Duty Skipper Program
Have a look at the following questions and answers to get an understanding of how our Duty Skipper program works.
What is a Duty Skipper?
When members go out to sail in a club boat there is a club rule that states there must be a minimum of two members aboard. At least one of these must be a club-certified skipper. The Duty Skipper is a club-certified skipper who volunteers to be available during designated evening and weekend timeslots so that club members can have a higher assurance that they will be able to embark on their planned sail while adhering to this rule. As for any club skipper - the duty skipper takes responsibility for the safety of both the crew and the boat for the duration of the sail.
When are the designated Duty Skipper Time Slots?
We encourage all Club-Certified-Skippers to volunteer in the Duty Skipper role for the following sailing time slots...
- Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays... Evenings
- Saturdays, Sundays, & Statutory Hols... Mornings and Afternoons
Why do we have Duty Skippers?
Club members that do not have a skipper designation and perhaps are new to the club can go ahead and sail as crew with the Duty Skipper or it might be that a member has decided at the last minute that they wish to sail. The idea is to make it easier for members to get out for a sail by virtue of the fact that the "having a skipper" part is already taken care of.
Please note that regardless of whether or not there is a duty skipper all club boats that go for a sail are obliged to take along club members that wish to sail provided that there is room aboard.
How do Duty Skippers get assigned?
Skippers that wish to volunteer must call the office and request a particular timeslot. In fact skippers will usually request and commit to 5 timeslots at once. The office coordinator will then insert the Skippers name in the Boat Booking Calendar under 'Just Sailing'. The Club Executive and the office work together to ensure that Duty skipper slots are filled in advance for each upcoming month.
Why Volunteer as a Duty Skipper?
Club skippers that fill this role are really helping their fellow club members to get more out of their membership. It's also a great way to be first in line to meet new members and add to your list of friends within the club whom you'll later get to go out sailing with. Duty skippers can opt to either accumulate club hours or get an incentive gift for their efforts.
How does the Duty Skipper Incentive Plan Work?
There is a Duty Skipper form which is used to record the skipper's commitment and provide a record of their completed timeslots. For each 5 times acting as Duty Skipper the member is entitled to a $50 incentive gift when they submit the form to the office.