Risk Statement & Charter Agreement

Mermaid Charter Entry Form Terms:

I agree to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing 2020-2024 and all other rules that govern these events including the Mermaid Class Rules. In particular, I confirm that I have read and understood the Risk Statement in the SVYC Notice of Race (repeated below) and in the SVYC Sailing Instructions or, for EWCC events, the Risk Statement in the EWCC Programme. I confirm that I agree to be bound by these provisions and that my boat will conform to these requirements as set out in the Notice of Race throughout the events. I undertake to sail in compliance with the RYA Racing Charter. I further confirm that I have declared any relevant medical condition to the Club.

Sea View Yacht Club Ltd. holds insurance for the Club-owned Seaview Mermaid class boats which include cover for third-party claims for £ 3 million. I acknowledge that I am required to pay the first £500 of any claim or uninsured damages for which I am responsible while I am in charge of a boat, and I undertake to settle this promptly with Sea View Yacht Club Ltd.

Risk Statement:

Rule 4 of the RRS states The responsibility for a boat's decision to participate in a race or to continue to race is hers alone

Sailing is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in the event, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that:

a) They are aware of the inherent element of risk involved in the sport & accept responsibility for the exposure of themselves, their crew& their boat to such inherent risk whilst taking part in the event.

b) They are responsible for the safety of themselves, their crew, their boat and their other property whether afloat or ashore; 

c) They accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by their own actions or omissions;

d) Their boat is in good order, equipped to sail in the event and they are fit to participate;

e) The provision of a race management team, patrol boats and other officials and volunteers by SVYC Ltd does not relieve them of their own responsibilities ;

f) The provision of patrol boat cover is limited to such assistance, particularly in extreme weather conditions, as can be practically provided in the circumstances;

Inspections - The fact that the race committee conducts inspections of a boat does not reduce the responsibilities of each competitor set out in theNoR.

Additional Guidelines - Sailing takes place in an environment that is potentially dangerous. It is the responsibility of all sailors at Sea View Yacht Club to act at all times with the safety of themselves and of all other sailors foremost in their minds.

All sailors should wear appropriate clothing and footwear when racing and must wear adequate personal buoyancy at all times when on Mermaids, RIBs or the Slipway.

All Cadets must not go afloat without the permission of his or her parents or guardians & must wear adequate personal buoyancy at all times whenever they are afloat, on the staging or slipway.

All injuries must be reported to the Club Secretary as soon as possible. This includes bangs on the head or cuts.

Boats retiring shall report their retirement to the organising club at the earliest opportunity.

In the event that the Race Officer has to abandon the race competitors are to sail toward the closest Safety Boat to receive instructions or towards their mooring whichever is the closest and most appropriate.