What to bring, what the club asks for each boat, and when the wind keeps us in.
The checklist
Most first-time renters are on the water within half an hour of arriving. This is everything that makes that possible.
The day before
1
Online or at the dock office; a text confirms the boat and the time.
2
The dock office texts the wind and the forecast at 6:00 pm.
In your bag
3
The person who signs for the boat shows it at the desk.
4
For any boat over 10 hp. Not sure if you need one? Ask when we confirm.
At the dock
5
For the paperwork and the $250 deposit, returned when you tie up.
6
Twenty minutes on the boat: controls, the channel and the safety kit.
7
Tie up by the time on your booking; late is $50 each half hour.
By boat
Rules differ from state to state; the club asks for the same thing on every boat of a kind, and tells you exactly what to bring when it confirms.
Briefing only
Gull, Plover, Sandpiper, Wren
Under 10 hp or a club exemption: a photo ID and the briefing.
Boater card asked
Tern, Curlew, Heron, Osprey, Egret, Cormorant
A boater safety card from any state, with a photo ID.
With a skipper
Halyard 26, Kestrel, Petrel
Always with a club skipper, unless you hold Bareboat Ready.
Wind limits
The dock office reads the wind at Thomas Point at 7:00 am and again at noon. If it is over the limit for your boat, your booking moves free of charge.
0 to 12 kn
Every boat goes out
12 to 20 kn
Day boats stay in the creek
20 to 25 kn
Sailboats with a skipper only
Over 25 kn
Every boat stays in; moved free
Out of the creek
6 knots from Pier 6 to the bridge.
Pass other boats port to port in the channel.
Clearance is 15 ft; sailboats wait for the opening on the half hour.
Power boats keep clear of boats under sail and the racing fleet.
On every boat
Life jackets for everyone aboard
A throwable cushion
Fire extinguisher
A horn and a whistle
Navigation lights
Anchor and line
A first-aid kit
A handheld VHF radio
Every boat is checked against this list before it leaves the pier. If anything is missing, tell the dock office and we fix it before you go.
