Go Sail Partners LLC Sailing and Paddling Membership Policies and Procedures Agreement.
DBA Go Sail Flathead Lake Montana
Welcome to the Go Sail Flathead Lake Sailing and Paddling Membership Policies and Procedures Agreement.
The goals are sail, sail, sail, paddle, paddle, paddle, and enjoy our beautiful location with respect and kindness to the other members.
Table of Contents:
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
WEATHER CONDITIONS
RULES OF THE ROAD
NAVIGATION
RESTRICTED AREA
GROUNDINGS
RESCUES
CLEANING RESPONSIBILITIES
ETIQUETTE
BOAT MAINTENANCE ISSUES
SAIL REPAIR
DAMAGES AND INSURANCE
RACE EVENTS
LOST AND FOUND
DAYSAILING MEMBERSHIPS
CHECKOUTS
SHARED MEMBERSHIPS
RESERVATION POLICY
SINGLE-HANDED SAILING
BOAT CAPACITY
MOORING TIME
NAVIGATION LIMITS
BEFORE YOU SAIL+ CHECKING IN
ON BOARD
UNDER SAIL
AFTER SAILING+ CHECKING OUT
DAYSAILING BOAT EQUIPMENT LIST
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
GO SAIL DAYTON OFFICE HOURS
9:00AM to 5:30 during the sailing season, Memorial Day Weekend through September 30th. ( launch and haul out are at the discretion of Dayton Yacht Harbor Manager and could affect availability)
The office may close earlier than 5:30 if there is inclement weather, or if all the boats reserved for that day have returned to the dock.
All new members are required to complete an on-the-water checkout. You must demonstrate your ability to stay in command of the boat with little or no help. The check out with an instructor will go through everything required for you to sail and dock the boat. Any ASA course this season at Go Sail Flathead Lake will serve as checkout. Refer to specific membership sections in this document for course or checkout requirements. Please note that checkouts are complimentary for members. If the membership is canceled after the checkout, the $540 rate for a 3 hr private lesson rate will apply for the water portion of the checkout.
Checkouts are scheduled by appointment on weekdays with at least 48 hours’ notice. The purpose of the checkout is threefold:
1) To enable a new member to become familiar with the rigging, handling, and use of systems on our boats under the guidance of an instructor.
2) To enable us to determine whether a new member needs instruction before skippering our boats.
3) Give you the confidence to rent the boats and Go Sailing!
If the instructor determines, as a result of the checkout, that the member is not qualified for the given membership, the member may be required to:
1) Take a course at their own expense.
2) Sign up as crew until they are confident to sail single handed.
A membership can be canceled and refunded within thirty days of the purchase date if the member has not used it. If the membership was purchased with a credit card, GSFL will retain a 3% processing fee of any and all amounts paid. Cash and check payments will be refunded in full.
If a checkout or docking practice was conducted, the private lesson rate will apply for the water portion. Private lesson rate $540 per 3 hour lesson.
The membership will be considered active and non-refundable after thirty days from purchase date, or once a boat has been reserved, whichever occurs first. Special circumstances warranting a partial refund will be considered if a written request is submitted to Go Sail Flathead Lake.
Membership Suspension or Cancellation by GSFL
GSFL may suspend or cancel your membership for non-payment of fees or failure to comply with these policies and procedures. Additional causes include, but are not limited to, leaving boats in an unacceptable condition, unreported damage, or multiple incidents resulting in damage.
You may sail with guests at any time at no charge. If you need a sailing partner please inquire with us as GSFL has many connections within the Montana sailing community.
All members can reserve boats on an ongoing basis under our rolling reservation policy.
Rolling Reservations
1) You may have up to two weekday reservations on the books at a time.
2) You may have Peak time reservation Thursday- Sunday 9-4:30. Reservations will open 1-2 weeks before availability start time.
Last Minute Reservations
Last minute reservations can be made the day before you would like to sail without counting towards your advance reservations. To make a last-minute reservations book online at least 1 hour before availability start time.
Reservation time buffers
On busy days, a boat may sail multiple times to accommodate as many members as possible. Time slots are not adjustable, if you are late returning to the dock you are violating this agreement and you will be suspended, a $100 reinstatement fee applies. Capri 22’s require 30 minutes between reservations. This time between reservations allows us to adequately prepare the boat for the next sail and assess any maintenance issues that may have arisen.
Reservation pick-up requirements
To get the most out of your reservation, and to ensure smooth sailing, be on time, return to the dock at the scheduled time, and we do require that boats be picked up well before sunset and mooring time.
Reservation Cancellations
If you have reserved a boat but find you cannot make it, please let us know immediately so we can make the boat available to other members.
Weekday
Any reservation canceled after 5pm the day before will count per the reservation rules. i.e. If you cancel between 5pm the day before and the start time of your reservation, you will have to wait until the completion of the original reservation end time to make a future weekday reservation.
Peak Time
Any reservation canceled after 9:00 am on Wednesday (for Thursday through Sunday sails) will still count per the reservation rules. This means you would need to wait 1 week until the following Wednesday to make another weekend reservation.
No Show
If you have not checked in for your boat by 30 minutes after your start time and have not contacted the office , we will cancel your reservation and make the boat available to members on the waitlist. The reservation will still count per the reservation rules. No-shows will result in a $100 rescheduling fee to be paid before making any additional reservations.
Reservation Adjustments
Please reserve only the time you intend to sail. Careful planning will ensure maximum boat availability for all members.
Changing your Reservation Time
All changes to your reservation time must be made by email within the above listed weekday/Peak time cancellations parameters. Changes to weekday reservation times must be made earlier than 5pm the day before. Changes to weekend reservation times must be made before 9am on Wednesday (for Thursday through Sunday sails) and can be sent by email if the office is closed.
If you need to adjust your reservation time day of, the next available time slot is your only option if it is available. This is in place to account for running late due to traffic, road construction, etc.
Overbooking/Excessive Cancellations
Attempting to overbook or break reservation rules may result in loss of all reservations. This includes excessive cancellations and/or repeatedly booking time and not using it (i.e. booking a whole day and returning by 2pm).
Life Jackets
It is the responsibility of the skipper to determine if there are enough life jackets on board before leaving the dock and briefing the crew on their location and use. Although GSFL encourages wearing of PFDs, the decision to require that they be worn is up to the skipper who should consider swimming ability, water temperature, and conditions. MT law requires children under the age of 12 to wear PFDs when on deck. Please refer to specific membership sections in this document for details on each boat’s capacity.
Communications
GSFL monitors VHF channel 16 and most often uses 69 for a working channel. Members should bring a hand-held VHF or cell phone. Verizon has the best service on the lake. Dial 911 in case of emergency, Search and Rescue will be dispatched.
Hatches
When sailing, all hatches should be dogged shut. In addition to keeping water out this will keep a sheet from catching the hatch and causing damage.
Swimming
Swimming off boats is inherently dangerous, due to cold water, difficulty in getting swimmers aboard, and other factors. It is the responsibility of the skipper to assess the safety of a given situation before allowing swimming.
Precautions for retrieving swimmers from the water and for keeping them close to the boat need to be taken. The skipper and crew shall accept entire responsibility for any injury or drowning that may occur from swimming and shall hold Go Sail Flathead Lake harmless against any and all claims pertaining to this activity.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Members must follow the local and federal laws regarding boating under the influence (BUI) and possession of illegal drugs. Under current Montana law, a person is considered to be BUI if they have a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. Although marijuana use is legal in Montana, you can still get a BUI if you are under the influence of marijuana.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
On days when we determine that high winds or other weather conditions might make it unsafe for you to sail, we may require that you reschedule your sail for another day. In such cases, we will attempt to call you in advance of your scheduled arrival. We begin making cancellation calls at 9:00AM, so if you are coming for a 10:00 AM boat, it would be advisable to check the marine forecast before leaving home or wait until 9:00 AM and give us a call. In marginal weather conditions, we sometimes avoid canceling by restricting boats to Dayton Bay (between mainland and outer reaches of Wildhorse Island, i.e. Dayton Bay).
Squalls
Squalls are a common occurrence in summer weather and most often occur during predicted SW winds. They are difficult to forecast and can produce wind gusts over 40 knots which can knock down a keel boat with sails up. A sustained knock down can swamp and sink Capri 22s and J24’s. Therefore, it is important to have both sails down and securely furled before the squall hits. Make sure the jib is lashed down to prevent it from blowing back up the forestay. On boats with
roller furling (Capri 22) make sure the sail is rolled all the way in and the furling line is secured.
Stay alert to the formation of squalls and seek shelter if one appears imminent. If you can’t return to the dock consider taking shelter in Skeeko Bay (NW bay of Wildhorse Island)or the leeward (north) side of Cromwell Island. If you are going to be underway when the squall hits, make sure you have sea room to leeward. Boats should drop both sails and proceed under power until the squall passes.
RULES OF THE ROAD
You must maintain a look out at all times when on the vessel.
Be familiar with the rules of S.L.O.W.
S.-starboard boat is stand-on
L.-Leeward Boat is stand-on
O.-Overtaken Boat is stand-on
W.-Working boat is stand-on (Ferries, barges, police boats)
NAVIGATION
Flathead Lake has many areas, some far from the shore, where a keelboat can run aground. The key to trouble free sailing is continuous navigation. Keep your chart out and refer to it constantly during your sail. The Check out instructor will point out the hazards during your sail. The most common areas for grounding are as follows. Know the location of these and the many other hazardous areas in advance and avoid them.
- SW corner of Cromwell just after exiting ‘the gap,’ heading towards Big Arm bay, a large shoal extends several hundred yards towards the SW. Often marked with an orange ball buoy. Often unmarked after a storm.
- NW reaches of Dayton Bay- look for water color change.
- Skeeko Bay logs- Don’t anchor too close to shore. There is a risk of fouling the anchor on logs. Stay at least 50 yards or 150 feet off of shore. If anchor fouls, detach the line from the vessel and tie a buoy to the bitter end so that it may be retrieved later.
- Mooring balls are private. Do not use.
- Generally, stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from shorelines.
RESTRICTED AREA
There are no restricted areas. You may sail wherever you like but do so at your own risk and be sure to account for weather and skill of crew. Also consider turning around when your sail time is at 50%. Give yourself the same amount of time to get back. Time slots are not adjustable, if you are late returning to the dock you are violating this agreement and you will be suspended, a $100 reinstatement fee applies.
GROUNDINGS
If you run aground drop your sails immediately and call GSFL. GSFL will assess the situation and provide further instruction. The Center also monitors VHF channel 16. Any damage caused by grounding is the responsibility of the member. If the grounding occurs after hours, you may need to use a commercial towing service at your own expense. Non emergency dispatch for Lake county is 406.883.7301. In the event of an after hours grounding, GSFL should be informed as soon as it is safe to do so by leaving a message at 406-207-2408 and emailing [email protected] so that we can assess the damage and take the boat out of service before the next reservation, which may be as early as 9 AM the next day. In the event of an emergency, such as a boat taking on water, dial 911 for Search and Rescue services.
Incident Meeting
If a grounding occurs, you are required to fill out a grounding report in the office upon arrival back to the GSFL and schedule a meeting with a manager to go over the incident. Your membership will be frozen until the meeting occurs and any and all invoices relating to the incident are paid in full.
Failure to Report a Grounding
Grounding a keelboat can cause structural damage. For the safety of those using the boat after you, report all groundings to GSFL so we can inspect the boat. Failure to report a grounding will result in a $1000 penalty in addition to the cost of repairs per the Damage Policy below. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the grounding, failure to report it may also lead to membership suspension. GSFL will use regular keel inspections and GPS tracking to enforce this policy.
RESCUES
In the event of grounding or other operator error requiring assistance or towing by GSFL personnel, the member will be billed $85 per man-hour for the rescue. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
CLEANING RESPONSIBILITIES
Although the boats are taken out of service on a cleaning rotation, often the boat you are returning will go out again with another member without going out of service. Keep in mind those members who will be using the boat after you and leave the boat in good condition. Please coil lines, fold sails, and store equipment. For boats on the docks, use the dock hoses to rinse the cockpit and deck if needed, do not wet the deck if someone is using the boat soon. Brush off dirt with a rag. The most common issues are food and drink spills in the cockpit. If you return after dark use a flashlight to make sure the deck and interior is clean.
We will assess an $85 per hour cleaning fee for boats that require any extra cleaning outside of regular day to day upkeep. Any subsequent incidents will result in a $100 penalty in addition to the cleaning fee. The extra care you take each time you sail will benefit everyone throughout the season in terms of maximum boat availability.
ETIQUETTE
Smoking is not permitted below deck on any of our boats. Pets are not allowed on any of the boats.
BOAT MAINTENANCE ISSUES
To report maintenance problems or any items missing from the boats please use the Maintenance Request Form in the member section of the clubhouse on our website.
If you return from your sail after hours, please make sure to report issues before 7:00am the next day, as the boat may be scheduled to go out again as early as 9:00 AM. This communication is critical to allow us to fix a problem as quickly as possible or to take the boat out of service if it is a safety issue.
SAIL REPAIR
Go Sail Flathead Lake uses a local sail repair company. Repair costs will be billed to member.
DAMAGES AND INSURANCE
Skippers are responsible for any and all damage or injury resulting from operator error as determined by GSFL .
The member will be responsible for boat damage up to the following limits:
$1500 for Capri 22s
Members are also responsible for any equipment lost while a boat is in their care (i.e. winch handles, anchors, boat hooks, charts, etc.) The above limits do not apply to damages incurred while operating a vessel with gross negligence or operating a vessel illegally, for example while under the influence.
Damage that can be repaired by GSFL will be billed at $85/hour for labor plus materials. If a boat needs to be hauled for repair the standard rate at GSFL boatyard is $250 or $500 for an emergency haul. If the boat needs to be hauled and/or repaired at another boatyard, then their rates will apply.
Dayton Yacht Harbor carries hull and liability insurance that covers the damage and liability losses that may occur arising out of member usage of the boats, for repairs or claims brought against Dayton Yacht Harbor or GSFL. It will not cover any claims brought against members directly and members are encouraged to review homeowners’ or umbrella insurance that will provide coverage personally.
RACE EVENTS
Members wishing to use a GSFL boat in a non-GSFL race need to request permission from the manager in advance of the event. Request to see Non GSFL Racing Events Policies for additional info. South Flathead Lake yacht Club race schedule will be provided in the sailing shop.
LOST AND FOUND
After you return from a sail, please go through the boat thoroughly to ensure that you have not left anything behind. GSFL is not responsible for lost personal items. Boats are cleaned and inspected on a regular basis, but another member may use the boat before an inspection occurs. This means that your item may not be turned in immediately after your sail and may be mistakenly packed up with the next member’s belongings. Anything turned into the GSFL will be held in a non-secure lost and found. Unclaimed items will be donated to a nonprofit association.
It is helpful and recommended that you put your name on items like jackets, bibs, etc. Members are welcome to come down and look for lost items in the boats if they are not turned in. GSFL will not look for lost items on boats unless time allows.
DAY SAILING CAPRI 22 and KAYAK AND STAND UP PADDLE BOARD BOAT MEMBERSHIPS
CHECKOUTS
New members are required to take an ASA 101 course or have an extensive sailing resume. New members are required to take an on the water checkout on a Capri 22 for 3 hours. If a member lets their membership lapse by 4 years or if the qualifying GSFL course was taken more than 4 years ago, a reorientation checkout will be required. For checkout policies, please see page 2.
SHARED MEMBERSHIPS
Shared Memberships are designed as a way for two or three friends or family members who usually sail together to save substantially on the cost of membership. This reflects the fact that two or three people who usually sail together do not use as much boat time as two or three individual members. For the purposes of boat reservations, a Shared Membership is the same as an Individual Membership. The group sharing a membership may use only one boat at a time, may have only one peak time and two weekday reservations on the books at a time, etc.
RESERVATION POLICY
Reservations are available:
Memorial Day in May to September 30th. 7 DAYS 10 AM, 1:30 PM, 5 PM for 3 hour and 6 hour reservations.
Reservations may be held for two weekdays, and/or 1 weekend day at time.
SINGLE-HANDED SAILING
Members who wish to single-hand must have extensive sailing experience and demonstrate their ability to do so during a single-handed checkout. A single-handed checkout is separate from a regular checkout and should be scheduled through the office. If you plan to single-hand, you must inform the office 24 hours before your reserved time either by phone or email.
BOAT CAPACITY
Capri 22s are supplied with five adult life jackets, TYPE II PFD.
MOORING TIME
Mooring time is when all day sailors are required to return to GSFL and be secured to the dock emailed to you with your reservation. In addition, day sailors need to be within Dayton harbor at least half an hour before mooring time. This is defined as being West of Cromwell Island’s easternmost point and east of the mainland. Refer to the map.
NAVIGATION LIMITS
Navigation limits are dependent upon weather. Generally, if strong SW winds are forecasted, boaters should stay out of Big Arm Bay and stay North of both Cromwell and Wildhorse Islands. Most importantly, day sailors must be back by mooring time. The wind often dies just before sunset. Anyone sailing after dark without running lights poses a danger to themselves and other boaters.
BEFORE YOU SAIL AND CHECKING IN
It is important that we know who is out on the water and on what boat. Upon arrival at the Sailing shop, please check-in with staff and we will verify you have signed the rental agreement every time. You may sign the agreement online before the arrival time. If staff are not present, call 406-207-2408.
Before sailing, check weather conditions, any special instructions, and mooring time will be emailed to you.
ON BOARD
Check for the following equipment: chart, paddle, hand pump, and life jackets. Inspect the boat to make sure everything is in working order. A handheld VHF and cell phone are required.
UNDER SAIL
In heavy winds, proper sail shape is essential to safe, enjoyable sailing. By tightening the backstay, cunningham, and outhaul, you can de-power the boat. If you still find yourself overpowered (indicated by excessive heeling, weather helm, continuous violent luffing of the mainsail, and general chaos) you must de-power further. If you have the space, heave-to and reef your main. If still overpowered, reef your jib, or furl in the jib.
AFTER SAILING AND CHECKING OUT
We need to know which day sailors are out at all times, therefore you must check out by returning the standard equipment sailing bag, engine stop key, and handheld VHF to let the office staff know you have returned.
DAY SAILING BOAT EQUIPMENT LIST
As soon as you step onto the boat, check through this onboard equipment list especially for safety gear. If anything is missing, notify a staff member so the items can be replaced.
Capri 22 have on board:
PFDs
2 Throwable PFD
Bucket
Paddle
Flare
Airhorn
Fire Extinguisher
Included Standard equipment sailing bag:
VHF Handheld
Radio
Binoculars
Hand Bearing Compass
You bring: Cell phone and Water
KAYAK AND STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD BOAT MEMBERSHIPS
MOORING TIME
Mooring time is when all paddlers are required to return to GSFL and be secured to the dock be secured to the dock emailed to you with your reservation. In addition, paddlers need to be within Dayton harbor at least half an hour before mooring time. This is defined as being West of Cromwell Island’s easternmost point and east of the mainland. Refer to the map.
NAVIGATION LIMITS
Navigation limits are dependent upon weather. Dayton bay between the shore and Wild Horse Island is the best place to be. Generally, if strong SW winds are forecasted, boaters should stay out of Big Arm Bay and stay North of both Cromwell and Wildhorse Islands. Most importantly, paddlers must be back by mooring time. Anyone paddling after dark is not allowed.
BEFORE YOU PADDLE AND CHECKING IN
It is important that we know who is out on the water and on what boat. Upon arrival at the Sailing shop, please check-in with staff and we will verify you have signed the rental agreement every time. You may sign the agreement online before the arrival time. If staff are not present, call 406-207-2408.
Before paddling, check weather conditions, any special instructions, and mooring time will be emailed to you.
ON BOARD
Check for the following equipment: paddle and life jackets. Inspect the boat to make sure everything is in working order. A cell phone is required, please provide your own waterproof container.
RESERVATION POLICY
Reservations are available:
June 15th to September 3rd. 7 DAYS by the hour, half day or full day starting 10 AM to 5 PM.
Reservations may be held for two weekdays, and/or 1 weekend day at time.
Please file a float plan when you check in. We can show you where to go.
You Bring:
Cell phone
Water
I agree to follow the rules of this agreement because the intended purpose of this agreement is to ensure the safety, fun, and enjoyment of sailing and paddling at Go Sail Flathead Lake in Dayton Montana. Happy Sailing and paddling to you all!
Thank you for supporting Montana small business!
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Captain Genevieve Evans
Owner/Manager