About the Lake Champlain Yacht Club

LCYC is a member-run yacht club located in a sheltered cove on the southwest shore of Shelburne Bay in Shelburne, Vermont. We offer moorings, activities, and community for our members, most of whom own a sailboat or powerboat.

The object of the Club is to promote and encourage boating and sailing on Lake Champlain, while emphasizing racing, cruising, and education, without financial gain.

Current membership is about 200 individuals and families. We have a nice balance of informal and formal social events. Our fleet is about 175 boats: 70% sail, 30% power. From mid-May thru early October we have club racing every Wednesday evening, plus about a dozen weekend races and regattas. We frequently host regional and national one-design class regattas. We are the home of Etchells Fleet 25. We have a robust junior sailing program that is open to non-member youth. We also have organized and informal cruises and rendezvous on our beautiful Lake Champlain, the next-largest freshwater lake in the U.S after the Great Lakes.

Most members store their boats for the winter at historic Shelburne Shipyard, about a mile and a half north of the club.

The club was founded in 1887 on the busy Burlington waterfront. At that time the waterfront was totally commercial - trainloads of logs were brought there to be milled into lumber that was then carried by barges to the Hudson River to be shipped worldwide. There was no available land on the waterfront, so in 1888 the first two-story clubhouse was built close to shore on pilings. When it burned in 1901, another was built in its place. The second one burned in 1911 and was replaced by a third. The club's membership reached a high of 334 in 1922. In 1936 that third clubhouse was declared unsafe and too expensive for the club to fix, so it was sold to the ferry company who refurbished it and turned it into a ferry station.

The present day Burlington Community Boat House, the centerpiece of the city's classy waterfront renovation project, is on a barge that floats on the spot where the early clubhouses once stood on pilings (the shoreline was further back in those times; access was by a wooden walkway on pilings). The Community Boat House was designed by LCYC member Marcel Beaudin emulating features of those early LCYC buildings. Marcel's was the winning design from among eight submitted. He was told that what convinced the officials was his inclusion of a photo of the 1888 clubhouse so they could see the historical link.

In 1936 the club purchased property on the upper east shore of Shelburne Bay; a renovated cottage became the fourth clubhouse. Effects of the Great Depression and pre-WWII conditions made sustaining the club difficult: in 1938 "Dawson Camp" in Mallets Bay (later Marble Island Club) was rented; in 1939 the steamboat Chateaugay, moored at the foot of College St in Burlington, was rented; in 1940, with war imminent, the members voted to go without a clubhouse; in 1941 the club gave up title to the Shelburne property, sold everything, and became inactive. During the ensuing period the corporation was kept alive by a few devoted members, most notably Milo C. Reynolds. In 1958 a group led by John Dinse began to rejuvenate the club; in 1961 they found the present site; in 1962 they purchased the property; in 1963 they built a modest clubhouse, installed some docks, and our historic Lake Champlain Yacht Club was underway once again. In 1998 the present clubhouse was built, incorporating design features of earlier clubhouses and more than doubling the multi-use space.

A number of members founded and provide ongoing active support for the non-profit Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, located on the Burlington waterfront. The Center provides sailing and paddle programs for youth and adults of all backgrounds and physical capabilities, has a high school racing program, and is home to the University of Vermont intercollegiate sail racing team.

Binnacle

In this space we will describe the evolution of communications to members by club officers (usually the commodore), and the eventual creation of the Binnacle by Bern Collins.

Bylaws

BY-LAWS OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN YACHT CLUB, INC.

ARTICLE I: NAME, OBJECT, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Section 1. NAME. The name of this corporation, hereinafter called the Club, shall be Lake Champlain Yacht Club, Inc.

Section 2. OBJECT. The object of this Club is to promote and encourage boating and sailing on Lake champlain, while emphasizing racing, cruising, and education, without financial gain.

Section 3. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. The name, location of the Registered Office, the Registered Agent, and the purposes and powers of the Club shall be as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, and these By-Laws; the purposes and powers of the Club and of its governors, Officers and Members, and all matters concerning the conduct and regulation of the business of the Club shall be subject to such provisions in regard thereto, if any, as are set forth in the Articles of Incorporation; and the Articles of Incorporation are hereby made a part of these By-Laws. All reference in these By-Laws to the Articles of Incorporation shall be construed to mean the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation as from time to time amended.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERS

Section 1. DEFINITIONS. The following terms shall have the following definitions:

(a) "Individual Member" shall mean any person who is at least eithteen (18) years of age and who is a Member in Good Standing.

(b) "Family Member" shall mean any legally recognized family unit consisting of one or more persons eligible to be Individual Members and its unmarried, dependent children under the age of twenty-four (24).

(c) "Full Member" is any Individual or Family Member who has been granted Full membership status by the Board of Governors and has paid the initiation fees and annual dues as designated. Full Members have all responsibilities, rights, and privileges of the club.

(d) "Senior Member" is any Individual Member of Family Member who has been granted Senior Membership status by thge Board of Governors. The Board may grant Senior Membership status to an Individual Member or Family Member who applies after active membership in the Club for a period of fifteen years or where the Board believes the applicant has otherwise shown the equivalent in loyal and responsible discharge of the duties of active membership. Senior Members shall have no Mooring Rights except by return to full active membership. All other responsibilities, rights and privileges of Club membership shall remain in force. Annual dues for senior Members shall be one-third (1/3) the amount fur Full Members.

(e) "Associate Member" is any Individual or Family Member who has been granted Associate Membership status by the Board of Governors. Associate membership is reserved for those between the ages of 18 and 30 and will have reduced initiation fees, as determined by the Board of Governors, and dues equal to one-half the amount for Full Members. Associate Members shall have no mooring rights, voting rights or eligibility for office except by conversion to Full membership. All other responsibilities, rights and privileges of Club membership apply, with the exception of these. Associate Members will have the right to keep a one-design sailboat at the club in compliance with the Grounds section of the Club Policies and Guidelines. In the calendar year the individual or eldest family member are age 31, as of January 1, Associate Members must pay the prevailing initiation fees, minus any initiation fees paid at the tie time they became Associate members, and convert to Full membership status in order to remain Members in good Standing.

(f) "Honorary Members" are those persons or family units who have been elected Honorary Members by a unanimous vote of the Board of Governors at any regular meeting. Such Honorary members shall have all the privileges of the Club except Mooring Rights, voting and eligibility for office and shall be exempt from payment of dues.

(g) "Life Members" are those individuals or family iunits holding Life Member status as of the date of adoption of these By-Laws.

(h) "Inactive Members" are those individual or family members who have been granted this status by the Board of Governors. Inactive membership may be granted to Members in Good Standing who have moved permanently outside the club service area and wish to retain club membership. Inactive members will have no membership rights or use of club facilities except by return to full membership. A nominal fee for maintaining membership status may be set by the Board of Governors. Inactive members who have maintained a continuous membership may return to full membership by notice to the Membership Chair and payment of current dues.

(i) "Member in Good Standing" shall mean any Individual Member, Family Member, Senior Member, Associate, and Life Member who has paid any initiation fee and annual dues and performed other duties as may be required of them from time to time by these By-Laws.

(j) "Approved Applicant" shall mean any individual or family unit who has applied and been approved for membership by the Board of Governors, but who has not become a Member in Good Standing.

Section 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS. The total number of members of the Club, and the number of memberships with Mooring Rights (as defined in Article V, below), shall be set by the board of Governors.

Section 3. APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. Persons at least eighteen (18) years of age may be accepted to membership in the club without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or sex. Any individual or family unit desiring membership in the Club shall present a completed Application, consisting of a Club application form, letters of recommendation from three Members in Good Standing, and the application fee prescribed by the Board of Governors from time to time. The Membership Chair shall present all Applications to the Board of Governors for consideration at the next regular meeting following receipt of the completed Application.

In the event of the legal dissolution of a family unit consisting of a family unit constituting a Family Member, each person comprising the former Family Member who is eligible to become an Individual Member shall, in the year of such dissolution, provide written notice to the Membership Chair of his or her desire to become a Member in Good Standing. Such notice shall be effective to make the requesting person a Member in Good Standing without need for paying an additional initiation fee, or additional dues for the year in which such Family member is converted to one or more Individual Members or Family Members.

Section 4. ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

(a) ELECTION OF FULL AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. Candidates for consideration as Full or Associate Members shall be elected by a ballot at any meeting of the Board of Governors, provided not more than one ballot is cast against them. The candidates will be notified by the Membership Chair following a vote on their application. If elected prior to January 1 of a given year, the normal Club rules pertaining to dues will apply. If elected after January 1, the new member will have thirty (30) days in which to pay the dues in full.

(b) ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS. Honorary Members may be elected by a unanimous vote of the board of Governors at any regular meeting.

(c) ELECTION OF SENIOR MEMBERS. Any Member in Good Standing desiring election as a Senior Member shall submit a written request to the Membership Chair containing such request and explaining why the Member is entitled to Senior Member designation. The Membership Chair shall present the request to the Board of Governors at is next regular meeting. The request may be approved upon majority vote of the Board of Governors. The requesting member shall be notified of the decision of the Board by the Membership Chair.

Section 5. PARTNERSHIPS. If a member purchases, or otherwise joins in ownership of a yacht, with one or more non-members, all partners in such a yacht must apply for, and be accepted as, Members of the Club in order to moor such a yacht in the Club harbor and/or utilize Club facilities.

Section 6. INITIATION FEE. Each Approved Applicant who elects to become a Member in Good Standing shall pay a non-refundable initiation fee as set by the Board of Governors from time to time before being entitled to the privileges of the club. The entire initiation fee will be used for the capital fund.

Upon written request by an Approved Applicant who has elected to become a Member in Good Standing, the Board of Governors, at its discretion, may, upon good cause shown by the requesting Approved Applicant, agree to payment of the initiation fee in not more than three (3) equal consecutive annual payments coincidental with the applicant's annual dues.

Section 7. DUES. The Board of Governors shall determine the annual dues of the Club. Any increase in annual dues must be approved by the membership. All but five percent (5%) of the annual dues shall be used for the operating budget. Five percent (5%) of the annual dues shall be dedicated to the capital fund.

Any member failing to pay dues by January 1 shall be considered in arrears and be notified by the Secretary to that effect. Members in arrears after January 1 will be assessed a late penalty fee of fifty dollars ($50.00). If said dues and the late fee are not paid by February 1, the membership is terminated. If at a later date the member reapplies to the Club, the Board, who will determine acceptance and applicable fees, will consider the application.

Section 8. MEETINGS.

(a) SCHEDULED MEETINGS. The membership of the Club shall meet twice annually. One meeting shall be held within ninety (90) days of the Club's fiscal year end and shall be called the "Change of Watch." The other meeting, normally held during October, shall be called the "Annual Meeting." The time and place of the "Change of Watch" and the "Annual Meeting" shall be announced to the membership at least 10 days before the meeting.

(b) ANNUAL MEETING. At the "Annual Meeting" the Commodore and new members of the Board of Governors shall be elected, and other business placed before the membership shall be acted upon.

(c) CHANGE OF WATCH. At the "Change of Watch," the Board of Governors and new officers will assume their responsibilities. Printed copies of the Treasurer's report will be presented to the membership for their approval, and other business placed before the membership shall be acted upon.

(d) SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Members may be called by the Commodore or by majority vote of the Board of Governors, or on petition to the Secretary signed by at least ten (10) Members in Good Standing, delivered at least thirty (30) days previous to said meeting.

Section 9. QUORUM; VOTING. Forty (40) Members in Good Standing shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Club and a majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for an election or to carry a motion. Each Individual or Family Membership, as define herein, shall have one vote.

Section 10. MEMBER CONDUCT; SANCTIONS; EXPULSION. All members shall conduct themselves consistent with the stated object of the Club and are individually responsible to share their time and energy on all scheduled workdays and/or cooperative activities for the good of the Club. Any member unable to attend a workday shall contribute an equivalent service to the Club, unless such member's failure to attend workday shall have been excused by the Board of Governors.

Any member violating the rules or regulations of the Club, or exhibiting conduct unbecoming a member, or injurious to the Club, may, after appearing before the Board of Governors at a regularly scheduled meeting, be admonished, suspended, or deprived of any privileges of the Club for a stated time, by a two-thirds vote of the Board members present.

Any member may be expelled from the Club for cause by a unanimous vote of the Board of Governors at any regular Board Meeting.

ARTICLE III: BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Section 1. MANAGEMENT. The management of the Club and its affairs shall be by a Board of Governors, consisting of fourteen (14) Members. The Board of Governors shall have the control and management of all business affairs for the Club; shall have authority to execute all contracts, instruments and conveyances necessary to carry out the purposes of the Club; shall determine and set annual dues; shall prepare and approve a budget by March 1 for the financial management of the Club; shall make appointments of Officers of the Club and Board of Governors and all necessary committees of the Club; shall have charge of the election, suspension or expulsion of members; and shall be responsible for the making of rules for the use of the Club facilities.

Section 2. NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND COMMODORE; ELECTION OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS. Prior to the "Annual Meeting" a nominating committee consisting of all available past commodores shall nominate Members in Good Standing to fill expired and vacant unexpired terms on the Board of Governors and to nominate a Commodore. The names of those persons nominated by the committee shall be presented to the membership in the notice of the Annual Meeting. At the "Annual Meeting" persons from the membership shall be elected to serve on the Board of Governors for a term of three (3) years commencing with the Change of Watch next following their election. The replacements for members of the Board of Governors who are unable to serve a full term shall also be elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting to serve the balance of the unexpired term. All vacancies occurring in membership of the Board of Governors shall be filled by appointment by the Commodore to hold office until the next Annual Meeting.

Section 3. MEETINGS; QUORUM; VOTING. The Board of Governors shall meet immediately following the Annual Meeting or at any other time upon the call of the Commodore, or on petition of three members of the Board to the Secretary. Notice of the call of the meeting must be transmitted one week in advance to members of the Board. This warning may be dispensed with when a quorum of the Board waives such notice. Eight (8) members of the Board of Governors shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the votes of those present at a meeting of the Board of Governors shall be necessary for an election or to carry a motion.

Section 4. COMMITTEES. The Board of Governors may establish the following standing committees and others deemed necessary:

(a) House
(b) Grounds
(c) Harbor
(d) Docks
(e) Regatta
(f) Social
(g) Sailing Programs
(h) Membership/Log
(i) Communications
(j) Boats
(k) Stewards/Personnel
(l) Cruising/Rendezvous

The Board of Governors shall consent by majority vote on the appointment of all standing committee chairmen by the Commodore. All standing committee chairmen shall be members of the Board, except the chairman of the Nominating Committee, who need not be a member of the Board.

The duties and responsibilities of the standing committees shall be as directed by the Board of Governors.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS

Section 1. OFFICERS. The operating officers of the Club shall be Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Harbormaster, Secretary, and Treasurer. All officers, except the Commodore shall serve for a term of one (1) year and until their successor is elected and qualifies. The Commodore shall serve for a term of two (2) years until his or her successor is elected and qualifies. The Offices of Honorary Commodore and Honorary Vice Commodore may be filled by distinguished present or past members who have shown loyalty and devotion to the Club.

A Rendezvous Fleet Captain, Fleet Surgeon, Fleet Chaplain, Historian, and Public Relations / Neighborhood Relations person may be appointed at the pleasure of the Commodore.

Section 2. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. The Commodore shall, prior to the first meeting of the Board of Governors following the "Annual Meeting', appoint from the Board a Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Harbormaster, and Secretary. All officers shall hold office for one (1) year commencing with the next subsequent "Change of Watch" ceremony. An Honorary Commodore and an Honorary Vice Commodore may be elected by the Board of Governors to hold office at the discretion of the Board. All vacancies occurring in the officers of the Club shall be filled by appointment by the Commodore to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of the Club.

Section 3. ELECTION OF TREASURER AND AUDITORS. At the "Annual Meeting" each year, the Treasurer and three (3) Auditors shall be elected by the membership at large, and shall hold office for one year.

Section 4. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS.

(a) COMMODORE. It shall be the duty of the Commodore to preside at all meetings of the Board of Governors and the membership; to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Board of Governors, all standing committee chairmen; to act as ex officio member of all standing committees; to act as chief executive officer of the Club; and to perform all additional duties as directed by the Board of Governors.

(b) VICE COMMODORE. It shall be the duty of the Vice Commodore to assist the Commodore in the discharge of his duties and to officiate in his absence.

(c) REAR COMMODORE. it shall be the duty of the Rear Commodore to assist the Commodore and Vice Commodore in the discharge of their duties and to officiate in their absence.

(d) HARBORMASTER. It shall be the duty of the Harbormaster to serve as chair of the Harbor Committee and carry out the Harbor Rules as adopted from time to time by the Board of Governors. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Harbormaster is authorized to assign Mooring Rights to eligible Members in Good Standing as shall be in the best interests of the Club and other members; provided, however, that the Harbormaster may not revoke an assignment of Harbor Rights unless the Member in Good Standing voluntarily relinquishes such Mooring Rights, ceases to use such mooring for a period of two years, or ceases to be a Member in Good Standing for any reason whatsoever.

(e) SECRETARY. The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings and proceedings of the Club and Board of Governors, maintain a roster of all members, bill and collect all dues from the members, notify members who are in arrears in dues payment and perform other duties as assigned by the Board. The Secretary shall also perform the duties of Membership Chair.

(f) TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be responsible for handling receipts and expenditures of the Club, and for keeping suitable financial records and making all reports required. He shall maintain accounts in financial institutions as approved by the Board of Governors. He shall pay all bills approved by the appropriate committee chairman in accordance with the approved budget and shall render a full written report of the financial condition of the Club at the "Change of Watch."

(g) AUDITORS. The Auditors shall audit the financial records of the Club annually and report their findings to the membership at the :Change of Watch." The auditors may enlist the services of a public accounting firm to assist them in auditing the financial records of the Club.

(h) MISCELLANEOUS. The Fleet Surgeon, Fleet Captain, Chaplain, and Historian shall perform appropriate duties as directed by the Commodore.

(i) PUBLIC RELATIONS / NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISON. The Public Relations / Neighborhood Liaison officer shall assist the Commodore and Communications Committee in promoting positive relationships with the community and LCYC's neighbors.

ARTICLE V: USE OF CLUB FACILITIES

Section 1. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERS. All Members in Good Standing and Honorary Members shall have the non-exclusing right, together with other members, to use of the Club grounds, Club house, Club boats, launch service and the right to temporarily keep a boat on the Club docks, but such right shall not include Mooring Rights unless such rights have specifically been assigned by the Club Harbormaster. All such uses and activities shall be subject to the Riles and Regulations adopted by the Board of Governors from time to time.

Any person ceasing to be a Member in Good Standing of this Club shall have no rights or privileges in or to said Club or its property by reason of former membership.

Section 2. MOORING RIGHTS. Mooring Rights entitle an eligible Member in Good Standing to moor a boat in a harbor position assigned by the Harbor Master. This position includes an anchor and the appropriate swinging circle as defined by the LCYC Mooring Standards. The concrete anchor blocks and the screw anchor/flexible rode systems remain the property of the Club. All other mooring tackle must be provided and maintained by the member in a seamanlike condition in accordance with LCYC Mooring Standards. The Harbor Master shall have the absolute right to move or reassign the mooring position of a member's boat in the best interests of the Club and the safety of the harbor. An assignment of Mooring Rights may not be revoked unless the Member in Good Standing voluntarily relinquishes such Mooring Rights, ceases to use such mooring for a period of two years, or ceases to be a Member in Good Standing for any reason whatsoever.

The club makes no warranty as to the suitability or condition of the anchor systems assigned to members for their use and shall abide by harbor rules adopted by the Board of Governors from time to time. It is understood that mooring positions may be reassigned at the discretion of the Harbor Master. All mooring ground tackle (other than anchors) and pennants shall be installed and maintained by the member in compliance with any and all Harbor Rules adopted by the Board of Governors from time to time.

Section 3. REQUEST FOR MOORING RIGHTS. Any Approved Applicant or eligible Member in Good Standing who intends to moor a boat in the Club's officially designated harbor area shall request assignment of Mooring Rights by the Harbor Master. If there are more requests for Mooring Rights than there are mooring areas at any given time, the name of the requesting Approved Applicant or eligible Member in Good Standing shall be placed on a Mooring Wait List maintained by the Harbor Master in the order in which such request is received by the Harbor Master. The Harbor Master shall assign mooring areas in accordance with the Harbor Rules adopted by the Board of Governors from time to time, and in the following order of preference:

(a) Eligible Members in Good Standing who have previously relinquished Mooring Rights.

(b) Eligible Members in Good Standing without Mooring Rights.

(c) Senior Members returning to Full Membership status.

(d) Associate Members converting to Full Membership status.

(e) Inactive Member returning to Full Membership status.

(f) Children of Family Members who are no longer part of the legally recognized family unit prior to their 24th birthday.

(g) Approved Applicants.

No Member in Good Standing may be assigned the right the the use of more than one mooring area.

Upon being assigned Mooring Rights, an Approved Applicant must immediately take all steps and pay all fees necessary to become a Member in Good Standing. Upon being assigned Mooring Rights the member shall pay the Treasurer a deposit in amount determined by the Board of Governors from time to time (the "Mooring Deposit") to enable the Club to reimburse itself for any expenses incurred by the Club for decommissioning a mooring deemed unsafe by the Harbor Master. Upon written request, the unused balance of the Mooring Deposit shall be returned when the Member in Good Standing relinquhishes his Mooring Rights or ceases being a Member in Good Standing. The foregoing notwithstanding, the safety of an assigned mooring shall remain the sole responsibility of the member, and the Club shall decommission a mooring only after the member has failed to take action as directed by the Harbor Master.

Section 4. COMMERCIAL USE OF THE CLUB. Members' yachts may not be chartered or let for hire from Club facilities. Club facilities may not be used for commercial brokerage of boats without the expressed written permission of the Board of Governors.

Section 5. GUEST PRIVILEGES.

(a) GUEST MOORINGS. The Board of Governors may establish rules, time limits, and fees for the use of guest moorings by visiting non-member yachtsmen. Such rules, limits and fees shall apply to all such guests, whether using membership or club-owned moorings. All fees shall accrue to the Club only, and not to any Member, and the Board of Governors shall have full authority over their use.

(b) USE OF CLUB BY MEMBER INVITEES. Members in Good Standing may allow invited non-member guests to use Club facilities or the member's boat without fee, provided the guest is accompanied by the Member in Good Standing. Non-member use of Club facilities or the member's boat without the Member in Good Standing present is prohibited except with the expressed approval of the Board of Governors. If such use is approved, the Board of Governors may require a guest fee to be paid to the Club by the member or the invited guest.

ARTICLE VI: AMENDMENTS

Amendments to these By-Laws shall be presented to the Club for action on recommendation of the Board of Governors, or on petition by ten (10) Members in Good Standing presented to the Secretary in writing, and shall be submitted for action by the Club at any meeting after notice of such prorposed amendments shall have been mailed to each member of the Club at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting. A majority vote of members present shall be necessary for the adoption of such amendments.

END NOTE

In 2000 Commodore Steve Unsworth commissioned a special committee to review the By-Laws and propose a cleaned and streamlined version. Those revised By-Laws were adopted by affirmative vote of the Members of Lake Champlain Yacht Club, Inc. on May 20, 2001. Amendments adding new "Associate" and "Inactive" Membership categories were adopted on October 16, 2004, and an amendment adding an additional (14th) Board position was adopted on October 15, 2005, both by affirmative votes of the Members of Lake Champlain Yacht Club, Inc.

Directions

Location: 2790 Harbor Road, Shelburne VT

Mail: PO Box 411, Shelburne VT 05482

Clubhouse Phone: 802-985-3372 (May thru October)

Stewards monitor:   VHF Channel 12

Website: lcyc.info

Coordinates: +44° 24' 47.71", -73° 14' 44.91" (Degrees/Minutes/Seconds)

Coordinates: 44.413252, -73.245807 (Decimal Degrees)

If coming from I-89 South or North:

Take Exit 13 (it exits west only) onto I-189. After 1.3 miles I-189 ends at US Rte 7 (get into either of the two left-turn lanes). Turn left (south) onto US Rte 7. Continue south 3.0 miles to the traffic light at Bay Road (Volvo dealer will be on left). Turn right onto Bay Road. [Note that this road passes under a RR overpass of only 11 feet clearance; if this is insufficient clearance do not take this approach - continue south on US Rte 7 1.9 miles to the Village of Shelburne and the Harbor Road approach described in the directions below.] From US Rte 7 take Bay Road west 1.7 miles, passing the fishing access at the bottom of Shelburne Bay, to the stop sign where Bay Road ends at Harbor Road. The entrance to Shelburne Farms is straight ahead. Turn right (north) onto Harbor Road, go 1.2 miles to the LCYC entrance driveway on the right. This driveway is just a short way past the crest of a small hill where the mooring harbor first comes into view. The entrance is marked by a tall post with the LCYC triangular red, white, and blue burgee at the top and the address numbers 2790 below. This driveway is shared with a private residence. Directly past the residence is the LCYC property, clubhouse, and mooring harbor.

If coming from Route 7 South (or North if bypassing the RR underpass on Harbor Road):

At the south edge of Shelburne Village is a traffic light at the intersection of US Rte 7 with Bostwick Rd on the left and Marsett Rd on the right. Continue on US Rte 7 north 0.8 mile, passing Shelburne Museum, to the next traffic light at Harbor Road in the heart of the village by the Mobil station. Turn west (left if coming from the south, right if coming from the north) onto Harbor Road. Stay on Harbor Road 1.7 miles - after passing the school the road bends to the north before coming to a stop sign. The entrance to Shelburne Farms is on the left, Bay Road is on the right. Continue north on Harbor Road 1.2 miles to the LCYC entrance driveway on the right. This driveway is just a short way past the crest of a small hill where the mooring harbor first comes into view. The entrance is marked by a tall post with the LCYC triangular red, white, and blue burgee at the top and the address numbers 2790 below. This driveway is shared with a private residence. Directly past the residence is the LCYC property, clubhouse, and mooring harbor.

Facilities

This section provides brief descriptions and usage information.

Fleet

POWER:

[Boat names and pertinent data will be listed here, as in Log]

SAIL:

[Boat names and pertinent data will be listed here, as in Log]

Forms

To request use of the club house, fill out this form and send it to the House Governor.

For membership application forms, go here.

History

The information contained in this section has been compiled using data from club and UVM archives, articles in the Burlington Free Press and other publications, and written and verbal recollections of various club members. Past and present contributors and compilers include John Dinse, John Williams, Ann Brown, Betty Sproston Little, Dale Hyerstay, and Bern Collins.

Management

LCYC is a member-run club organized as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the state of Vermont. Our only employees are stewards or instructors. The club is managed by a fourteen member board of governors, each person elected for a three-year term. The terms are staggered to assure management continuity and to preserve a high degree of tradition over time. The elected commodore serves a two-year term.

Each board member has a designated area of management responsibility, as assigned by the commodore. To broaden member involvement in the smooth running of the club we have both formal and informal committees, generally chaired by a board member. To avoid the trap of the willing doing all of the work, all members are required to participate in our spring and fall workdays, when the club is opened and closed. Those unable to attend are required to help out with other tasks during the season. Our workday system works so well that we are able to get most everything done in half a day, capped off by a hearty lunch!

Membership

Most of the work required to operate LCYC is done by members and we
rely on active participation. There are two workdays each year in the
spring and fall in which all members are expected to participate.

To apply for membership, fill out the attached membership application
and mail it to the address indicated on the form along with a $25
application fee. Three member recommendations are also required for
consideration for membership. Please have members use the attached
form for their recommendations. Once the application and
recommendations are received your membership application is presented
to LCYC Board of Governors, which meets monthly.

Once approved for membership you may request the harbor master to
place your name on the mooring waiting list.

Note that members are responsible for any maintenance costs associated
with the mooring. This includes a yearly mooring commissioning fee.
The mooring field size is restricted to a maximum of moorings. We
must wait for a mooring to be released before it may be reassigned.

After Board approval and payment of initiation fee and dues you become
a member. Payment of initiation and dues is normally required 30 days after acceptance.

Chris Leopold
Membership Chair

Rules

CLUB BOATS & DINGHIES:

1. Club launches, whaler, and inflatable are to be operated only by staff and members authorized by the Boats Chair. Other members are not to borrow, drive, or attempt to mechanically fix any club boat without prior authorization by the Boats Chair. If special circumstances arise, the Boats Chair is to be contacted.
2. The Race Committee boat is to be operated only by members designated by the Regatta Chair.
3. Under no circumstances are club boats to be used to tow a member's boat. Arrangements may be made with a commercial enterprise for such purposes.
4. Club dinghies are for use to and from a member's mooring only, and are not to be taken from the harbor area for any reason. A club dinghy should not be left on a member's mooring while the member is away from the harbor.
5. Club boats and dinghies are not to be used as work boats. Members wanting to service their own moorings are to use the mooring puller.
6. All members are responsible to see that their guests and crew wear appropriate boating footwear on club boats. Mountain boots or shoes that leave black marks are not acceptable.
7. In the case of severe weather or the threat of hurricane, club boats will be pulled and stored on land.

CLUB INSTRUCTION BOATS:

[These rules will be added when available.]

DOCKS & MEMBERS' DINGHIES:

1. All members' dinghies must be marked with the owner's mooring number and name.
2. Dinghy tie-up space is restricted to boats primarily used as yacht tenders, normally under 14 feet in length.
3. Dinghy space in the area between the main dock and the dinghy dock is limited to boats 10 feet or less in length.
4. Dinghy space is first come, first served, starting on opening workday. Once a member has established their dinghy in a location, please honor their right to remain there for the entire season.
5. Dinghies used infrequently should be stored ashore on the rack.
6. All dinghies must be secured so that they do not damage other dinghies, must have adequate stern anchors, and must be kept reasonably emptied of water. Dinghies in violation will be removed from the docks at the discretion of the docks committee.
7. Boats are to occupy the end of the main dock only long enough to pick up or discharge passengers or supplies. The fingers of the main dock are for the convenience of all members and should not be occupied any longer than necessary during any time of high demand.
8. Trash, furniture, dinghies, moorings or other gear are not to be left on the docks.
9. Running is not permitted on the docks.
10. Fishing from the main dock is permitted only if the dock is not being otherwise used. Casting is not permitted.
11. Swimming is not permitted from the main dock or in the mooring area except in the immediate vicinity of a boat from which the swimmers have originated.
12. Young children must wear life jackets and be accompanied by an adult while on the docks.
13. There should be no unattended boats at the docks with the following exception: (a) Members are allowed to leave their boats at the dock for a short time when it is thought that there is no imminent unfavorable weather or winds and they are simply chasing parts, moving cars, making repairs etc. (b) Approval is granted by the commodore or dock chairperson.
14. Those members who have had their boats on the dock for an extended period during high usage should yield their space for another member.
15. The docks should not be used in stormy conditions.
16. It shall be the responsibility of the dock committee chair to enforce the club policies regarding dock usage. It shall be the responsibility of the members to voice their concerns to the commodore and/or the dock committee chair when they feel that their access to the docks has been restricted.
17. Members are reminded that on Wednesday evenings and or some Saturday or Sunday mornings the docks are being used for race preparation. For those members using the docks during that period of time, please understand that this is a period of high usage and extended stays on the docks should be avoided.

GROUNDS:

1. Members are free to use the picnic area at any time but are expected to leave clean grills and no mess.
2. Members' dogs must not be left unattended by the owners while on club property.
3. Members are responsible for their children on club property and must not leave young children unattended.
4. No boats or trailers shall be stored on LCYC grounds without prior written consent from the Board of Governors. Exception: One-design boats not on trailers and less then 20 feet in length and members' dinghies may be stored in designated areas while the club is open (May through October), as follows: (a) Dinghies may be stored on racks provided by the club or on the beach. It is the owner's responsibility to securely fasten boats to prevent storm loss or damage. (b) One design boats less than 20 feet in length on dollies or trailers may be stored on the beach or on south side of the grounds in a manner that does not prevent parking cars along the south side of the lot. Empty trailers may not be stored on club premises longer that three (3) consecutive days.
5. Parking of cars is to be confined to the parking lot. The lawn area is to be used as an overflow area only.
6. The Butler building and storage shed are intended for storage of LCYC equipment only and members must not store personal belongings there.

HARBOR:

MOORINGS:
1. The Harbor Committee is charged with the responsibility of managing the LCYC anchorage area and interpretation of these rules. A mooring is defined as all equipment required to moor a yacht, from and including the anchoring device up to the end of the pennant where it attaches to the vessel.
2. Moorings must meet the minimum standards for your boat size and location in the harbor, as outlined in the LCYC Harbor Management Guidelines and 1991 Minimum Mooring Standards.
3. Total scope shall not exceed 2/1. This may require shortening scope as the season progresses and the lake level drops.
4. If your boat drags, you are responsible to correct the situation immediately. If your boat continues to drag, or if the Harbor Master deems your mooring inadequate, you will be asked to remove your boat from the anchorage until a suitable mooring is obtained.
5. All mooring tackle must be marked with the mooring number on the lower end and on the surface end. All mooring floats (winter and summer) must be marked with the owner's name and mooring number (not the boat name).
6. You are expected to maintain your mooring equipment in a safe condition in order to keep your mooring privileges. Periodic inspections should be done and worn parts replaced. The club has its diving service inspect half of the moorings each year. If your mooring is judged unsafe, the diver is instructed to make immediate repairs and you will be responsible for the cost of repairs.
7. Any person whose boat drags or breaks away from their mooring must, within ten days, file a report to the Board of Governors explaining the circumstances, including a description of all ground tackle and the corrective actions taken.
8. Only the mooring puller is to be used for placing and retrieving moorings. Club boats are not to be used.
9. In the past, the approved mooring systems from our concrete blocks have been: (a) Chain-to-Float system (the preferred system); and (b) the Hazelett system. Because zebra mussels are causing the Hazelett systems to sink and become a hazard to other members, Hazeletts may be banned as a summer mooring in the future. Currently all Hazeletts must have a minimum 7" diameter float attached within 2' of the top of the Hazelett from spring work day to fall work day and be maintained such that they float a minimum of 6" above the water.
10. During March, members may sign up to have their moorings commissioned in the spring as well as winterized in the fall. The Harbor Master will assign a block of time at the beginning and end of the season for this work to be done. The members who sign up will share the cost.
11. By Memorial Day weekend of each year, any assigned mooring not yet commissioned will be used by the club. Should the club member thereafter desire to use his/her mooring, arrangements must be made through the Harbor Master for removal of the exisiting float and reimbursing the club for any expenses it incurred attaching or detaching the float.

LOCATION OF MOORINGS

12. Placement of moorings is at the discretion of the Harbor Master who will assign moorings based on water depth and boat size. The Harbor Committee may also advise an adjustment or relocation of moorings to make more efficient use of space. Ultimate responsibility for any damage lies with the boat owner.
13. If you have a problem with another member's mooring, make every effort to solve the problem yourselves. If necessary, contact the Harbor Master with full understanding that the Harbor Master's solution will be based on the best available compromise for all parties.
14. New members should be given an indication of the general area for their mooring by workday so proper equipment can be acquired. Location will be finalized within two weeks after workday.
15. A fairway for access to the docking area will be maintained. It will run from the main dock east to the limit of the mooring area. Boats are not to be anchored or moored in such a way as to interfere with this area.

GENERAL

16. Guest moorings will be maintained by the club and may be used by members in emergency situations, but prolonged usage is not allowed. A fee of $10 per night will be charged guests except as follows: Members of the Malletts Bay Boat Club and Valcour Sailing Club may stay on guest moorings without payment of fee for three (3) nights, including the nights required to participate in LCYC racing events. Consecutive use is to be limited to one week.
17. Water skiing within 200 feet of boats, swimmers, docks, moorings, or shorelines is prohibited by state law and club rules.
18. Speed of craft in the harbor must be reasonable under existing conditions.
19. Power craft will give way to sailing craft and all rules of the road will be observed.
20. All members and their guests are expected to strictly observe anti-pollution laws and practices in the harbor as well as throughout Lake Champlain. Such practices as discharging or dumping sewage, garbage, or trash, and pumping of oily bilges are not only illegal but also extremely offensive to anyone using the lake or its shores.
21. A member who removes his/her boat from the mooring field may retain the mooring assignment for two years if intending to reoccupy. After that time the mooring will be relinquished for reassignment. A member relinquishing in this fashion will retain all rights to reassignment per Article V, Section 3 of the By-laws. Members may not lend, sublet, or borrow moorings without the approval of the Harbor Master. Vacant moorings may be temporarily assigned or used as guest moorings during the two-year period.
22. Members are not permitted to operate, store, or launch motorized personal watercraft such as jetski or air-driven type boats at the club.

HOUSE:

1. It is the member's responsibility to assist in keeping the clubhouse clean and neat. Food and other perishable items are not to be left in the kitchen area.
2. Personal articles are not to be left overnight in the dressing rooms. Please try to keep the floors dry while using showers and dressing rooms.

Stewards & Launch Hours

2010 Stewards Team:

Amy Boerman
Nick Bryan
Tommy Cochrane
Lauren Harris
Kyle Paganelli
Rick Turvey

Hours of Operation:

May 15 to Memorial Day / Labor Day thru September:

Last day of launch service: Thursday, September 30

Plans