Membership - Handbook

Lake Belwood, seven kilometres long from the Shand Dam to the bridge at the village of Belwood, varies in depth from 3 to 17 metres. The area contains sheltered inlets and a large area of open water ideal for both mono and multi-hull sailboat racing and cruising. The open water area is open to the prevailing south-westerly and westerly winds, ensuring interesting and lively racing. There are a few areas with submerged tree trunks or sand bars, but these only affect boating later in the season when the lake levels are low.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) manages this lake. The members of the Belwood Lake Sailing Club (BLSC) are tenants of the GRCA. Our Club is located to the northeast of the dam, and is connected by a paved cottage road (Ninth St.) approximately one kilometre off the Fergus/Orangeville highway, County Road 18. The driving time to the Club is approximately ten minutes from Fergus, and 25 minutes from Guelph’s north end. See the map.

Description of Club

The Belwood Lake Sailing Club was formed in 1974. Since the beginning it has been located on an approximately eleven-hectare site comprising a wide shingle beach, a grassy shaded picnic area, and a camping/sport field. See the site map on page 15. Facilities include a concrete launch ramp, one launching and one mooring dock, boat and car parking spaces, and launching dollies. The facilities are capable of accommodating boats from canoes to day cruisers. The maximum boat length is 6.4m (21ft), and boats powered by motor only are not allowed.

The Clubhouse

The clubhouse comes with hydro, flush toilets, stove, refrigerator, large freezer, and running hot and cold water. The storage cupboard holds cleaning supplies among other things. There is a sitting area, table tennis table, and notice boards and chalk boards. The back section of the building serves as a storage area for lockers, sails, and sailing gear.

Other Amenities

As a convenience, propane and charcoal barbecues are also provided. Ample parking is available for boats and cars.

Racing and Regattas

Throughout the summer an active program of both weekend and evening racing is provided. Various trophies are hotly contested. These include club championships for both mono and multi hull boats. The Wellington Cup is a one day regatta held in June alternately at BLSC and our sister club the Guelph Community Boating Club, located on Guelph Lake. In addition to this the Club hosts regattas for various sailing associations. These usually entail visitor camping. In the past we have hosted the following events:

• Mirror Provincials, Nationals and North Americans.
• Multi-hull open class and Dart Association National Championship trials.
• Y Flyer North American Regatta.

Race courses are marked and races conducted as per International Racing Rules of Sailing with the addition of our own local rules. Portsmouth handicaps are used for the open fleets. A powered race committee boat, a powered mark boat and/or a shore station control racing.

Our Members

A successful club is its membership. In recent years our membership has been over 100 families. Every member is a volunteer capable of assisting in some aspect of the Club’s programs. Club members run the racing, the social programs, the day-to-day maintenance and future planning of the Club. As in all similar organizations, an executive board is elected every year to provide direction and management.

You and Your Club

Welcome to the Belwood Lake Sailing Club. You are now a member of one of the finest sailing clubs in Ontario. Feel free to do your own thing, with of course due consideration to your fellow members and families. In common with all clubs, we have a set of bylaws setting out the structure and operation of our organization. Take a few minutes to read through your personal copy or the one located in the clubhouse.

The Executive Directors

The Club has an elected committee known as the Executive or Board of Directors whose job it is to ensure the well being and smooth running of our organization. Each director has a title, these are: Commodore, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Commodore Fleet, Vice Commodore Facilities, Maintenance Captain, Publicity Captain, Supply Captain, Social Captain and Race Captain. Every office is limited to a two year term. The administration year covers the period from November 1st to the following October 31st. All members in good standing are eligible for election to the above positions. For further information on administration, check the Club Bylaws.

Car Parking

Probably as a new member your first concern will be where to park your car. This is easily resolved as we have ample parking. The two sites available are the area to the left from the gate to the garage, and the grassed strip from the clubhouse to the garage end of the hedge line. If you choose to park adjacent to the clubhouse, leave room for vehicle access to the canoe shed. Do not drive cars onto the picnic area.

Boat Parking and Storage

Here are some general guidelines for parking your boat on our Club property. The boat sizes used below are just for a rough guide. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the boat, the more parking and manoeuvering space is required.

Smaller Boats
If you have a single crew boat (Laser, Optimist, for example) park it near the shoreline. This will keep it out of harm’s way when the bigger boats are being vehicle towed and parked in an area away from the shore. However, remember that summer brings storms with high winds which can toss lighter boats around, so consider anchoring them to the ground. Lake levels can rise after heavy rainfall so leave your boat well above the water line.

Mid Sized Boats
All boats between the single crew and those over 5m (16 ft) should use the area either side of the marker posts adjacent to the main road. Do not encroach on the picnic area.

Larger Boats
It is suggested that the field be used for boats over 16 ft. (5-metres) in length. If you own a larger boat, park in the field with due attention to a few points. This area is also used for picnicking, camping, games, and Scout and Sea Cadet camps. Park your boat as close to the hedge line or rope fence as possible. Place the boat with no more than one metre between boats. Please don’t park close to the garage. This is reserved for the Club motor boat and tractor vehicles which need a lot of room to manoeuver in this area.

Multi-Hulls
Follow the general guidelines above, depending on the size and manoeuverability of your boat.

Your Boat Space
Note that boat parking spaces are not allocated and are on a first come, first served basis. When you take your boat out on the lake, leave something in the space so others know it is being used. Spaces cannot be held in this way for more than a few hours, for example if you take your boat away for a week’s holiday.

Canoes
The small shed at the back of the clubhouse has storage for up to six canoes also on a first come, first served basis.

Winter Storage
The Club encourages boats to be taken home over the winter season as there is no regular patrol at the clubsite and it might be a long time before any problems are noticed.

Insurance

The Club has insurance coverage to protect the Directors from liability. This insurance does not cover individual boats or owners. If you require insurance protection for yourself or your boat, you must provide it yourself.

Boat Identification

On joining the Club you are allocated a membership number. This number will be your ID number for ever, and self-stick copies of this number are provided for each boat and canoe that you bring to the Club. As this is our only means of identification, the numbers should be affixed to a visible part of the transom of each of your boats. In cases of emergency such as windstorms etc., this number enables the Club to contact you. A list of members’ ID numbers is generally pinned up in the clubhouse.

Keys

You will be given a key when you join the Club. This will open all locks at the clubsite – the gate, the clubhouse (including the supply cupboard and the storage area at the back), the garage, and the canoe shed. Keys are not to be duplicated, but extra keys can be obtained from the Treasurer for a small cost if required or if lost. Keys are changed every few years, when new ones are issued to members. If you leave the Club, please hand in your key to the Treasurer.

Lockers

There are lockers available for members to store sailing equipment between visits. These are available on a first come, first served basis. Provide your own lock, and mark your locker with your name and boat ID number.

Telephone

A telephone is located in the garage for emergency and local calls, or long distance calls if made with a calling card. The telephone number is 519-787-5118. It is not answered unless someone happens to be passing, and neither does it have an answering machine for leaving messages.

General Rules

Sailing

• Be familiar with and observe all boating safety rules.
• Wear life jackets on the water. Life jackets are required while taking place in the racing programme.
• Be off the water before a storm breaks.
• Keep the ramp clear at all times.
• Move away from the launching dock as soon as possible, either by taking your boat to the mooring dock or by rigging and sailing away quickly.
• Tie your boat to the dock in such a way that it doesn’t impede other boats.
• Keep an eye on your boat while it is tied up to the dock.

Pets
As a tenant of the GRCA, the Belwood Lake Sailing Club adheres to the pet policies of the GRCA. These policies are as follows.

• Pets are not allowed in the water except from the back beach by the canoe shed.
• Pets must be leashed at all times and this leash is not to exceed 2 metres in length.
• We also ask that pets be kept quiet and are not left alone tied up or in vehicles.
• Poop and scoop, and take it offsite with you.

Swimming and Fishing

Water and children are a great combination, but only if the water is treated with respect. Your responsibility is to anyone in your group or family that chooses to enter the lake. The Club does not employ lifeguards. Water shoes are highly recommended. To ensure the safety of everyone using the lake, the Club requires the following:

• Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult while swimming.
• Boats have the right of way adjacent to the Club shoreline and docks. Swimmers must not impede boat movements.
• Swimming is to take place on the windward side of the mooring dock.
• No glass or sharp objects are allowed on the shoreline or docks.
• No fishing is allowed from docks or shoreline.

Miscellaneous

• Place your hot barbecue ash in the concrete receptacle located behind the clubhouse at the tree line.
• Do not run vehicles over the septic bed located behind the clubhouse.
• Cut the grass around and underneath your boat.
• Check your assigned work week date
• Obey the posted speed limit on the cottage road.
• Be aware of overhead electrical cables from the gate to the garage.
• The Executive reserves the right to limit the personal use of the Club’s electricity.
• If you are the last one to leave the Club, switch off all lights and the water heater, and checked that all doors are locked. As you exit, lock the gate. Note that the gate has two padlocks, ours and one for the GRCA to access the property. Make sure when locking ours that the gate can be opened by either padlock.

As you realize, all of the recommendations and suggestions set out in this booklet for parking, picnicking, camping, etc. are made for you and your family’s safety and well being. They also assist in assuring the contentment of other Club members.

Use of Facilities

Picnicking
So by now you’ve checked out the picnic area. It is one of the highlights of our Club. The boundaries are the cedar hedge to the south, the shoreline to the west, and the boat parking area to the north. The field and the area around the canoe shed are also available.

Barbecues
No picnic is complete without a barbecue, that is why we have both propane and charcoal barbecues on site. Feel free to use them. It will help the next user if you clean the grill for, as you know, they are notorious grease makers. Make sure you turn off the propane tank valve after use! This is essential for the safe usage of barbecues.

Play Equipment
More than likely while you looked for a picnic table, the kids made a dash for the play equipment. Please take note the posted notice suggesting age limit and parent supervision. Statistics show that accidents do happen to kids using play equipment. Now that accidents have been noted, for added safety and consideration of other picnickers, leave your vehicle in the designated parking areas, and not on the picnic site. When your kids have finished with it, check that the cover is on the sand box. Raccoons just love to use it as a poop place.

Cooking in the Clubhouse
If you are caught in the occasional rainstorm at our Club site, make a dash for the clubhouse. You have a choice of equipment on hand to cook in comfort. This includes a microwave, stove, refrigerator and hot water in the kitchen. Leave these clean and check they are turned off when you have finished with them. Did you leave anything in the microwave, fridge or oven? If you are the last to leave, switch off the water heater if it is on. The switch is to the left of the tank. Any dirty dishes in the sink? Are the toilets overflowing? Is there any water running?

Garbage
Take your own garbage back home with you as the Club does not have township garbage pick up.

Camping
First and foremost we are a sailing club, but we also realize that with our facilities, camping is an added bonus. With this comes responsibility to the Club, its members, cottagers, and the GRCA. Here are the camping rules:

• The person signing the annual membership form must be a member of the camping party.
• Camp in the field (or behind the clubhouse – members only): leave all other areas open for other uses. Do not obstruct access to the boats.
• Limit your stay to a maximum of four nights.
• At the request of the GRCA, individual campfires cannot be allowed - instead a designated central fire pit is provided.
• Bring firewood if possible.
• If you use the clubhouse facilities or washrooms, give them a clean before leaving.
• If you have to bring your pets, see the rules in the Pet section on page 8. Do not leave pets unattended in your tent or trailer.
• If you take a table from the picnic area, return it before leaving.
• We do not have garbage or recycling collection, therefore take yours home.
• Do not use the clubhouse for sleeping in overnight, except in emergencies.

Do You Want to Invite Visitors?

In fairness to all other members that have paid fees to the Club, please limit visitors. To prevent crowding, please limit your guest party to one family only. If you would like to plan a larger event, please co-ordinate this through the Executive. Your guests are your responsibility. Visitors who want to join the Club can find Application Forms in the clubhouse.

Visiting Fleets

The Club has hosted several outside groups and is pleased to make our facilities available to them, as long as they do not interfere with the regular activities of our Club. If you know of an outside group interested in using our Club for a regatta, get them to apply to the Executive. There is a separate publication, ‘Guidelines for Visiting Fleets’, available from the Executive which explains the procedures and expectations for visiting fleets.

Club Operation and Maintenance

Work Weeks and Work Parties
The Club is run by its members, and of course this means that everyone is expected to pull his or her weight to help the Club remain safe, clean, well-organised, and fun for all. Each member who is not currently on the Executive or for other reason exempt is assigned a work week during the season. A work week runs from a Wednesday to the following Tuesday. Sometime during the assigned week, the member is expected to complete the particular task requested. This might be cleaning the clubhouse, cutting the grass, picking up garbage, etc.

In addition to the work week, everyone is asked to attend the two major work parties of the year, the Club Opening in the Spring and the Club Closing in the Fall. As well as getting the necessary work done, these are big social events. A lunch is served and stories are swapped. Occasionally, a one time job is planned when volunteers are asked to spend some time perhaps painting or re-roofing or building a new dock. Please answer the call especially if you have skills in the particular area.

Tractor
The Club owns an ancient but worthy tractor which is used to cut the grass in the field and perform other tasks such as hauling heavy loads. Only designated people are allowed to drive the tractor. If you have skills in this area, please let yourself be known to the Maintenance Captain.

General Meetings
Twice a year, before the Club Opening and after the Club Closing, General Meetings are held offsite in order to conduct Club business such as approving budgets, discussing future plans, and electing Club officers.

Communicating with Members

Newsletters
The Club puts out regular newsletters to all its members to let everyone know what is planned and to give reports of events such as races, meetings, etc. The Publicity Captain always welcomes articles of interest to the members. Members who have e-mail and Internet access are asked to read the newsletter on our website (URL: www.blsc.on.ca) unless they request a printed copy for some reason. Occasionally, e-mail messages are sent out to the membership at large, usually as reminders of upcoming events.

Website www.blsc.on.ca

The website is designed and maintained by one of our members. Its purpose is to keep members up-to-date about the activities of the Club and provide a reference for information about the Club such as the schedule, the racing rules, the executive contact details, etc. It also serves as a site for potential members to browse if they are deciding whether to join us, and there is an application form available for printing for this purpose. If you have any photographs or other items that could be used, contact the web manager via the link. Finally Watch for your newsletter and mark your calendar with the advertised dates. See the calendar below for standard annual events. Join in with as many as possible – you will quickly get to know your fellow sailors and it will enhance your enjoyment of the Belwood Lake Sailing Club.

Regular Annual Events

April	Spring Gernal Meeting
April / May	Opening Work Party & Lunch
May / June	First Club Regatta
May - September	Sunday Regattas & Week Night Racing Season
June	Wellington Cup
August	Corn Roast
Late Summer	Commodore's Cup
September / October	Closing Work Party & Lunch
October	Fall General Meeting