Some of you will have read Jonathan Dodd’s recent reply concerning the policy announcement on the plan to gradually reduce wet lift numbers. Jonathan has made valid comments and others of you may share his concerns. The following hopefully will ease concerns and explains how the committee will implement the policy.
Graham L.
Jonathan thank you for your response to club policy on wet lifts. Hopefully this response will allay your concerns.
As stated it is expected that there will be a gradual reduction in the number of wet lift boats over a number of years mainly by not approving applications from prospective members which are likely to present difficulties.
It is not the intention that boat owners cannot sell their boats within the club, perhaps the phrase “preferred option” would have been better than “expected.” It is hoped sellers will do their best to sell boats externally, but where this has not been possible, then selling to a club member would be considered preferable to the committee, rather than it having to deal with an unsold boat by arranging for it’s disposal. The latter would apply to boats of any keel configuration.
With regard to a individual buying a member’s boat and wanting to join the club, it has always been policy that membership and a mooring cannot be guaranteed by the seller. Each application would be dealt with on it’s own merit. The seller would be right to say to a prospective buyer that he can apply to join the club but it should be pointed out that wet lift boats would be subject to extra scrutiny.
The committee appreciates that the club only exists due to the dues paid and work contributed by the membership, but it is the job of the committee to decide day to day policy for efficient running of the club. It is not usual for this type of policy to be put to a membership vote as this would not be conducive to the committee’s effectiveness. If in time any policy proves ineffective it can be adjusted or abandoned depending on the circumstances of the day.
The lifting of wet lift boats differs with respect to the boat, equipment and Skipper. Currently some of the larger boats which on paper may seem more problematical in fact turn out quite straightforward because the skipper arranges sufficient crew and has available good quality supports which can be quickly be deployed. As you suggest there is a good case for compulsory cradles/ legs.
Smaller craft with shallow draft may be lifted outside of the current dates provided by the yardmaster and capable skippers could organise the own lifts on tides unsuitable for boats with deeper drafts to ease the load on the yardmasters.
Essentially Skippers of all boats need to consider how they can make the lifting process run as smoothly as possible, this applies even more to those that require a wet lift.
Some of your suggestions to improve efficiency are in line with our own thinking and have been covered above. Other suggestions you make will be considered and implemented where practicable.
Currently there are more wet lift boats at the club than there has ever been. Usually not all are lifted in or out. Should it arise that most of those did want to be lifted it would prove difficult to arrange effectively so it will remain the intention to gradually reduce their numbers.
The committee exercise discretion in all our policies where appropriate and this policy will not be implemented in a way that adversely effects any current member.