Rules

GENERAL RULES

1. Club Hours
The Club is open until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. These hours apply from Opening Day through the end of the Frostbite Series.

2. Member Conduct & Responsibility
Members are expected to behave respectfully and in accordance with US Sailing SafeSport policies. Harassment and misconduct will not be tolerated.
Members are responsible for their own conduct and for that of their household members and guests, including any damage caused to Club or personal property. Children are the responsibility of their parents and must be supervised at all times. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a related adult over the age of 18.

3. Member Identification
Members must be prepared to show a membership card or otherwise identify themselves if requested by a Club Officer, the Operations Manager, or Club security personnel.

4. Guest Privileges
Guests are welcome under the following conditions:

  • They are crewing on a Club yacht,

  • Accompanied by a member,

  • Aboard a visiting yacht, or

  • Visiting from a recognized yacht club.
    A guest may not visit the Club more than three times per season, except when serving as crew during a Club regatta. During regattas, members may invite no more than two guests (excluding crew), due to space limitations. Members are responsible for ensuring their guests are aware of and follow all Club rules.

5. Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all Club buildings.

6. Alcohol Policy
No person under 21 years of age may consume alcoholic beverages on Club property. Storing alcoholic beverages in common refrigerators, cupboards, or similar areas is not permitted.

7. Second Floor of Fishing Bay Clubhouse
This area is adults-only at all times. Children may not go upstairs unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult over 21. Violations may result in temporary suspension of access and having the violator’s name posted as banned from the facility.

8. Dogs on Club Grounds
Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times and may not enter any Club buildings or enclosures. Owners must clean up after their pets and ensure dogs do not relieve themselves in sail-staging areas, including the Laser coral, rigging field, and grass near the bathhouse.

9. Sleeping in Clubhouse
Sleeping in the clubhouse is not allowed except in emergencies or with approval from a Club Officer or the Operations Manager.

10. Kitchens & Clean-Up Expectations
All members may use the kitchens unless otherwise designated during major events. The catering kitchen requires approval from the Social or Event Chair.
Members and guests must clean up after themselves, including dishes, utensils, and all areas used (clubhouse, bathrooms, pool area, etc.).

11. Water Conservation
Please limit showers to 2 minutes to help reduce treated water usage.

12. Electricity Conservation
Turn off lights when leaving the clubhouse or bathhouse at night.

13. Personal Watercraft
Personal motorized watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis) may not be launched, stored, beached, or docked on Club property.

14. Driveway Access
The driveway in front of the clubhouse is for drop-off/pick-up and launching ramp access only. Vehicles should not be left unattended except in an emergency—and then only with the keys left inside.

15. Ramp Usage

Use of the launching ramp is restricted to FBYC members only. Boats must not be motored onto or off of trailers under any circumstances. Trailers are equipped with cranks for retrieval, and launching should be done by manually pushing the boat off. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask a fellow member—safety and courtesy are priorities on the ramp.

16. Trailer Parking
Only boats with assigned trailer spaces may park trailers in the Small Boat Parking area.
Other trailers may be temporarily stored in the northeast corner of the Fishing Bay lot, west of the barn, for up to 24 hours if detached from the towing vehicle.

17. Jackson Creek Parking
Parking is allowed only in graveled areas and Richardson field, unless otherwise posted.

18. Flammables
No flammable materials may be stored inside the clubhouse.

19. Camping on Club Grounds
Tent camping is allowed only in the designated grassy area next to the East Bath House and only during FBYC sailing events. No open fires are permitted.
RVs, trailers, or pop-ups are not permitted unless expressly authorized in advance by the Rear Commodore, Grounds Chair, or Club Manager. Conditions and restrictions may apply.


KITCHEN RULES

1. Kitchen Use
Member kitchens in Fannie’s House and the main clubhouse are available to all members. The catering kitchen is for Club event use unless special permission is given by the Social or Event Chair.

2. Major Events
During major events, the catering kitchen will be reserved exclusively for the Event or Social Chair. Refrigerators may be cleared of perishable items to make room for Club supplies.

3. Food Storage
All items in refrigerators or freezers must be clearly labeled with a member’s name and removed by the end of the weekend or holiday. Unlabeled, deteriorating, or open food will be discarded by Thursday each week.

4. Cleaning Expectations
Members must wash and return all used dishes, glasses, and utensils to their original locations. Countertops and appliances must also be cleaned after use.

5. Ice Use
Club refrigerator ice is not to be used for filling coolers.

6. Club Supplies
Club-provided kitchen supplies may not be used without prior approval from the Operations Manager or a Club Officer. Any approved supplies must be replaced the same day or paid for in full.

7. Alcohol Storage
No alcoholic beverages may be left unattended or stored in unlocked refrigerators, bags, or coolers. Only alcohol for Club events may be stored in Club refrigerators.

FBYC POOL RULES

SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK
No lifeguard may be on duty at all times.

OBEY LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow lifeguard directions may result in being asked to leave the pool area.

Children Under 13
Must be accompanied by a responsible person age 16 or older at all times.

Pool Maintenance Closure
The pool is closed daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for cleaning and maintenance.

Pool Hours
No swimming is allowed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Child Rest Periods
At the lifeguard’s discretion, children under 16 may be required to take a 10-minute break each hour.

Access
Pool use is limited to members and their guests only.

Animals & Pets
No animals or pets are allowed in the pool area.

Behavior

  • No profanity.

  • No running.

  • No hanging from the diving board.

Diving Board Use

  • Only one person is allowed on the diving board at a time.

  • The next person must wait until the swimmer in the water has cleared the area.

Food & Drink
All beverages must be in non-breakable containers.

Valuables
FBYC is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items left for more than two weeks may be discarded by Club Management.

Clean-Up
Please clean up after yourself. Help us keep the pool area safe and enjoyable for all.


DINGHY AND SMALL BOAT PARKING RULES

General Policy
Long-term parking of dinghies and small sailboats is available to members who submit a Request for Dinghy and Small Boat Parking/Rack Space form and pay the appropriate fee.

  • The Club does not rent spaces for powerboats.

  • Day storage for small boat trailers must be within the assigned storage space.

  • Powerboat trailers may only be stored in the northeast corner of the Fishing Bay lot, west of the barn.

  • Short-term storage (up to 10 days) may be approved by the One Design Division Commander or, during junior training season, by the Junior Division Commander.

  • Boats may be relocated if needed; owners will be notified by the Docks Chairman or One Design Division Commander.

Responsibilities of Boat Owners

1. Member Ownership & Space Assignment

  • Boats stored must be 100% member-owned.

  • Space assignments must be coordinated through the appropriate Club official.

  • Boats must remain in their assigned space; subleasing is not allowed.

2. Rental Term

  • All spaces are rented January 1 – December 31.

  • Members must vacate by December 31 if they are not renewing.

  • FBYC reserves the right to charge for any time beyond this deadline.

3. Boat Appearance & Condition

  • Boats must be kept shipshape, with halyards, spars, covers, and gear properly secured.

  • Tarps are not permitted—boat covers must be properly fitted.

  • No parts may be left lying on the ground.

4. Stickers & Fees

  • Any boat stored longer than 10 days must have a space assignment, display an FBYC sticker, and have the appropriate fees paid.

  • Unauthorized storage will result in a minimum six-month billing.

5. Trailer Condition

  • Trailer tires must be inflated and in good condition to allow movement for mowing or major regattas.

6. Maintenance Violations

  • Owners not complying with rules may be given two weeks to fix the issue after notification.

  • If not resolved, the Operations Manager may complete the work at the owner's expense (cost plus service fee).

7. Maintenance Work Restrictions

  • Only minor, routine maintenance is allowed in the small boat parking area.

  • No spray painting or bottom painting is permitted.

8. Unseaworthy or Unsightly Boats

  • Boats that are unseaworthy or eyesores may be required to be removed.

  • The final decision will be made by:

    • For dinghies: Fleet Captain and Docks Chairman

    • For small boats: Fleet Captain and One Design Division Commander


Pier & Slip Rules Definitions:

  • Minor Routine Maintenance: Interior yacht work or exterior tasks that do not impact the water or neighboring yachts.

  • Enrolled Yacht: A yacht listed on the official FBYC roster, searchable via FBYC.net.

  • Slip of Proper Size and Depth: A slip providing at least 2 feet of beam clearance and 0.5 feet of depth under the keel at mean low tide. The Dock Chairman may reassign yachts that exceed these limits.


PIER RULES

1. Safety

  • Children under 12 years old and non-swimmers must wear life jackets while on the piers.

  • No bicycling, running, or horseplay on the piers.

2. General Responsibility

  • Yacht owners are responsible for their yacht’s maintenance, security, and storm damage. FBYC assumes no liability.

  • Owners must carry current liability insurance and submit a signed Lease Agreement and proof of insurance to the Executive Secretary.

  • All owners and guests must comply with federal, state, and local regulations on sewage and waste disposal.

  • No discharge from marine heads is allowed unless the vessel is equipped with a holding tank. A $100 penalty applies per violation.

3. Permitted Maintenance

  • Only minor routine maintenance is allowed, with no disruption to adjacent slips or piers.

  • Topside brightwork sanding is allowed if using a vacuum attachment.

  • Prohibited activities include spray painting, bottom painting, and bottom sanding.


YACHT ABSENCES

  • For overnight or extended absences, notify the Docks Chairman and Club Manager with expected departure and return dates.

  • Short absences (more than 2 weeks) during the sailing season (Opening Day to Closing Day) require notification so the slip may be used by visiting yachts.

  • Long absences (over 3 months) may result in slip reassignment. Rent will be refunded for the unused term, and the owner will be placed on the Standby List.


VESSELS IN SLIPS

Dock Lines

  • Must be appropriately sized, in good condition, and easily adjustable from the pier.

  • No spliced loops or bowlines permitted.

  • Cross stern lines to minimize lateral motion.

Rigging & Shore Gear

  • Halyards must be secured to avoid noise.

  • Power cords must be safely coiled and disconnected from the pedestal when not in use.

  • Hoses must be coiled and hung off the pier.

  • Grills may not be used while in the slip.

Heaters & Air Conditioning

  • Only enclosed ceramic element heaters with tip-over protection may be used.

  • Heaters and air conditioners may not run unattended.

Resource Use

  • Excessive electricity use may result in a surcharge.

  • Water nozzles and shut-offs must be used to conserve treated water. Please limit yacht washing on busy weekends.

Use Restrictions

  • Yachts may not be used as AirBnB or other rental lodging unless the owner is present and no fees are exchanged. Violations may result in lease revocation.

  • Yachts deemed unseaworthy or unsightly may be required to leave Club property upon decision by the Flag Officers, Fleet Captain, and Docks Chairman.


SLIP ASSIGNMENT RULES

1. Requesting a Slip

  • Submit a written request to the Docks Chairman (contact info found at fbyc.net/committees).

  • Slip assignment depends on availability and yacht size/depth needs.

2. Waiting List

  • If no suitable slip is available, members are added to the Waiting List by request date.

  • Members owning ≥33% of an enrolled yacht with Club-member co-owners may request or join the Waiting List.

  • Prospective members may not request a slip until elected to membership.

3. Priority List

  • Members seeking larger/deeper slips are placed on the Priority List by request date.

  • Priority List takes precedence over the Waiting List.

  • Members awaiting delivery of a new yacht may vacate current slip but retain Priority status.

4. Standby List

For members not ready to rent a slip but planning to:

  • Co-owning ≥33% of an enrolled yacht.

  • Planning to acquire a qualifying yacht.

  • Previously owned a qualifying yacht.

  • Declined a slip when offered from the Waiting List.

  • Had their assignment rescinded due to long absence.

Once eligible, members must contact the Docks Chairman to move to the Waiting List or receive an assignment.

5. Slip Assignment

  • Slips are offered in order of the Priority List, then the Waiting List.

  • Members must accept or decline the assignment within 5 days.

  • Members have 30 days to occupy the slip (or longer if a yacht is on order).

6. Slip Rental

  • Rental period is January 1 – December 31.

  • Members must be in good standing (no outstanding dues).

  • Members vacating a slip early are refunded for unused full months.

  • Members renting mid-year are billed starting the first full month after assignment.

  • Temporary occupancy of multiple slips requires full payment, but refunds will be prorated upon vacancy.

Vacating Policy:
Notify the Docks Chairman by December 31 or FBYC may continue billing until both notice is received and the slip is vacated.

 

ADDITIONAL SLIP POLICIES

  • Slips may not be subleased. If a yacht is sold, the slip must be vacated within 30 days, unless the owner documents a new yacht on order.

  • If yacht ownership drops below 33%, the slip must be vacated (unless transferred between immediate family).

  • Chartered yachts must vacate upon charter expiration.

  • In emergencies or for maintenance (e.g., dredging), the Club may move yachts without liability and with or without notice.

  • Assignment Changes:

    • Docks Chairman may reassign slips for better efficiency.

    • Members may not exchange slips without approval.

  • East Pier Usage:

    • May be used for temporary slip space as needed.

 

RULES ARE GUIDELINES

These rules serve as operational guidelines. Exceptions or circumstances not covered here will be reviewed and decided by the Board of Trustees.


DRY SAILING & LIFT FACILITY RULES

Purpose

The dry sailing and lift facilities support racing of small keelboats up to 30 feet in length and 11 feet in beam. Vessels must not exceed 6,000 lbs. Exceptions may be granted annually on a case-by-case basis.

General Rules

  1. The lift must be locked and secured when not in use.

  2. Only FBYC members may operate the lift, except:

    • With permission from the Club Manager or Docks Chairman.

    • By a Fleet Measurer (must be accompanied by a member if not an FBYC member).

    • During Board-approved invitational regattas, with trained operator supervision.

  3. Users must supply their own lifting gear.

  4. Each user is responsible for their own vessel, trailer, and property. FBYC assumes no responsibility for maintenance, security, or storm damage.

  5. A signed Lease Agreement and proof of insurance must be on file with the Executive Secretary.

  6. A hoist key will be provided upon lease. Failure to return or replace a lost key will result in a $25 charge.

Maintenance and Storage

  1. Only minor routine maintenance is allowed; bottom painting or sanding is strictly prohibited.

  2. Boats must remain on trailers and be well-maintained. Unused or unsightly boats must be removed at the discretion of the Docks Chairman and Fleet Captain.

  3. Space assignments are subject to relocation to maximize use of the facility.

  4. Spaces are leased annually (January 1 – December 31). Failure to vacate by December 31 may result in additional charges.

  5. A priority list is maintained for racing boats; non-racing boats are placed on a standby list.


Visiting Yacht Rules

Eligibility

  • All visiting yachts must have prior approval from the Docks Chairman and/or Club Manager.

  • A short-term lease agreement and proof of insurance must be on file.

  • The skipper must be a member of a recognized yacht club and sign the FBYC guest register.

Policies

  1. Copies of Pier Rules and Visiting Yacht Rules will be posted at the Jackson Creek docks. Acceptance of a dock space indicates agreement to these rules.

  2. Fees:

    • First 24 hours free within any 30-day period.

    • Sailing yachts: $1.50/foot/day thereafter.

    • Power yachts: $2.50/foot/day thereafter.

  3. No fees will be charged for:

    • Yachts participating in an FBYC event (if a slip is available).

    • Board-invited guests (with proof of invitation).

  4. Offshore yachts may rent slips the week before or after an event for $100/week.


Private Usage of Club Facilities

Availability

Only the Main Clubhouse and its surrounding area may be reserved.

Not Available On:

  • Opening Day

  • Art on Fishing Bay

  • Junior Week

  • Leukemia Cup

  • Annual Regatta

  • Stingray Point

  • Wolftrap

  • SIDS

  • Laser Masters

  • Closing Day

Available:

  • On weekdays/weekends when no Club events are scheduled.

  • With limited use during Club events, if coordinated appropriately.

  • In the off-season, if it does not interfere with winterization.

Not Permitted:

  • Events with admission fees, donations, or commercial nature.

  • Events open to the general public.

  • Events by non-members (except select nonprofit organizations).

  • Events that interfere with core FBYC activities (as determined by the Flag Officers).

Requirements

  1. Member must submit a written request to the Rear Commodore at least 5 weeks in advance (or by February 1 for events with music).

  2. The requesting member must be present and responsible throughout the event.

  3. The event may not conflict with existing FBYC schedules or prior authorizations.

Fees and Conditions

  1. Usage fees depend on:

    • Space occupied

    • Club staff involvement

    • Utilities, cleaning, wear and tear

  2. Members must use FBYC-approved vendors.

  3. Events with 75+ attendees require:

    • One porta-potty per 50 guests

    • Pre-event cleaning by FBYC’s service

  4. Caterers must:

    • Secure necessary health inspections

    • Fully clean the kitchen post-event

  5. The facility must be restored to its pre-event condition. Trash must be emptied; tables and chairs returned to original setup.

Deposits and Liability

  1. A minimum $500 security deposit is required. Additional damage or cleaning costs will be deducted or billed.

  2. A certificate of the member’s homeowner’s insurance (with liability endorsement) is required.

  3. The member is responsible for obtaining any required permits or licenses.

  4. Alcohol service requires a Virginia ABC license. All ABC laws apply.

Additional Rules

  1. The member must sign a Club Facilities Usage Agreement.

  2. All Club rules apply to member guests.

  3. Maximum occupancy limits must be followed.

  4. Events must end by 10:30 PM; facility vacated by 11:00 PM.

  5. Events over 75 attendees require hiring an off-duty Middlesex County Sheriff.

  6. Parking must be in designated areas; no street parking. Hosts must assign someone to direct parking.

  7. Invitations must include:

  • Parking guidelines

  • A statement that the pool is not for guest use

  1. The pool is not available for rental. Guests may not use it. No horseplay on the docks or waterfront.


NOTICE TO CLUB MEMBERS

All authorized private functions will be posted on the FBYC website calendar and published in the LOG calendar once the member's request is approved, the Usage Agreement is signed, and the security deposit is received. During the event, Private Event placards will be placed at the entrances. The Usage Agreement is available for download at www.fbyc.net or by contacting the Executive Secretary at execsecy@fbyc.net.


MEMBER DATA AND FBYC ELECTRONIC & SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

  1. Use of Personal Information
    FBYC will not sell or authorize the use of member-supplied personal data by third parties, nor disclose such information except as required by law. Members may not use this data—whether from the Yearbook, Sailing Events Book, FBYC website, or social media—for commercial purposes, solicitation, polling, or surveys. Use is restricted to personal and FBYC-related business only.

  2. Mailing and Contact Lists
    Mailing lists, email lists, telephone lists, and other member-generated information may not be sold or disclosed by FBYC, except as required by law. Members are prohibited from using this data—whether from printed materials or online—for any commercial or unsolicited contact purposes and may not distribute it to others for such uses.

  3. Website and Social Media Use
    FBYC's website and social media accounts exist to share information about club activities and to help members communicate and stay informed. Members may not use these platforms for personal business, commercial purposes, solicitation, polling, or surveys. FBYC reserves the right to remove content it deems inappropriate or in violation of these policies and retains exclusive rights over any advertising or commercial content displayed. Access to these platforms may be limited or revoked at FBYC's discretion to enforce compliance.

 

Fishing Bay Yacht Club
Office Mail: Fishing Bay Yacht Club, 2711 Buford Road #309, Bon Air, 23235,
Clubhouse Address: 1525 Fishing Bay Road, Deltaville, VA 23043 (no mail delivery)

Phone Numbers: Club House 804-889-2327

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