YACHTING CLUBS

 A yacht club is no different from a person's home with respect to guests.  A club is owned and financed by its members primarily for their own use. Both federal and state tax codes and liquor laws reinforce this. There is nothing automatic about reciprocal privileges despite the fact that uninformed individuals and organizations pass this word along.  Most yacht clubs in Southern California who reciprocate with other yacht clubs in the area will do so on a formal basis. This is typically done through an exchange of reciprocal cards, which are approved and issued on an annual basis. This activity is  between two specific clubs who wish to offer the mutual exchange use of their facilities. These reciprocal privileges are not intended to entitle guests "wholesale" use of the other's facility.  Under no circumstances should a yachtsman assume that all yacht clubs are reciprocal and before requesting entrance to another club should check with his club to insure a reciprocal agreement exists. A prudent yachtsperson will make his/her visit to another club more enjoyable if he/she follows the simple rules of courtesy as follows:

1. Verify you have reciprocal privilege.  

2. Call ahead so:    

  a. The club can insure space is available.    

  b. Your visit will not conflict with other club functions.    

  c. The club can plan all other arrangements necessary.  

3.  When making arrangements ask about club and marina rules such as do they allow pets, parties, electrical, etc.  

4. Always sign the guest register. In some areas this is mandated by club charters, leasing agreements, etc.  

5. Always have a current membership card from your club, and be prepared to show it courteously to staff and members of the club you are visiting upon request.  

6. Wear a name tag from your club.  

7. Ask for a copy, or location, of club rules and observe them, as the members of the club must; you are their guest.  

8. Always be courteous with club employees, remember, their directions come from the club Officers and are not of their making.  

9. When planning cruise-type visits make arrangements early in the year with the appropriate officials.  

10. Patronize the facilities of the club. They may have brought in extra staff and provisions just for your visit.  

11. Under no circumstances board or make fast to any vessel, unless specifically asked to, or after obtaining permission.  

12. Under no circumstances use hoses, stairs, mops or other materials belonging to the slip holder without permission.  

13. Many skippers leave lines, particularly spring lines at their slips to assist in docking upon their return. Never use, and most particularly do not re-tie these lines, as your action could cause serious damage to vessels and crew.  

14. Always follow good environmental practice consistent with the concerns for proper trash disposal and discharges from your vessel into the water; leave a clean wake.  

15. Write a thank-you note and mention any members or employees who were particularly helpful.  

16. If you have been invited to participate in a regatta or race, you and your crew are guests just as much as on any other visit to the Host Club and must conduct yourself as a guest.