Lough Neagh Sailing Club aim to make the availability and use of club boats as simple as possible. The club do however have a responsibility to ensure members are able to actively sail in a safe environment and have therefore introduced a number of requirements for usage.
Full details are available but we have provided the basic steps required below:

To use club boats outside of scheduled sessions you must:

• Be a fully paid up L.N.S.C. member.
• Be over 16 years of age or hold RYA Level 2 Dinghy Sailing
• Be approved as a Club Boat Skipper using Form 2.1
• Complete a one off induction session.
• Follow ‘Buddy System’ guidelines

Members will be registered to use specific boats and will be restricted to designated Sailing Areas based on capability. To start making use of club boats, Download the Club Boat Skipper Registration form (Form 2.1) and return to a Committee Member.
Information regarding the dinghy schedule, induction sessions and usage guidelines is provided here.

Each separate application for Club Boat Skipper must be approved by committee, prior to use of Club Boats.  Further information on Club Boat Skipper's responsibilities is available here.

Further Information for Club Boat Skippers

Club Boat Skippers should be familiar with the additional information on the use of boats.

Club Dinghy Usage Guidelines

Boat Handover

1. Boats will be accessible during scheduled Sailing Dinghy Sailing Sessions. With access to equipment outside of scheduled sessions through designated committee members, Dinghy Secretary, Club Bosun, Sailing Secretary and Principal/Senior Sailing Instructor. Names are published on the club notice board.
2. The skipper must sign for the receipt of all equipment received. This will indicate that he/she has received the equipment in good condition and that they will be responsible for its safe return.

Launch

1. Covers must be removed and stored before moving to the slipway
2. Cars must not be used in the launching process
3. Special care must be taken due to the sometimes slippery surface on the slipway
4. The skipper is responsible in ensuring all rigging is correct and in good working order.

Recovery

1. The boats should be removed from the slip for de-rigging
2. All equipment and boat is to be returned and stored in correct manner
3. Any damage or defects must be reported in the 'Club Boats Book'.

Club Dinghies

‘Club boats’ is defined as those listed below.
•    Laser Bug x 6
•    Laser Bahia x 1
•    Topper x 6
•    Laser Radial x 1
•    Club Safety Rib x 1

Club Boat Registration

A list of Registered Skippers is maintained by the sailing committee.
A completed application ‘Club Boat Skipper’ application form (Form 2.1) is forwarded to the Sailing Committee for approval. The sailing committee will assess each application separately and approve or decline based on qualifications, previous experience, competency etc. Approval may be withheld until further training or experience has been attained to ensure safety of themselves and other members.
The Sailing committee reserve the right to restrict members to designated sailing areas until suitable proficiency has been attained. It will be possible to increase designated sail areas upon further application.

Boat Usage Policy

1. Club Dinghies are available for use by club members during organised dinghy sailing sessions or when using the ‘Buddy System’. Members are not permitted use of club boats during sail training unless actively participating. The person in charge of the boat must be registered to use the boat and must sail in the boat at all times.
2. All boats that belong to the club are, by definition, the property of the members.
3. Club boats must be kept to a high standard.
4. Club boats are not a substitute for members’ boats as members are expected to own and use their own boats.
5. RYA qualifications are recognised by LNSC as an indication of a person’s capability.
6. The fact that a member of LNSC does not hold a qualification does not necessarily detract in any way from that member’s ability to use any vessel.
7. In the event of damage caused by unreasonable behaviour or abuse, the member may be liable for the full cost of the damage.
8. Members who have been given permission to use a club boat are expected to fully acquaint themselves with the operation of the boat and check it prior to use. The club cannot be held accountable for any shortcomings.

Conditions of Use

1. Boats are available on a first come first served basis with Sail Training Courses and official club events automatically having priority.
2. Members may reserve club boats outside of scheduled sessions no more than a period of one week in advance.
3. The boats may not be taken out of the assigned sailing club area limits without prior permission from the sailing club committee. The limits are outlined as Sailing Areas 1, 2 & 3 and the approach to the slipway. These areas are posted on the club website and club noticeboard.
4. The skipper is responsible for suitable crewing of the club boats (if appropriate). The boats must not carry more than the approved persons. Crew under the age of 16 are restricted to Sailing Area 1 & 2 (between the marina and starting battery) with Registered Skippers over the age of 21. Occasional crew do not have to be club members. Regular crews using Club equipment more than three times in any one year are expected to join as members.
5. Buoyancy aids or life jackets are mandatory and must be worn at all times whilst afloat.
6. The skipper is responsible for the boats care and must report and damage or problems to the sailing committee.

In the event of any accident/damage to the boat, the skipper may be responsible for any costs incurred up to the insurance excess. An accident/damage form must be completed and forwarded to the sailing Committee. These forms are available from the main committee.