) hours prior to the scheduled start time. This signal will denote that a change to the Instructions has been posted on the Club House “Yachting Notice Board”. Such posting shall constitute official notice to each Yacht in accordance with IYRU Rule 3.4.. It shall then be the responsibility of each yachtsman to consult the Notice Board.

 

(c)    The 720 degrees turn penalty, as provided for in Appendix B1 of the IYRU Rules shall apply, instead of disqualification, for infringement of a Rule of Part IV of the Rules.

 

RACE RULE 2: SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY                                Return to Main Index

(a)   Minimum standards for Safety, as promulgated by the Yachting Committee, shall apply to all Yachts.

 

(b)   All Yachts must have been issued with a current Safety Certificate, issued by the RSYC Safety Inspectors, or by a National, or recognised Authority.

 

(c)    Owners should bear in mind that it is contrary to the spirit of racing to save weight or windage by sailing without equipment which would normally be carried by a well found Yacht.

 

(d)   Whilst all reasonable precautions can be taken, the Club accepts no responsibility for injury or damage resulting from participating in races.

 

(e)   Attention is drawn to IYRU FUNDAMENTAL RULES of “FAIR SAILING” and “COMPETITORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES”.

 

RACE RULE 3: PERSONAL BUOYANCY                                          Return to Main Index

(a)   Dinghy Class helmspersons shall wear an approved buoyancy aid, or lifejacket, at all times whilst on the water.

 

(b)   If, in the opinion of the Started, weather or sea conditions warrant the wearing of personal buoyancy by all skippers and crew of Hobie 16, and C Class Yachts I.C. flag “Y” will be flown at the starting line. Failure to comply with this signal will result in disqualification of the Yacht concerned.

 

RACE RULE 4: SAIL NUMBERS                                                       Return to Main Index

(a)   Every Yacht shall carry on her mainsail her registered RSYC number, placed in accordance with IYRU Rule 25, or in the case of sponsored boats, an approved insignia.

 

(b)   Sail numbers are not required on overlapping headsails or spinnakers.

 

RACE RULE 5: ANCHORS                                                               Return to Main Index

Yachts of the Hobie 16, C, Dinghy and Sailboard Classes are not required to carry anchors.

 

RACE RULE 6: ELIGIBILITY                                                              Return to Main Index

(a)   Yachts must be registered on the RSYC Register or, in the case of visiting Yachts, on the RSYC “Visiting Yacht Register”.

 

(b)   Owners and helmsmen must be paid up Members or Honorary Members of the RCYC.

 

RACE RULE 7: ENTRY                                                                                 Return to Main Index

(a)   Written entries are not required.

 

(b)   Handicaps shall be calculated for all Yachts enrolled on the RSYC Register.

 

(c)    Visiting Yachts should notify either the Club General Manager, a Flag Officer, or the Fleet Captain Sail, of their intention to race at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled start time.

 

(d)   Handicaps will be posted on the Yachting Notice Board two hours prior to each start. A Yacht which intends to start but is omitted from the list should inform a Yachting Committee Member immediately.

 

RACE RULE 8: SOLE ENTRANT                                                       Return to Main Index

A Yacht appearing at the start alone in her Class may be granted points for that race by default, or the race may be cancelled, at the discretion of the Yachting Committee.

 

RACE RULE 9: STARTING TIMES                                                    Return to Main Index

(a)   Starting times are contained in the Schedule of Races and Events appearing in the Year Book.

 

(b)   Mark Foy start times for each Yacht will be posted on the Yachting Notice Board two (2) hours prior to the start of a Mark Foy race.

 

RACE RULE 10: STARTING LINE                                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   The start line is the transit line, westward from two Orange Discs located over the Starter’s Hut. Yachts must pass eastward of the Outer Distance Mark (O.D.M. – a Yellow Buoy) and cross the line north or south, except that:-

 

(b)   At the Starter’s discretion, the start line for B Class Yachts may be extended by displaying the letter “B” adjacent to the course number. When the letter “B” is displayed, the “FUMIGATION” buoy replaces the Yellow Buoy as the O.D.M and all B Class Yachts shall pass eastward of the O.D.M. (Fumigation) and westward of the Yellow Buoy crossing the start line (the transit line, westward from two Orange Discs located over the Starter’s Hut) from north to south.

 

RACE RULE 11: COURSE AND COURSE SIGNALS              Return to Main Index

(a)   The course to be sailed will be identified by a number displayed on the seaward side of the Starter’s Hut. This number will correspond to the course number indicated in Part E (Suva Harbour Courses) or Part F (Dinghy Class Courses) of these Instructions.

 

(b)   All navigation marks and all beacons shall be passed in accordance with instructions contained in the current Fiji Marine Department Almanac.

 

RACE RULE 12: CLASS WARNING SIGNALS                                   Return to Main Index

(a)   Ten (10) minutes before the start of each Class a warning signal shall be made as follows:-

B Class – One (1) “horizontal” light displayed;

C Class – Two (2) “horizontal” lights displayed;

Dinghy Class – Three (3) “horizontal” lights displayed;

Hobie 16 – Four (4) “horizontal” lights displayed;

Combined Fleet – One (1) “horizontal” light displayed together with the making of one (1) sound signal except that:-

 

(b)   Where two (2) or more Classes start in sequence of five minutes intervals, a Class warning signal shall only be given for the first Class scheduled to start. In this event, the Class Warning Signal for each successive Class shall be the preparatory signal for the preceding Class.

 

RACE RULE 13: PREPARATORY SIGNALS                                      Return to Main Index

(a)   Five (5) minutes before the start of each Class – Five “Vertical” lights shall be displayed, accompanied by the making of one (1) sound signal.

 

(b)   At the expiration of each following minute, One (1) “vertical” light shall be extinguished.

 

RACE RULE 14: STARTING SIGNAL                                                            Return to Main Index

The starting signal shall be the extinguishing of the last light, together with the Class Warning Signal (if a Class Warning Signal is displayed refer 12 (b)) accompanied by the making of one (1) sound signal.

 

RACE RULE 15: MARK FOY STARTING SIGNAL                             Return to Main Index

(a)   In races programmed as Mark Foy races the starting sequence outlined above (Instructions12, 13 & 14) shall only apply to the limit Yacht or Yachts.

 

(b)   For Yachts starting after the limit Yacht(s), one (1) “vertical” light shall be displayed one minute prior to that Yacht’s starting time. The start signal shall be the extinguishing of that light. The onus for starting on the correct signal shall rest with each Yacht.

 

RACE RULE 16: RECALLS                                                                Return to Main Index

(a)   When at her starting signal, any part of a Yacht hull, crew or equipment is on the course side of the start line or its extension, I.C. flag “X” will be displayed by the Starter, and a second sound shall be made after the starting sound signal. I.C. flag “X” shall be displayed until the Yacht or Yachts concerned wholly return to the pre-start side of the start line or its extensions.

Whilst attempts will be made to hail the Yacht(s) by sail number, the onus shall be on the offending Yacht(s) to return.

 

(b)   When there are a number of unidentified premature starters, or an error in the starting procedure, the Starter shall signal a General Recall by displaying I.C. flag “First Substitute” and make two (2) sound signals after the starting sound signal. In this event:-

 

(c)    A new Warning Signal shall be made for that Class, denoting a new starting sequence for that and subsequent Classes.

 

RACE RULE 17: POSTPONEMENT                                                 Return to Main Index

(a)   Postponement of all starts, providing such postponement is not signalled within 30 minutes of a scheduled start shall be signalled by the displaying of I.C. flag “Answering Pennant” on the yard of the Club Flagstaff. New start times will be posted on the Yachting Notice Board. Thirty (30) minutes before the new start times, the Starter will display all “horizontal” lights and the making of two (2) sound signals.

 

(b)   Within 30 minutes of a scheduled start time, a postponement of all starts shall be signalled by displaying all “horizontal” lights and the making of two sound signals.

 

(c)    A postponement shall be terminated by the extinguishing of the “horizontal” lights and making one (1) sound signal.

 

(d)   A new Warning Signal shall be made one (1) minute after the termination of the postponement.

 

RACE RULE 18: ABANDONMENT                                                  Return to Main Index

(a)   Abandonment of races, which are to be resailed, shall be signalled by displaying all lights (both “horizontal” and “vertical”) and making three (3) sound signals.

 

(b)   Where two or more Classes are starting at five (5) minute intervals, the signals shall apply to the Class which has started immediately prior to the Abandonment Signal, and all Classes which have not started.

 

(c)    When the Starter is satisfied that all Yachts have responded to the signal, the Abandonment Signal shall be extinguished and one (1) sound signal made.

 

(d)   A new Warning Signal shall be made one (1) minute after termination of the Abandonment Signal.

 

(e)   Where a race is abandoned, and NOT intended to resail that race, the signal shall be the displaying of all lights together with I.C. flag “N” at the Starter’s Hut, accompanied by the making of three (3) sound signals.

 

RACE RULE 19: TIME LIMITS                                                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   The time limit for morning races shall be 1330 hours.

 

(b)   The time limit for afternoon races shall be 1730 hours.

 

(c)    The first Yacht must cross the Finish Line within the time limit to prevent the race from being abandoned. Yachts finishing after the time limit may have to record their own finishing times and advise the Starter the next day.

 

RACE RULE 20: FINISH LINE                                                                       Return to Main Index

The Finish Line is the transit line westward from two (2) Orange Discs located over the Starter’s Hut. Yachts must pass to the east of a Yellow Buoy and cross the line from south to north.

 

RACE RULE 21: PLACINGS                                                             Return to Main Index

(a)   The first Yacht to finish each race shall be declared the “Line Honours Winner”.

 

(b)   Finishing times shall be corrected for each Yacht’s Handicap to decide the “Placings On Handicap”.

 

RACE RULE 22: SCORING                                                              Return to Main Index

(a)   Yachts will score points, in accordance with the Modified Olympic System contained in Part G of these Instructions, based on their handicap placings.

 

(b)   Only the points regattas as shown in the Schedule of Races and Events in the Year Book shall count for points. Yachts shall score overall regatta placings and their best six (6) regatta placings shall determine the season’s aggregate.

 

(c)    Visiting Yachts and those not on the Club Register shall not score points, nor shall they be eligible for points trophies.

 

(d)   Points scored shall be calculated by excluding visiting Yachts’ placings and non-registered Yachts’ placings from the calculation.

 

RACE RULE 23: PROTESTS                                                                            Return to Main Index

(a)   A protest flag shall be as described in IYRU Rule 68.3(a), with the additional requirement that the hoist and fly of which shall be the minimum measurement of:-

 

B Class – 250 mm

 

Other Classes – 150 mm

 

(b)   Protests shall be lodged, in accordance with IYRU Rule 68, with the Club General Manager, or Member of the Yachting Committee, no later than 1930 hours on the day of the race, and shall be accompanied by a deposit of FJ$5 (Dinghy Class 50¢ ) which shall be returned unless the protest is deemed frivolous.

 

(c)    Protests shall be heard at such times as may be laid down by the Protest Committee Chairperson.

 

 

PART B – SAILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NUKULAU ISLAND

& PAT’S BEACON RACES

 

The following Instructions apply to races to and from Nukulau Island and the Pat’s Beacon Races, and modify certain Instructions contained in Part A of these Instructions.

 

Starting times are indicated in the Schedule of Races and Events in the Year Book.

 

RACE 1          Suva to Nukulau (inside Main Reef)

 

RACE 2          Nukulau to Suva (inside Main Reef)

 

RACE 3          Suva to Nukulau (outside Main Reef)

 

RACE 4          Nukulau to Suva (outside Main Reef)

 

RACE 5       Suva to Nukulau (outside Main Reef) then Nukulau to Suva (inside Main Reef)

 

RACE 6       Suva to Pat’s Beacon (inside Main Reef then Pat’s Beacon to Suva (inside Main Reef)

 

RACE 7       Suva to Pat’s Beacon (outside Main Reef) then Pat’s Beacon to Suva (inside Main Reef)

 

RACE RULE 24: SUVA TO NUKULAU – Inside Main Reef Return to Main Index

RACE 1

 

(a)   COURSE

Start

(as identified in Part A – Race Rule 10 – of these Instructions).

Patch (starboard), thence to Nukulau Island via the outside channel, Sandbank (starboard) observing all navigational marks and all beacons, to Finish.

 

(b)   FINISH LINE

Is the line between the outer end of Nukulau Wharf, and a black beacon on the western side of the channel bearing approximately 210° (magnetic) from the wharf, crossed from north to south.

 

(c)    TIME LIMIT

For this race shall be 1800 hours.

 

RULE 25: NUKULAU TO SUVA – Inside Main Reef           Return to Main Index

RACE 2

 

(a)   START LINE

Shall be the line between the outer end of Nukulau Wharf, and a black beacon on the western side of the channel bearing approximately 210° (magnetic) from the wharf, crossing south to north.

 

(b)   COURSE

Start, Sandbank (port) to Suva Harbour via outside channel observing all navigational marks and beacons, Patch (port) to Finish.

 

(c)    FINISH LINE RSYC

Finish Line (as defined in Part A – Race Rule 20 – of these Instructions).

 

(d)   TIME LIMIT

For this race shall be 1800 hours.

 

RACE RULE 26: SUVA TO NUKULAU  – Outside Main Reef          Return to Main Index

RACE 3

 

(a)   COURSE: Start

(as defined in Part A – Race Rule 10 – of these Instructions), Patch (starboard), thence out the main Suva Harbour Entrance, outside the Main Reef, Sandbank Passage, Sandbank (starboard), observing all navigational marks and beacons, to Finish.

 

(b)   FINISH LINE and TIME LIMIT

As per Part B – Race 1 – of these Instructions.

 

RACE RULE 27: NUKULAU TO SUVA – Outside Main Reef          Return to Main Index

RACE 4

 

(a)   START LINE

As per Part (b)Race 2 – of these Instructions.

 

(b)   COURSE

Start, Sandbank (port), out Sandbank Passage, outside Main Reef, in the Main Suva Harbour Entrance, observing all navigational marks and beacons, Patch (port) to Finish.

 

(c)    FINISH LINE & TIME LIMIT

As per Parts (c) & (d)Race 2 – of these Instructions.

 

                                                                                                                  

RACE RULE 28: SUVA TO NUKULAU TO SUVA – Inside/Outside

RACE 5

 

(a)   START LINE

As per Part A – Race Rule 10 – of these Instructions.

 

(b)   COURSE

Start, Patch (starboard). Thence out the main Suva Harbour Entrance, outside the Main Reef, in Sandbank Passage, Sandbank (starboard), around a mark to be advised in the Race Day Instructions, return to Suva Harbour via Sandbank (port), outside channel, observing all navigational marks and beacons, Patch (port) to Finish.

 

(c)    FINISH & TIME LIMIT

As per Parts (c) & (d)Race 2 – of these Instructions.

 

RACE RULE 29: PAT’S BEACON RACE – Inside Main Reef           Return to Main Index

RACE 6

 

(a)   START LINE

As defined in Part A – Race Rule 10 –  of these Instructions.

 

(b)   COURSE

Start, Patch (starboard), thence via outside channel, Sandbank (starboard), Pat’s Beacon (starboard), Sandbank (port) via outside channel observing all navigational marks and beacons, Patch (port), to Finish.

 

(c)    FINISH LINE RSYC

As defined in Part A – Race Rule 20 – of these Instructions.

 

(d)   TIME LIMIT

For this race shall be 1800 hours.

 

RACE RULE 30: PAT’S BEACON RACE – Outside Main Reef

RACE 7

 

(a)   START

As defined in Part A – Race Rule 10 – of these Instructions.

 

(b)   COURSE

Start, Patch (starboard), thence out the Main Suva Harbour Entrance, outside the Main Reef, in Sandbank Passage, Sandbank (starboard), Pat’s Beacon (starboard), Sandbank (port) via outside channel observing all navigational marks and beacons, Patch (port), to Finish.

 

(c)    FINISH LINE RSYC

As defined in Part A – Race Rule 20 – of these Instructions.

 

(d)   TIME LIMIT

Shall be for this Race 1800 hours.

 

RACE RULE 31: PROTESTS                                                             Return to Main Index

Protests for Races 1 to 7 shall be lodged in accordance with Part A – Race Rule 23 – of these Instructions except that the time limit shall be extended to 1930 hours on the day of the competing Yacht’s scheduled return to Suva.

 

 

 

PART C – SAILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BEQA RACE

 

The following instructions apply to the Beqa Races and modify certain instructions contained in Part A of these instructions.

RACE 1          RSYC to Beqa Island

RACE 2          Beqa Island to RSYC

 

RACE RULE 32: SAFETY                                                                              Return to Main Index

Minimum standards for safety, as promulgated by the Yachting Committee, shall apply to all Yachts, except that certain relaxation may be made with regard to self-draining cockpits (Refer Part A – Race Rule 2 (a)).

 

RACE RULE 33: STARTING LINE                                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   RACE 1 – As defined in Part A – Race Rule 10 – of these instructions.

 

(b)   RACE 2 – The imaginary straight line between the beacon on the western side of Sulphur Passage, and the beacon on the coral patch inside the eastern side of the passage.

 

RACE RULE 34: COURSE                                                                Return to Main Index

Start, Suva Harbour Main Entrance, Finish.

 

RACE RULE 35: FINISH LINE                                                                       Return to Main Index

(a)   RACE 1 – The imaginary straight line between the beacon on the western side of Sulphur Passage, and the beacon on the coral patch inside the eastern side of the passage.

 

(b)   RACE 2 – As defined in Part A – Race Rule 20 – of these Instructions.

RACE RULE 36: TIME LIMIT                                                                       Return to Main Index

Shall be 1800 hours for both races.

 

RACE RULE 37: SCORING                                                              Return to Main Index

(a)   Yachts will score points for both races in accordance with Part A – Race Rule 22(a).

 

(b)   The Yacht with the lowest aggregate score will win the Hayman Cruising Cup.

 

PART D – SAILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OLYMPIC COURSE RACE

 

These instructions apply to all races conducted by the Club over and Olympic Course and replace all other Sailing Instructions.

In particular, these instructions apply to Club Championship Races.

 

RACE RULE 38: OLYMPIC RACING RULES                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   All races shall be conducted under current issue of the IYRU Rules, and these Sailing Instructions. Yachts of the Hobie 16, C, Dinghy and Sailboard Classes shall conform to the measurement rules of their respective Class Associations.

 

(b)   Should it be necessary to change these Instructions International Code (I.C.) flag “L” will be displayed on the venue flagstaff by 0930 hours on the morning of the first race of any series of races or at 0930 hours on the day of any scheduled race in the series. This signal will denote that a change to the instructions has been posted on the venue “Yachting Notice Board”. Such posting shall constitute official notice to each Yacht in accordance with IYRU Rule 3.4.. It shall then be the responsibility of each yachtsman to consult the Notice Board.

 

(c)    The 720° in turn penalty, as provided for in Appendix B1 of the IYRU Rules shall apply, instead of disqualification, for an infringement of a Rule of Part IV of the Rules.

 

RACE RULE 39: SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY                              Return to Main Index

(a)   Minimum standards for Safety, as promulgated by the Yachting Committee, shall apply to all Yachts.

 

(b)   All Yachts must have been issued with a current Safety Certificate, issued by the RSYC Safety Inspectors, or by a National, or recognised Authority.

 

(c)    Owners should bear in mind that it is contrary to the spirit of racing to save weight or windage by sailing without equipment which would normally be carried by a well found Yacht.

(d)   Whilst all reasonable precautions can be taken, the Club accepts no responsibility for injury or damage resulting from participating in races.

 

(e)   Attention is drawn to IYRU FUNDAMENTAL RULES of “FAIR SAILING” and “COMPETITORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES”.

 

RACE RULE 40: PERSONAL BUOYANCY                                        Return to Main Index

If, in the opinion of the Starter, weather or sea conditions warrant the wearing of personal buoyancy by all skippers and crew of Hobie 16, and C Class Yachts I.C. flag “Y” will be flown at the starting line. Failure to comply with this signal will result in disqualification of the Yacht concerned.

 

 

 

 

RACE RULE 41: SAIL NUMBERS                                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   Every Yacht shall carry on her mainsail her registered RSYC number, placed in accordance with IYRU Rule 25, or in the case of sponsored boats, an approved insignia.

 

(b)   Sail numbers are not required on overlapping headsails or spinnakers.

 

RACE RULE 42: ANCHORS                                                             Return to Main Index

Yachts of the Hobie 16, C, Dinghy and Sailboard Classes are not required to carry anchors.

 

RACE RULE 43: ELIGIBILITY                                                                        Return to Main Index

(a)   Yachts must be registered on the RSYC Register or, in the case of visiting Yachts, on the RSYC “Visiting Yacht Register” By-Law 12 & By-Law 27.

(b)   Owners and helmsmen must be paid up Members or Honorary Members of the RCYC. (Rule 100) of these Instructions concerning eligibility for series points).

 

RACE RULE 44: OFFICER OF THE DAY                                           Return to Main Index

In accordance with IYRU Rule 1.3 the Yachting Committee shall appoint an Officer of the Day (O.D.) to be responsible for the conduct of racing.

 

RACE RULE 45: ENTRIES                                                                Return to Main Index

(a)   Written entries are not required.

 

(b)   Handicaps shall be calculated for all Yachts enrolled on the RSYC Register where appropriate.

 

(c)    Visiting Yachts/Cruising Members should notify either the Club General Manager, a Flag Officer, or the Fleet Captain Sail, of their intention to race at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled start time.

 

(d)   Handicaps will be posted on the Yachting Notice Board two (2) hours prior to each start. A Yacht which intends to start but is omitted from the list should inform a Yachting Committee Member immediately.

 

RACE RULE 46: SOLE ENTRANT                                                     Return to Main Index

A Yacht appearing at the start alone in her Class may be granted points for that race by default, or the race may be cancelled, at the discretion of the Yachting Committee.

 

RACE RULE 47: STARTING TIMES                                                  Return to Main Index

(a)   Starting times are contained in the Schedule of Races and Events appearing in the Year Book.

 

(b)   In certain special events where start times have not been given in the Schedule or Races and Events in the Year Book start times will be posted on the Yachting Notice Board by 0930 hours on the scheduled day of racing.

 

RACE RULE 48: STARTING LINE                                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   The starting line shall be laid to leeward of Mark “3” and shall be as near as possible to right angles to the wind.

 

(b)   The starting line is defined as the imaginary straight line between the signal masy on the Committee Yacht and an outer distance mark (ODM).

 

(c)    The Committee Yacht shall be stationed at the starboard end of the starting line and shall display I.C. flag “D” when on station.

 

RACE RULE 49: COURSES                                                              Return to Main Index

(a)   The Olympic course shall consist of the following marks:-

“1” laid as a windward mark

“2” laid as a gybing mark

“3” laid as a leeward mark

“ODM” Outer Distance Mark

 

(b)   The course shall be sailed as follows:-

1st Round – Start – 1 – 2 – 3

2nd Round – 1 – 3

3rd Round 1 – 2 – 3 – Finish

 

(c)    The course may be laid to Port or Starboard (Port Course is illustrated).

 

(d)   Mark “3” is not a mark of the course for the first leg of the 1st Round.

 

(e)   In the event of a major windshift Marks “1” and “2” may be moved for the 2nd and 3rd Rounds. The Committee Yacht shall display I.C. flag “F”, and display a blackboard showing the approximate bearing to Mark “1” and make a sound signal.

 

(f)    The Committee Yacht shall remain on station at or near Mark “3” until the leading Yacht has completed Round “1”.

 

(g)   Course Illustration

 

 

RACE RULE 50: COURSE SIGNALS                                                 Return to Main Index

(a)   Before the WARNING SIGNAL, the Committee Yacht will display a red OR green flag to indicate that all marks are to be left to port or starboard respectively.

 

(b)   The Committee Yacht will also display a blackboard showing the approximate bearing to Mark “1”.

 

RACE RULE 51: STARTING SEQUENCE AND CLASS FLAGS

(a)   In all series where two or more Classes are starting separately, the sequence of starting shall be:-

 

(i)     B Class

 

(ii)   C Class

 

(iii) Hobie 16

 

(iv)  Dinghy Class

 

(v)   Sailboards

 

(b)   Class flags will not be displayed.

 

RACE RULE 52: STARTING SIGNALS                                              Return to Main Index

(a)   10 minutes before the Start a WARNIG SIGNAL which shall be a white flag, shall be displayed and one sound signal made;

6 minutes before the Start the white flag shall be lowered;

5 minutes before the Start a PREPARATORY SIGNAL, which shall be a blue flag, will be displayed and one sound signal made.

1 minute before the Start the blue flag shall be lowered.

 

(b)   The STARTING SIGNAL shall be the displaying of a red flag and one other sound signal.

 

(c)    Except that:-

If more than one class is starting in sequence, only the first class to start will receive a WARNING SIGNAL and the PREPARATORY SIGNAL for each Class shall be the WARNING SIGNAL for the next class.

 

(d)   Competitors are reminded that, in accordance with IYRU Rule 4.4, times shall be taken from the visual starting signal and a failure or mistiming of a sound signal calling attention to the STARTING SIGNAL shall be disregarded.

 

RACE RULE 53: OTHER SIGNALS                                                   Return to Main Index

Other signals shall be as set out in the IYRU Rule 4.1 except as set in these sailing instructions.

 

RACE RULE 54: RECALLS                                                                Return to Main Index

(a)   When at her starting signal, any part of a Yacht hull, crew or equipment is on the course side of the start line or its extension, I.C. flag “X” will be displayed by the Starter, and a second sound signal shall be made after the Starting Sound Signal. I.C. flag “X” shall be displayed until the Yacht or Yachts concerned wholly return to the pre-start side of the Start Line or its extensions.

 

(b)   Whilst attempts may be made to hail the Yacht(s) by sail number, the onus shall be on the offending Yacht(s) to return.

 

(c)    When there are a number of unidentified premature starters, or an error in the starting procedure, the Starter shall signal a General Recall by displaying I.C. flag “First Substitute”, and make two (2) sound signals after the starting sound signal. In this event:-

 

(d)   A New WARNING SIGNAL shall be made for that Class, denoting a new starting sequence for that and subsequent Classes.

 

RACE RULE 55: ONE MINUTE RULE                                                          Return to Main Index

ITRU Rule 5.1(c) – the round the end Rule – will apply only after one or more General Recalls.

 

RACE RULE 56: POSTPONEMENT                                                              Return to Main Index

(a)   All races not started are postponed when I.C. flag “Answering Pennant” is displayed on the Committee Yacht. A new Warning signal will be made one minute after this signal is lowered (one (1) sound signal shall be made with the lowering of the “AP”).

(b)   A race which has been postponed may be started no later than 1600 hours on the scheduled day of that race, otherwise it shall be deemed to have been cancelled.

 

RACE RULE 57: ABANDONMENT SIGNAL                                     Return to Main Index

 

(a)   The signal I.C. flag “N” shall denote that all races are to be abandoned.

 

(b)   The signal I.C. flag “N” over “X” shall, where Classes are starting in sequence, apply only to the Class which has started immediately prior to the signal being made, and to subsequent Class starts. In the event of this signal being made :-

 

(c)    A new Warning Signal shall be given for the Class which started prior to the abandonment signal one (1) minute after the signal is lowered (One (1) sound signal shall be made with the lowering of “N” over “X”).

 

RACE RULE 58: ABANDONED RACE                                              Return to Main Index

A race  which has been abandoned may be resailed at the discretion of the Officer of the Day, except that:- in a series of races, a race which has been abandoned and which has not been resailed by 1600 hours on the last scheduled day of racing for that series, shall be deemed cancelled.

 

RACE RULE 59: TIME LIMITS                                                                     Return to Main Index

(a)   The Time Limit for morning races shall be 1330 hours. The Time Limit for afternoon races shall be 1730 hours. Except that, where three (3) or more races are scheduled during only one (1) day of racing, time limits shall be given with starting times (Refer Instruction Part D 10(b)0 on the Yachting Notice Board.

 

(b)   The first Yacht must cross the Finish Line within the time limit to prevent the race from being abandoned. Yachts finishing after the Time Limit may have to record their own finishing times and advise the Starter the next day.

 

RACE RULE 60: FINISH LINE                                                                       Return to Main Index

(a)   The Finish line shall be defined as the imaginary straight line between the signal mast of the Committee Yacht and:-

 

(i)     (if the full course is sailed) Mark “1”;

 

(ii)   (if the course is shortened) the adjacent mark of the course.

 

(b)   The Committee Yacht shall take up station so that the adjacent mark is left by Yachts on the same side as throughout the race. The Committee Yacht shall display a blue flag to indicate that it is on station on the Finish Line.

 

RACE RULE 61: PLACINGS                                                             Return to Main Index

Each Yacht shall be awarded a finishing place. Finishing times may be corrected by each Yacht’s handicap to establish “Placings On Handicap”.

 

RACE RULE 62: SCORING                                                              Return to Main Index

Yachts will score points in accordance with the modified Olympic System (contained in Part G of these Instructions) based on:-

 

(a)   In the Club Championship series her finishing place in each race of the series and her handicap place in each race.

 

(b)   In all other Olympic series races her finishing place in each race of the series. Visiting Yachts shall not score points, nor shall they be eligible for points trophies. Point scores shall be calculated by excluding visiting Yachts and Non-Registered Yachts placings from the calculation.

 

RACE RULE 63: PROTESTS                                                             Return to Main Index

(a)   A Protest Flag shall be as described in IYRU Rule 68.3(a), with the additional requirement that the hoist and fly of which shall be the minimum measurement of:-

 

(i)     B Class – 250 mm

 

(ii)   Other Classes – 150 mm

 

(b)   Protests shall be lodged, in accordance with IYRU Rule 68, with the Club General Manager, or Officer of the Day, or Member of the Yachting Committee, no later than 1930 hours on the day of the race, and shall be accompanied by a deposit of FJ$5 (Dinghy Class 50¢) which shall be returned unless the protest is deemed frivolous. Protests will be heard at such times as may be laid down by the Protest Committee Chairperson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART E – P CLASS COURSES

 

RACE RULE 64: P CLASS COURSES                                                          Return to Main Index

No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5
Wind Wind Wind Wind Wind
SE or SSE,

NW or NNW

ESE or SE E, ENE, W or SW S, SW, N or NE E, Se, W or Rough
Start

Patch

Fumigation

Suvavou

T/Lodge

Suvavou

Patch

Finish

 

S

P

P

P

S

P

Start

Patch

N.Thurston

Suvavou

Patch

Suvavou

Patch

Finish

 

S

S

S

S

S

P

Start

Patch

Suvavou

Patch

N.Thurston

Patch

Finish

 

S

S

S

S

P

Start

Patch

Suvavou

N.Thurston

Fumigation

Suvavou

N.Thurston

Finish

 

S

P

P

P

P

P

Start

Patch

Suvavou

Fumigation

Patch

Suvavou

Patch

Finish

 

S

S

S

S

P

P

 

PART F – SUVA HARBOUR COURSES

 

RACE RULE 65: RSYC – SUVA HARBOUR COURSES                      Return to Main Index

No. 1 No. 2 No. 3
Wind Wind Wind
SE SE or NE E
Start

Patch

Suvavou

T/Lodge

Namuka

T/Lodge

Suvavou

Patch

Finish

 

S

P

S

S

P

S

P

Start

Patch

Namuka

S.Thurston

Tradewind

N.Thurston

Suvavou

Patch

Finish

 

S

P

P

S

P

S

P

Start

Patch

S.Thurston

Namuka

N.Thurston

Suvavou

Patch

Finish

 

S

S

S

P

S

P

 

No. 4 No. 5
Wind Wind
Se N or S
Start

Patch

Suvavou

Patch

Namuka

S.Thurston

Tradewind

Patch

Finish

 

S

S

S

P

P

S

P

Start

Patch

T/Lodge

Suvavou

Fumigation

S.Thurston

Fumigation

Patch

Finish

 

S

S

S

S

S

S

P

 

No. 6 No. 7
Wind Wind
(Short Course)

Light or Squally

W or SW
Start

Patch

Suvavou

S.Thurston

Fumigation

Suvavou

N.Thurston

Patch

Finish

 

S

P

P

P

P

P

P

Start

Patch

S.Thurston

Fumigation

Suvavou

Namuka

S.Thurston

T/Lodge

Patch

Finish

 

S

S

P

S

P

S

P

P

 

Note: When the Letter “B” is displayed at the Starter’s Hut, B Class Yachts shall:-

 

  • Omit the first rounding of Patch as a mark of the course;

 

  • Start mark shall be defined as Fumigation I.E. Fumigation becomes the O.D.M.

 

Return to Main Index

 

 

PART G – MODIFIED OLYMPIC SCORING SYSTEM

                                                                                                                  

RACE RULE 66:  MODIFIED OLYMPIC SCORING SYSTEM

 

This point system may be used for any series of races held by the Club, but in particular, is designed to decide the winners of:-

 

(a)   The number of races to count in any one series as set out in the Sailing Instructions for that series.

 

(b)   Each Yacht finishing a race and not thereafter retiring or being disqualified shall score points as follows:-

 

(c)    FINISHING PLACE   POINTS

 

(i)     First                     ¾

 

(ii)   Second     2

 

(iii) Third                    3

 

(iv)  Fourth     4

 

(v)   Fifth                     5

 

(vi)  Sixth                    6

 

(vii)      Seventh   7

 

(viii)    Eight                    8

 

(ix)  Ninth       9

 

(x)   Tenth       10 … and so on

 

(d)   The lowest total score wins.

 

(e)   A Yacht which does not rank as a competing Yacht under IYRU Rule 74.5, shall score points equal to the maximum number of possible starters possible in her Class. The Yachting Committee shall assess each Class from time to time and publish a maximum number of possible starters.

 

(f)    All other Yachts, including a Yacht which finishes but thereafter retires or is disqualified, shall score points for the finishing place one more than the number of Yachts that started or ranked as starters in the race.

 

(g)   In applying IYRU Rule 70.3 (Yacht materially prejudiced) or IYRU Rule 68.5 (Protests), which is deemed equitable to adjust the score to the prejudiced Yacht by awarding points different from those she received for the race in questio0n, the following possibilities may be considered:-

 

(i)     Points equal to the average, to the nearest tenth of a point, of the points she had received before the race in question.

 

(ii)   An arbitrary number of points based on the position of the Yacht in the race in question at the time she was prejudiced.

 

(h)   When there is a tie on total points between two or more Yachts, the tie shall be broken in favour of the Yacht with the most first places, and when the tie remains, the most second places and so on.

 

(i)     In a series of five, six or seven races the best four, five or six races respectively shall count for points. In a series of four races or less all races shall count for points.

 

 

END OF SECTION THREE

 

 

SECTION FOUR – MINIMUM SAFETY & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

 

MINIMUM SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR CLUB REGISTERED YACHTS

 

SAFETY RULE 1: OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY                                 Return to Main Index

 

(a)   The safety of a Yacht and her crew is the sole and inescapable responsibility of the owner, who must do his/her best to ensure that the Yacht is fully found, thoroughly seaworthy and manned by an experienced crew.

 

(b)   The owner must be satisfied as to the soundness of hull, spars, rigging, sails, engines and all gear.

 

(c)    The owner must ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained and stowed and that the crew know where it is kept and how it is to be used.

 

(d)   Neither the establishing of these minimum requirements not the inspection of a Yacht under these requirements in any way limits or reduces the complete and unlimited responsibility of the owner.

 

SAFETY RULE 2: STATUS                                                                Return to Main Index

 

(a)   All Yachts owned by Members of the Club must appear on the Club Register of Yachts.

 

(b)   Inspection of all Yachts under this scheme is a prerequisite of registration.

 

SAFETY RULE 3: INSPECTIONS                                                      Return to Main Index

 

Inspections under this scheme will be carried out by Independent Safety Inspectors nominated each year by the Yachting Committee.

 

SAFETY RULE 4: CERTIFICATES                                                      Return to Main Index

 

(a)   Certificates will be issued for two categories of navigation:-

 

(i)     Inside the Reef

 

(ii)   Outside the Reef

 

(b)   Further endorsement may be necessary if, in the Inspector’s opinion, limitations of use are indicated.

 

SAFETY RULE 5: CONFIDENTIALITY                                                           Return to Main Index

 

Faults or deficiencies revealed by an inspection will not be discussed with any third party without the Owner’s consent, and will be recorded solely on the Inspector’s confidential records.

 

SAFETY RULE 6: HULL AND GEAR REQUIREMENTS                      Return to Main Index

 

(a)   Hulls, scantlings, decks, cabins, underwater fittings, spars and rigging shall be adequately designed and structurally sound.

 

(b)   Cockpits of Sailing Yachts in the “outside the reef” category shall be self bailing and essentially watertight.

Cockpits shall be fitted with adequate drains that function at all angles of heel. All openings to the hull below main deck level must be capable of being closed off by strong washboards or the like.

 

(c)    All underwater through hull fittings shall be fitted with sea cocks and/or softwood or rubber plugs, tapered and of the correct size attached to or adjacent to the appropriate skin fittings.

 

(d)   An auxiliary engine is strongly recommended for the “outside the reef” category.

 

(e)   For the “outside the reef” category all hatch covers shall be attached to the hull and be capable of being properly secured.

 

SAFETY RULE 7: M.S.A.F. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 

The following list is the M.S.A.F. Check List for minimum safety requirements for vessels < 15 m in length operating in sheltered waters.

 

ITEM # M.S.A.F. MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS # OF ITEMS
1 Life Jackets (per Person/Passenger 1
2 Flares (Parachute) 1
3 Flares (Hand Held) 1
4 Orange Smoke Signal 1
5 Mirror 1
6 First Aid Kit 1
7 Tool Kit 1
8 Anchor – with 2.5 m chain/shackles 1
9 Mooring Rope – > 30 m 1
10 Bailer 1
11 Oars – Pair 1
12 Torch & Batteries 1
13 Transistor Radio with Batteries 1
14 Fire Blanket 1

 

 

SAFETY RULE 8: RSYC MIMIMUM REQUIREMENTS                     Return to Main Index

 

The following list includes and is in addition to M.S.A.F. requirements for vessels Registered with the RSYC.

 

ITEM

#

MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS INSIDE

REEF

OUTSIDE

REEF

1 Anchors 1 2
2 Warp 1 2
3 Chain 2 – 4 m 6 m
4 Bailer 1 1
5 Bilge Pump 1 Hand Pump
6 Bucket with Lanyard 1 1
7 Boat Hook/Gaff Recommended 1
8 Oars (1 pair) 1 1
9 Charts Local Local Plus
10 Compass Recommended 1
11 Hand Bearing Compass Recommended
12 Deviation Card Recommended
13 Parallel Rule Recommended 1
14 Dividers Recommended 1
15 Pilot Book Almanac 1 1
16 Fenders 4 4
17 Flares (Parachute) 1 2
18 Flares (Hand Held) 1 1
19 Flares (Orange Smoke) 1 2
20 Fire Blanket 1 1
21 Fire Extinguishers 1 2
22 First Aid Kit 1 1
23 Flash Light & Batteries 1 1
24 Lifebouys Recommended 2
25 Life Jackets (per Person) 1 1
26 Lines or Rope > 30 m 1 2
27 Mirror 1 1
28 Navigational Lights – (In accordance with International Regulations) Yes Yes
29 VHF Radio 1 1
30 Sounder or Lead Line Recommended Recommended
31 Spare or Dual Battery Recommended
32 Tool Kit 1 1
33 Life Raft or Dinghy with buoyancy & bailer Recommended Recommended
34 Guard Rails Recommended Recommended
35 Shut Off Valve for Fuel or means of Isolating Fuel Tank Yes Yes

 

SAFETY RULE 9: MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CLUB REGISTERED CLASS “C”, DINGHY, HOBIE & SAILBOARD CLASSES

 

ITEM

#

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1 Items 1 to 5 of “Minimum Safety Requirements for Club Registered “A” & “B” Class Yachts apply to this category.
2 Yachts shall carry buoyancy vests of lifejackets for each Crew Member at all times. At all times, Dinghy Class skippers shall wear buoyancy vests or lifejackets, and the crews of all other Classes shall wear them when I.C. flag “Y” is displayed at the Starter’s Hut or on the Committee Yacht.
3 All Classes shall be constructed or shall be so fitted as to be buoyant when swamped following a capsize.
4 There shall be buoyancy such that in an emergency the boat shall float and support the weight of the crew.
5 Buoyancy shall be so disposed as to float the boat on an even keel when swamped, following righting after a capsize.
6 Yachts shall be fitted at the bow with a ring or closed fairlead or similar device not less than 25 mm diameter through which a tow line may be attached.
7 The mainsail shall be capable of being lowered, or the mast and sail shall be capable of being removed when the Yacht is either upright or capsized.
8 Hollow masts shall be completely sealed to prevent the entry of water when capsized. Alternatively a drain hols shall be fitted at the base of the mast capable of draining all water in not more than one minute.
9 Yachts without self-draining hulls shall carry an adequate bailer secured with a lanyard, or pump, in addition to any other draining devices which may be fitted.
10 Centreboard, rudders and tillers shall be so fitted that they stay in place with the Yacht inverted.
11 It is strongly recommended that the crew stay with the Yacht at all times while the Yacht is capsized.
12 The signal to indicate that assistance is needed shall be:-

 

(a)   Crew in Yacht:-

Both hands raised above the head and lowered to sides cyclically at five (5) second intervals.

 

(b)   Crew in Water:-

One hand raised above head for three (3) seconds at five (5) second intervals.

13 It is recommended that crews not delay calling for assistance until they are exhausted.
14 It is recommended that Yachts carry a paddle or pair of oars.
END OF SECTION FOUR

 

SECTION FIVE

COMMODORES OF THE ROYAL SUVA YACHT CLUB

Return to Main Index

 

COMMODORE FROM TO
T.M. McGuire 1932 1933
A.E. Message 1933 1935
W.E. Hancock 1935 1938
W.G. Halstead 1938 1939
D.A. Butler, M.B.E. 1939 1945
N. Levy 1945 1946
H.A. Ragg 1946 1947
Capt. J.P. Mullins, O.B.E. 1947 1955
F.H. Beckett 1955 1956
H.J. Willoughby 1956 1956
S.H.A. Lee, M.B.E. 1956 1957
A.H. Marlow 1957 1964
C.D. Aidney, D.F.C. 1964 1967
S.A. Tetzner 1967 1968
J.W. St. Julian 1968 1972
B. Maesepp 1972 1974
P.M. Sellars 1974 1975
Capt. J.L. Harrison 1975 1977
P.J. Doyle 1977 1978
J.W. St. Julian 1978 1982
Capt. N. McG. Ganley 1982 1983
R.I.R. Moody 1983 1986
F.G.R. Ward 1986 1987
R.A. Storck 1987 1992
P.J. Maybin 1992 1995
A.A.W. Threadingham 1995 2002
D.C. Jenkins 2002 2004
R.B. Smith 2004 2010
M. Hirst 2010 2014
E. Stephens 2014 2016
P. Watts 2016 2018
Spencer Ah Sam 2018

 

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