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Oxford, MD Events
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MD - Easton / Newman Field
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- Sunrise: 06:09 GMT
- Sunset: 18:16 GMT
Thu, 03/02/2023 - 13:59
Focus on Sailing policies & procedures
Program Policies
Check Out
All FOS members wishing to sail the Ideal-18 must first be checked -out by a FOS Program Certifier. Guidelines for the check-out requirements can be reviewed by downloading, Check-Out Form. Returning participants do not need to be checked out each year.
Guest Policy
Guest sailors are welcome for Freesails and most planned events. Guests may be non-participating TAYC members, family members or unrelated non-members. A checked-out Focus on Sailing Participant must be on the boat at all times with their guests and take full responsibility for the safety of boat and crew. The Ideal-18 fleet is a Club facility; guest privileges are covered by the Club House Rules.
Insurance Policy
The FOS Participant using the boat is responsible for the deductible amount of $500 per incident. Fault in facing is determined by the ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing. Default responsibility lies with the FOS participant on the damaged boat. Each member mustr complete a Participant Form with Damage responsibility and Waiver of Liability Agreement before the seaon begins.
House Rules
All TAYC House Rules apply to FOS free sailing and scheduled events. Refer to the TAYC 2015 Annual Directory.
Procedures
Operating the Ideal 18
The Operating Manual describes in words and pictures the proper way to rig, de-rig and tie-up the Ideal 18's. This manual is particularly helpful for new participants.
Sign Out Procedures
Boats are available for free sailing when program events are not being held. A sign-out book is kept at the pavilion. It is essential the FOS sailors leave a record of every departure and return, both for safety reasons and to make the maintenance committee aware of any problems with the boats. Also, accidents happen- so please note any damage sustained or equipment broken or lost so that it can be repaired/replaced for the next user. If significant damage occurs, please notify the Chair, Georgia Adler immediately.
Ideal Equipment List
- Four (4) adult life jackets. It is recommended that all participants bring their own properly fitted PDF to wear.
- Anchor and attached anchor line
- Bucket
- Dock lines
- Fenders (2)
- First Aid Kit
- Horn
- Paddle
- Pump
- Spinnaker pole
- Spinnaker and spinnaker sheets
- Sponge
- Throw-able flotation device
- Tow line
Sailing Area Boundaries
Please refer to the FOS Sailing Area chart that defines the current approved sailing area. It is your resonsibility to sail within these boundaries and to return the boat to the Club. Remember to watch the winds since there is no motor on these boats and the Club cannot provide towing and recovery.
Watch the Weather
As the FOS participant, you are solely responsible for the safety of the vessel and your crew when out on the water. Check the weather before leaving the dock to make sure that there are no thunderstorms or fronts expected in the area. Likewise, wind conditions can change quickly on the Tred Avon. If winds are forecast to dminish, adjust your sailing plans to remain in close proximity to the Club. The Club will not provide a tow back to the dock if the wind dies.
Plan for Tides and Currents
At certain times each month, and particularly after heavy rains and other significant weather events, currents can be quite strong on the Tred Avon River. It is a good idea to make note of the current speed and direction before setting sail. You will cover a considerable distance more quickly when sailing with the current than against it and may run into a time crunch if you find yourself trying to sail back against a heavy current.
Putting the Boat Away
Docking Procedures
Please download the new Docking Procedures and please leave the boats accordingly.Thank you!
An Operating Manual summary check list for leaving the boat:
- Furl the jib, generally before leaving the dock;
- Drop and flake the mainsail, tie down the sail using the sail ties and secure the main halyard. Depending upon conditions and wind direction, the drop may occur before reaching the dock;
- Secure the boat at the dock by attaching the carabiniers as found in the slip you choose. (NOTE: in some dock positions the boats are tied across the corner, others the boats face inward while others face outward. Position yours as the boats lay when you set sail; positioning is important to avoid damage from wave action;
- Deploy the fenders. The forward fender, attached, attached to the mast, is simploy tossed over the side. The aft fender is run through the spinnaker turning block and cleated. Important: Tie a stopper knot in the line on the aft fender after it leaved the jam cleat to prevent it from floating away if the line gets worked out of the jam cleat;
- Replace the mainsail cover;
- Replace the jib cover using the spinnaker halyard to hoist it as it is zippered;
- Coil all lines neatly;
- Insure that both bailers at the back of the cockpit are open; and
- Rinse of the decks with fresh water particularly if food or beverages were brought along.
Please be courteous of the other sailors and leave your boat as you would like to find it: shipshape!
