The ‘Buddy System’ is designed to permit club members use of club boats outside of scheduled sailing sessions.
Scheduled Sailing Sessions
Wednesday 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturdays 10.00pm – 12.00pm
Saturdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm
These times are to be used as a guide and are subject to weather conditions and availability of suitably qualified rib drivers and crew.
The club endeavour to have a safety/rescue boat on the water at the times listed above. Members who enrol on the Buddy System may sail on other days subject to their complying with the Buddy System Requirements outlined below.
Buddy System Requirements
Any Member wishing to use the Buddy System must be approved using the Club Boat Skipper Registration Form (2.1).
The registration form is to be completed, signed and passed to the sailing committee for approval. Your completed and signed Form 2.1 confirms that you have read and understood the Guidelines and received the Risk Assessment.
The Buddy Sailing System is ONLY available to Members of Lough Neagh Sailing Club. No guests or visitors may sail. Anyone found bringing non-members with them to sail may have access to club boats revoked.
NO SAILING OUT OF NORMAL CLUB HOURS IS PERMITTED UNTIL THE ABOVE HAS BEEN COMPLIED WITH
LNSC Buddy System Requirements.
- Never sail alone.
- Have a point of contact onshore.
- Dress appropriately
- Carry safety equipment
- Adhere to Sail Areas and conditions
- Be a competent dinghy sailor
Never sail alone.
Even the most experienced sailor can get into trouble on the water. To reduce risks and provide essential support we ask members to never sail alone. By adopting the ‘Buddy System’ when sailing each person looks after the other. That way, if any problems arise on the water there is someone to either assist or raise an alert.
Under the LNSC ‘Buddy System’ one person in the group must be an experienced sailor. Non experienced sailors must have an committee approved level of competency sailing dinghies.
Have a point of contact onshore
Check out and check in. Leave information on your estimated sail duration and location with a person onshore and stick to it. LNSC must be always aware of the number of members out on club boats. This may be by use of the club notice board.
Safety Equipment
The minimum safety requirements must be adhered to. These include;
An experienced skipper must carry a waterproof radio VHF channel 10
Wear a suitable wetsuit / dry suit
Buoyancy Aids must be worn at all times.
Carry a plastic Whistle.
Sailing Conditions
Members must respect the current conditions and only sail in conditions as per club guidelines.
Highly Experienced – 0-16 knots
Medium Experience – 0-12 knots
Minimum Experience – 0-8 knots
Sail Area
Highly Experienced – up to Race Area 3
Medium Experience – up to Race Area 2
Beginner Experience – Race Area 1 and 2