This section is for information only and is non-binding - please refer to the CUYC Regulations for the exact Damages Policy statement
Background
It is in the club's best interests to reduce the cost of its activities as much as possible in order to encourage participation from the largest possible number of members. Therefore, the club does not want members to face large bills for damage and has capped skipper’s contribution towards negligent damages.
The overriding aim is to ensure that members are treated fairly and can participate for the smallest possible cost, while ensuring that the club's financial position remains secure and that members who cause damage charges contribute to that cost in a fair way.
Summary
CUYC members will not be held responsible for any costs related to general wear and tear of the yacht or equipment, and the club will cover these in full. Nor will members be liable for any costs incurred during actions taken in the interests of safety.
Where negligence and/or participation in high-risk activities results in the damage of club equipment and/or yacht, then the skipper of the club-owned yacht at the time is responsible to pay for the costs up to a capped amount, as they have agreed when registering with CUYC as a skipper. Any costs above that capped amount shall be covered by the club. The Commodore, Vice-Commodore Sailing, and Vice-Commodore Operations decide together if damages are the result of the skipper’s negligence (either through the Skipper’s action or lack of instruction to the crew), or general wear and tear. This decision cannot be appealed.
All Members are prohibited from smoking or vaping on board at any time. If damage is caused to the yacht by smoking or vaping, this will be charged in full to the Member concerned.
For damages incurred on yachts chartered (i.e.: not owned) by the club, financial responsibility shall be shared across all crew members.
In other circumstances, for example sailing on affiliate-member owned yachts or otherwise, then these are not assumed to be official CUYC-run trips and participants should agree financial responsibilities beforehand.
Please see the full Damages Policy in Section C of the CUYC Regulations.