BY-LAWS OF SHIELDS FLEET 9

NOTE: Follows the By-Laws from 2006. To be updated for 2007.
 

MISSION AND STANDARD PROCEDURES

BY-LAWS OF SHIELDS FLEET 9

1. Name

This organization shall be known as the Narragansett Bay Shields Fleet No. 9 at Newport, Rhode Island.back to top

2. Organization

2.1 Shields Fleet No. 9 at Newport, RI (hereafter called the Fleet) shall be governed by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Shields Class Sailing Association and such further rules as may be adopted and / or amended by the Narragansett Bay Shields Fleet No. 9.

2.2 There shall be a Board of Directors (hereafter called the Board) to consist of three (3) members of the Fleet who are boat owners. The term of office shall be three (3) years, starting with the first board member with one year term, the second, two year and the third three year term or until their successors are elected. A member of the Board will have a single vote.

2.3 At each subsequent annual meeting of the Fleet, one member of the Board will be elected for three (3) years. The same Board member may be reelected, or an existing owner from the Fleet may be elected to the Board at the annual meeting.

2.3-1 A Board member who resigns or otherwise leaves the Fleet will be replaced by an appointment of a Fleet Member by the remaining members of the Board and shall serve until the next annual meeting. The unexpired term of this Board Member will be filled by election of a Fleet Member to the vacancy at the Annual Meeting in addition to the regular election of a Board Member pursuant to paragraph 2.3.

2.4 The Board shall have the responsibility, general charge and management of the Fleet activities. The Board shall carry out the purposes of the Fleet as provided by these By-Laws. The Board shall appoint the Fleet Captain and shall delegate to the Fleet Captain the general charge and management of the Fleet. The Fleet Captain shall not be a member of the Board.

2.5 The Board shall cause a general report of the affairs of the Fleet to be printed and distributed to the Fleet members at the end of each calendar year. The Board shall report at other times, if required by a vote of the Fleet as provided by paragraph 2.6-1.

2.6 The Board shall meet at least three (3) times a year.

2.6-1 Special meetings may be called by order of the Fleet Captain, or one (1) member of the Board or (5) five members of the Fleet. No meeting of the Fleet shall be valid unless two (2) members of the Board, or one (1) member of the Board, The Fleet Captain and 2/3’s of the boat owners or their signed proxies are present. Fleet members will be given notice of all meetings called.

2.7 In special instances where a stand has been taken against the Boards interpretation of the Class Rules, the petitioner may appeal to the Shields Class National Sailing Association for adjudication. Matters concerning the general charge and management of the Fleet are not subject to appeal beyond the Board of the Shields Fleet No. 9 except as provided for under the National Shields Class Association Rules.back to top

3. Fleet Captain

3.1 The commanding officer of the Fleet shall be the Fleet Captain. He shall serve at the pleasure of the Board which position will be confirmed by the Board annually. The Fleet Captain shall manage the affairs of the Fleet, preside at meetings, appoint committees, authorize payments of indebtedness, keep records of correspondence, and perform the duties of the chief executive officer of the Fleet.

3.2 The Fleet Captain shall report directly to the Board concerning the activities of the Fleet on a regular basis as directed by the Board.

3.3 The Fleet Captain shall appoint a Fleet Treasurer who shall receive, deposit, and pay out funds of the Fleet as authorized, and provide administrative assistance to the Fleet Captain.

3.4 The Fleet Captain shall appoint a Fleet Measurer who shall respond to inquiries to measurement rules, and shall inspect sails, boats and equipment as required.

3.5 The Board may appoint other Fleet Officers to perform functions as it deems necessary.back to top

4. Nominating Committee

4.1 There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) active members of the Fleet. The Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Board, but shall not included any current, elected Board members.

4.2 The Nominating Committee shall report the names of Active Fleet Members to be nominated for Board Membership at the forthcoming annual meeting before the end of the calendar year.back to top

5. Membership

5.1 An active member is a person who is the owner, co-owner or charterer of a Shields Class Yacht registered with the National Class Association in accordance with the By-Laws of that organization and who is a member of a recognized Narragansett Bay Yacht Club and who has paid the current, local and national dues and assessment for active membership.

5.2 An associate member is a person who is interested in furthering the objects of the Fleet and who has paid the current dues and assessments for associate membership.

5.3 A junior member is a person who shall not have reached his or her 18th birthday, and who otherwise fulfills the requirements of associate membership.

5.4 An honorary member is a person upon whom the Fleet Members have bestowed membership. Honorary members shall not pay dues or vote.

5.5 Each registered yacht in the Fleet shall be entitled to only one vote in all matters put to a vote under these by-laws.

5.6 Designated institutional associate members of the Fleet shall have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities of an active member.back to top

6. Dues

6.1 Active membership in the Narragansett Bay Shields Fleet at Newport, Rhode Island -- Fee per yacht as determined by the Board and shall be payable on or before the first race of each year in which the yacht is entered.

6.2 Associate and Junior membership, approved by the Board of Directors of the Fleet -- Fee per person as determined by the Board and shall be payable on or before June 1st of each year.

6.3 National dues shall be as prescribed by the Shields Class national Association By-Laws.

6.4 No Points will be credited to a yacht until Fleet and National dues and other class assessments are paid.back to top

7. Qualifying Requirements

7.1 The Constitution and By-Laws of the Shields Class Sailing Association and the By-Laws of the Narragansett Bay Shields Fleet at Newport, Rhode Island shall govern all Fleet races unless otherwise specified by the Board.

7.2 In order to qualify for any series, a yacht must enter the number of races prescribed for qualification by the sailing instructions, as approved by the Fleet Captain.

7.3 Any owner may allow another helmsman to race his boat in any official race and the race will be credited to the owner’s score as appropriate except in the qualifying series for the National Championship Regatta. In this case, if the helmsman is other than the Skipper, then both names must be registered with the Race Committee for the qualifying series as required by the National Shields Class Rules.back to top

8. Haul-Outs

8.1 During the life of an official racing season (mid may to mid October) a yacht may not be taken out or beached more than once every 28 days. The first haul-out during the racing season may be taken at the owner’s option. Thereafter, 28 days in the water must elapse between haul-outs. There shall be no limit to the total amount of haul-outs during the official racing season. In the event of an accident requiring the haul-out of a yacht other than as scheduled above, full facts, in writing, must be submitted and approved by the Fleet Captain. If such an emergency haul-out is approved, it will be excluded from the 28-day haul-out rule, and future haul-outs shall date there from.back to top

9. Sails and Equipment

9.1 The purchase of sails and equipment shall be governed by the Shields Class Sailing Association Specification, any amendments thereto, and as follows:

9.2 OMITTED

9.3 One sail may be purchased for each year of boat use. The owner shall have the option to choose which sail he may buy, and from which sail maker he shall buy. The number of allowable purchases will be according to the National Shields Class Association Rules.

9.4 Minimum weight of spinnaker cloth shall be .75-ounce sail makers yard weight. So-called “floater” cloth will not be accepted as 3⁄4 ounce spinnaker material.

9.5 An owner shall not be forced to replace a previously legal sail because of a rule change.

9.6 It is the responsibility of each owner to have measured and certified by the Fleet Measurer prior to the first race of each season, all qualifying sails and equipment he will use in racing. The measurements of sails and equipment he will be governed by the Shields Class National Association specifications, except as specifically modified herein or by an amendment to these By-Laws.

9.7 A yacht’s inventory of sails my be used as long as they have been measured by the Fleet Measurer in accordance with Paragraph 9.6.

9.8 Only three (3) sails are allowed to be used in one day’s racing or during any regatta up to five (5) consecutive racing days. In the case of two racing series occurring within a five (5) day period, different sails may be used, providing that only three (3) sails are carried in the yacht at one given time for any one day’s racing and further provided that the same three (3) sails are used for any series up to five (5) days in length.

9.9 A damaged sail may be repaired by replacement up to 1/3 of its area in any one year as approved by the Fleet Captain. Such a replacement will be duly recorded by the Fleet Measurer by the boat owner (1/3 re-cut rule).

9.10 The color of the Shields Class insignia and numerals on the mainsail and spinnaker shall be in accordance with the National Shields Class Association Rules.

9.11 The distance between the forward winch and the after winch on deck on both port and starboard sides f the boat may be no less than twenty inches (20) but no more than thirty (30) inches measured from the center of each winch post.back to top

10. Suspension or Expulsion

10.1 Any member may be suspended or expelled for cause, including any conduct, which, in the judgment of the Board is improper, prejudicial, or detrimental to the Fleet, at a regular or special meeting of the Board, by a simple two-thirds majority of the Board.

10.2 Charges may be preferred, in writing against a member by any other member, by the Fleet Captain and by the Board. Any member of the Fleet who chooses to prefer charges against another member must have written support from the Fleet Captain or one Member of the Board. If such charges are not upheld, the member preferring the charges shall be subject to an appropriate penalty as determined by the Board.

10.3 Any Board Member involved or a party to the proceeding outlined in paragraph 10.2 above shall be automatically disqu alified. His position for proceeding shall be temporarily filled by an appointment of an other Fleet Member by the remaining Board Members.back to top

11. Annual Meeting

11.1 There shall be an annual meeting of members for the election of a member of the Board of Directors in accordance with paragraph 2.3 and other proper business of the Fleet unless otherwise, determined by the Board of Directors. The annual meeting shall be held as soon as possible after the completion of the sailing season.

11.2 The required quorum for the annual meeting shall be the same as that required by 2.6.1.back to top

12. Amendments

12.1 The Fleet By-Laws may be amended at the meeting of the members in the notice of which such proposed amendment is set forth.  Any amendment must be passed by 2/3’s majority of the boat owners or their signed proxies.

13. Yachts owned by Institutions

13.1 Institutions owning yachts shall be entitled to the number of votes equivalent to the number of yachts owned by that institution and registered with Fleet 9. Votes shall be cast in a manner, which reflects the wished of the authorized charters of these yachts who shall be institutional associate members of the Fleet. Prior to each sailing season, the institutional Fleet Captain shall notify the Fleet of the names of the authorized chatterers. The number of authorized chatterers and substitutions thereto shall not exceed the number of institutional yachts.back to top

MISSION AND STANDARD PROCEDURES

I. Mission:

To promote and organize Corinthian racing of Shields Class yachts in Narragansett Bay while supporting the National Shields Class Association's objectives of maintaining the one-design character of the yachts as sponsored by Cornelius Shields and designed by Sparkman & Stephens, Inc.

II. Appointed Positions

A. Responsibilites:

1. Fleet Captain: Shall preside at meetings, serve as Chair of the Decision Committee, appoint officers, maintain records, rule on procedure, provide communications to Fleet, and authorize payment of indebtedness in amounts of less than $1000 per occurrence. Fleet Captain may also hold a Fleet 9 Credit Card for immediate payment of indebtedness.

2. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall receive all dues and other monies paid to the Fleet, deposit the Fleets' funds in banks or other financial institutions, maintain financial records, disburse funds as authorized by the Fleet Captain or Board, and preserve the assets of the Fleet.

3. Fleet Measurer: The Fleet Measurer shall determine the measurement procedures for the members' yachts and maintain records of such measurements on file.

4. Fleet Sail Measurer: The Fleet Sail Measurer shall determine the measurement procedures for the members' sails and maintain records of such measurements on file.

5. Fleet Scorekeeper: The Fleet Scorekeeper shall track, post, and maintain racing scores for the Fleet in accordance with the current Fleet 9 Sailing Instructions.

6. Yacht Club Liaisons: For each of the three most relevant Newport area yacht clubs (New York, Ida Lewis, & Coasters Harbor Navy) there shall be one current active member of Fleet 9 and the individual yacht club that acts as a representative for the Fleet in matters pertaining to each club.

7. Protest / Arbitration Committee: At the discretion of the Fleet Captain, there may be an arbitration committee appointed to deal specifically with protests arising from racing.  This committee will be responsible for carrying out procedures outlined in the Sailing Instructions and RRS.back to top

B. Eligibility:

An appointed officer shall be a current Active Member or Fleet 9 Associate Member and have held that membership for a minimum of two consecutive years.

Members may hold more than one, but no more than three, positions as officers.  However, the Fleet Captain may not hold the position as Fleet Treasurer concurrently.

C. Terms:

Officers' terms shall begin December 1st and last for two years.

The Fleet Captain may complete consecutive terms, but must be put to a vote to the Board, bi-annually, prior to October 1st of the second year.

Other appointed officers may complete consecutive terms, but must be re-appointed by the Fleet Captain bi-annually.back to top

III. Awards:

At the annual Fleet 9 Awards Banquet, the following prizes are to be distributed:

1. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for each of the three Wed Night Series.

2. Overall Wednesday Night Champion.

3. Cassady Prize (Early Weekend Series)

4. Toland Prize (Mid-Summer Weekend Series)

5. Kendall Prize (Late-Summer Weekend Series)

6. Manice Trophy — Fleet Champion derived from scores of all series

7. Top Navy Award — Given to top Navy boat in Weds. Night Series

8. Aloha Award — Given to top boat in Aloha series'

9. Timothy Dwyer Award for Most Improved

10. Mid-Fleet — As determined by overall season standings

11. Concourse Yacht — As determined by Fleet Officers

Other awards may also be given at the discretion of the Fleet Officers.back to top

IV. Basic Rules and Definitions:

All sections (1.0 - 7.4) of the current National Shields Class Association By-Laws and rules are adopted and will be followed for all Fleet 9 procedures.

The RRS as well as any specific Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions governs all racing rules for each Series or Regatta.

V. Racing Schedule:

The racing schedule will be completed annually by the Fleet Captain and submitted to the Board prior to February 1st for approval.

Unless changed via actions of the Board, the following represents the basic outline of the annual racing schedule:

1. Wednesday Nights:
Racing, as sponsored by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, will be scheduled beginning on or about the second Wednesday night of May through the first Wednesday of October (except of occasions of conflict with the National Championships).

2. Aloha Series:
Three races are scheduled for each of three Saturdays to be scheduled approximately mid-June, mid-July, and mid-September. These dates are scheduled so as not to conflict with the National Championships. These races are to be sailed as non-spinnaker races and are sponsored by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.

3. Sunday Racing:
As determined by the Fleet Captain, Sunday racing may commence, sponsored by Ida Lewis Yacht Club. These races are to be sailed as non-spinnaker and are traditionally scheduled on the third Sunday of June. 

4. Narragansett Bay Races:
Races sponsored by other organizations on Narragansett Bay may also be included in the official schedule and have traditionally included:

1. Sail Newport Memorial Day Regatta

2. Newport Regatta / Sail Newport (Mid- July)

3. George Winslow Regatta / Coasters Harbor NYC (Mid-August)

4. Classic Yacht Regatta / Museum of Yachting (Labor Day Sat.)

5. Around Island Race / Conanicut YC (Labor Day Sun.)

6. Team Racing / NYYC (end of June & end of Sept.)back to top

VI. Annual Dues:

Application for annual dues should be presented to the membership no later than March 1st.

VII. Payment / Disbursements:

The procedure for disbursements by the Fleet account is as follows:

1. Request for disbursements are made to Fleet Captain, in writing (or e-mail), accompanied by relevant receipts / purchase orders, etc.

2. Upon approval of the request (if under $1,000) the Fleet Captain forwards the details to the Fleet Treasurer who issues a check or provides direct payment to supplier (via Fleet 9 Credit Card).

3. Of amounts greater than $1,000, the Fleet Captain obtains approval from the Board prior to authorization.

4. Checks are then mailed directly to recipient or are available to be picked up from the Fleet Captain during normal business hours.

5. The Fleet Treasurer is not authorized to approve or disperse payments without prior approval from the Fleet Captain and / or Board.

6. Fleet Treasurer issues a year-end summary to Fleet Captain and Board no later than February 1st.

7. Fleet 9 checks are written on a schedule of the first and third Thursday of every month and are available after 2pm that day.back to top

VIII. Race Announcements:

On Wednesday afternoons, one (1) hour prior to the warning signal, an announcement will be made on VHF Channel 72 as to the status of racing. This announcement may also include postponement or stand-by instructions.

Failure to do so is not grounds for redress and this announcement does not take precedence over standard RRS procedure as prescribed in the Sailing Instructions or Notice or Race.

Cancellation Procedures

The decision to cancel races as per inclement weather is to be made by the acting Race Committee chairman.  As a general guideline (which may be adjusted at the RC's discretion), racing will be cancelled in the event of lightning or sustained winds exceeding 25 knots. 

Races may also be cancelled or postponed by majority vote of the Fleet Captain and Board for reasons other than, and including, inclement weather.back to top

IX. Social Event Financial Responsibilities:

All social engagements sponsored / paid for by the Fleet account must be open to all Fleet 9 members and with notifications sent out to the Fleet at least one-week prior to the event. These engagements are generally scheduled as follows:

1. Annual Meeting / Season “Kick-Off” Party (the first week in April)

2. Season ending Parties (After last race of each Weds. series)

3. Annual Awards Banquet (Approx. 2-3 weeks following season)

4. Weekend Racing Parties (Typically held at ILYC following races)

5. Annual Christmas Party

Other social events meeting the above criteria and paid for by the Fleet must be approved by the Fleet Captain (if under $1,000) or by the Board.back to top