INFORMATION ABOUT ELYC MEMBERSHIP

You will find the answers to many questions you may have about ELYC membership and activities below. If your question is not answered, please get in touch with us via one of the contact points listed below.

• How To Contact East Lothian Yacht Club
  
• Membership FAQs
  
• Dinghy Sailing at ELYC
  
• What Training Is Available at ELYC?
  
• New to ELYC?
  
• Club Facilities
  
• ELYC is Run by its Members: What Will be Expected of You?
  
• Assistant Cox Duty: What to Expect
• Assistant Officer of the Day (AOOD): What To Expect
• Kit List

• How To Use Credit After An Event Has Been Cancelled

• On The Website

How To Contact East Lothian Yacht Club

Email	Facebook	Whatsapp
membership@elyc.org.uk	ELYC Members (Members Only)	WhatsApp Buddy Group available to new members.
training@elyc.org.uk		Please contact membership@elyc.org.uk to be added to this group

Membership FAQs

How long will it take to process my application?

As soon as you pay, your membership will be active allowing you to book onto courses.  However, it will be provisional as all applications need to be approved by the committee which meets once a month.

When does the membership year start?

The membership year starts on the 1st March.  For members joining from the 1st September, fees are reduced by 50%.

Can I pay my subscription on a monthly basis?

Yes, our fees are annual, but if you prefer you can pay in monthly instalments via PayPal. Contact membership@elyc.org.uk for details.

Please note if choosing to pay your annual fee in monthly instalments: if you join after March, which is the start of our membership year, you will be invoiced for the month of March up until your joining date separately e.g. if you join in June, you will be invoiced for the period March to May, with monthly payments starting from June.

Dinghy Sailing at ELYC

What organised sailing sessions do you run?

We run club racing every Saturday afternoons all year round. Additionally, from April to September:

• Club Racing also runs on Wednesday evenings
• Social Sailing on some Saturdays and Sundays
• Fun Fridays supported by experienced club members
• Go Racing series on Tuesday evenings for those seeking to increase their confidence, in anticipation of joining in club racing

Weather permitting Social Sailing activities carry on throughout the year if there is demand. Club boats are available to hire at a small cost for all these sessions (providing you have your RYA level 2 or equivalent). Lots of opportunities to sail! 

What Training Is Available at ELYC?

We run Adult Learn to Sail Courses usually at the beginning of June, and Adult Improvers when there is demand. Summer School and our Adult Learn to Sail Courses are annual events. If you would like the opportunity to take part in any of the other courses which are held on demand, please contact training@elyc.org.uk to register your interest. 

We run Summer School during the school holidays offering: 

• RYA 1&2 Cadet Learn to Sail courses
• RYA Youth Improvers Stage 3: Start Racing
• RYA Youth Improvers Stage 4: Seamanship

What are the dates for your next courses?

As soon as our 2025 training calendar has been confirmed it will be available on our website.

I want to sign up to a course at ELYC. Do I need to be a member?

Yes, we are not a commercial training centre and our courses are only available for club members. You can apply for membership, and once a member you will be able to register for courses. Information about membership is available on our website.

I am new to sailing, what kit will I need?

If you have joined to do a Learn to Sail course, our Training Team will be in touch before your course advising what to wear and what to expect. There is also a suggested kit list below.

At ELYC we also offer:

• Powerboat (PB2) training for those interested in learning to drive a RIB or who wish to improve their skill allowing them to Cox at club events
• RYA Safety Boat training
• ELYC-specific Safety Boat training
• ELYC Induction Sessions for members who have gained their PB2 at other Training Centres
• First Aid training
• VHF radio courses

New to ELYC?

I am new to the club. Can someone show me around?

Of course, please contact our membership secretary: membership@elyc.org.uk who will arrange for someone to show you around.

Since my training course I have not sailed independently at the club. Can somebody give me some advice?

Of course, please contact our membership secretary: membership@elyc.org.uk who will arrange for someone to take you through the process.

How do I find out what events are running?

Any events coming up soon appear on the Home page of the website. All other events at ELYC, whether sailing, power boating, training or social are listed on our calendar. Other than racing, members need to register online before attending any event.

Do you have club boats I can use?

Yes, our fleet includes Topper, Zest, Topaz, Laser 2000 and Pico dinghies. Club boats can be hired for a small fee by members who have their RYA Level 2 (or equivalent experience). When you register for an event on the website you will be offered the option to hire a club boat.

May I use club boats to go free sailing outwith organised sessions?

No. For insurance reasons club boats may only be used when an appropriate level of safety cover is in place on the water.

What is the dinghy parking fee and how do I get a space?

The Dinghy Park and Harbour moorings are administered by North Berwick Harbour Trust Association.  Fees and the application process can be found on their website.

Club Facilities

How can I access the clubhouse?

You access the club house using a fob, which can be purchased from the bar or the café for £10. Unless the café or bar is open this will normally only give you access to the ground floor facilities.

How do I access the changing rooms?

Your Welcome email gives you the security code for the changing rooms. All members are asked to contribute to club security by ensuring the changing rooms are always locked. Please never put a door ‘on the snib.’

Can I store foils, masts and spars at the club?

Yes, we have secure storage in the Granary building. All members are asked to contribute to club security by keeping our buildings locked at all times.

Can I keep my boat at the club?

The Dinghy Park and Harbour moorings are administered by North Berwick Harbour Trust Association.  Fees and the application process can be found on their website.

When are the Sail Loft Café and the bar open?

The Sail Loft Café is open on Saturdays before and after sailing. It also opens by special arrangement when social sailing is running.

The bar is open on Friday nights after Fun Friday events and on Saturday evenings after sailing. The bar is run by club members on a voluntary basis. Any member who has undergone bar training can open up the bar.

We run a series of social events throughout the year for club members, organised by volunteers which are advertised on the social calendar.

ELYC is Run by its Members: What Will be Expected of You?

Will I be expected to volunteer?

Yes. Our club is run by members, for members and it is expected that all members will volunteer in some capacity: on the water, helping at social events, assisting with boat maintenance, Beachmaster, helping to run regattas or on the committee. We have a  Social Sailing Team, Bar-trained volunteers and a shore-based Social Events team. You will have no difficulty in finding a role to suit you. Perhaps you have an area of expertise which you can offer us? If so, please speak to any of the committee.

How can I find out about what duties involve?

On the Home page of our website, under the banner heading Sailing/Sailing Guidance Notes, you will find the document Description of Club Duties which gives a brief outline of the requirements for each type of duty, otherwise please just ask any of us – remember, we were all new to club duties at one point too and we all went through the same learning process at some point. The first couple of times you volunteer, simply speak to the rest of your duty team on the day and they will give you help and advice. Examples of what to expect when volunteering for Assistant Cox duties and Assistant Officer of the Day duties are given below.

How is Safety Cover organised at ELYC?

During club events our RIBs are crewed by club members on a voluntary basis. Each crew has two members: Cox and Assistant Cox. As a pathway towards becoming  a qualified Cox we run RYA PB2 courses, RYA Safety Boat courses and we offer ELYC in-house Safety Boat training. In addition, the club has recently started to offer ELYC Induction Sessions for members who have obtained their PB2 at other Training Centres - mandatory for under-16 PB2 holders.

How do I volunteer for duties?

To volunteer for water-based duties please contact racing@elyc.org.uk and ask to be given a Dutyman account.  You can then log in and see what opportunities are available. Also, watch out for emails throughout the year seeking volunteers to help behind the bar, at social events and at regattas. If you have any particular skills or experience which you would like to share, please do not hesitate to contact any committee member.

Assistant Cox Duty (Racing Events*): What to Expect

This duty is suitable for any club member who is dressed appropriately to enter the water from a RIB to assist in a rescue situation and who is fit enough to help to pull a rescued sailor into the RIB. (*Please Note: Fun Friday teams are comprised of more experienced volunteers.) 

Responsibility: to ensure the safety of participants - PEOPLE BEFORE BOATS; to remain vigilant, from launch until all boats are back onshore;  to keep a headcount of boats on the water; to assist in rescue/recovery situations under the direction of your Cox.

• Arrive at clubhouse doors 60-90 minutes before race start time
• Report to OOD, meet your Cox, receive your VHF radio
• Change into kit: a drysuit or wetsuit is mandatory as is a buoyancy aid. Rescue Duty is colder than sailing so more layers plus hat, gloves & thermal socks are recommended
• Help your Cox with pre-launch RIB and equipment checks
• The tractor driver will move RIBs to the beach once checked
• OOD will brief the safety crews
• Launch RIBs
• Radio check with OOD while still in the bay
• RIBs are initially stationed to provide safety cover in the bay and at the end of the Fairway while boats launch, then should spread out to provide full supervision of the course
• Count the number of boats afloat
• ACox may be required to lift and drop marks or anchors, provide assistance to sailors and boats, and recover sailors from the water
• Once all sailors and boats are ashore recover the RIBs
• Hose down RIBs, trailers & tractor and return to stores
• Rinse VHF radio and return to OOD

This is a great way to get experience, build confidence and learn along the way. The OOD and Coxes will be more than happy to guide you and answer any questions you have. More information is available on our website.

Assistant Officer of the Day (AOOD): What To Expect

Please note: for Safeguarding reasons the AOOD must be 18 or over unless specific conditions are met. Contact cpo@elyc.org.uk for more information.

Our more experienced members volunteer as Officer of the Day and are often looking for an Assistant OOD to assist them in the Watch Hut. The Watch Hut is a wonderful vantage point to learn more about racing at ELYC. No prior experience is necessary. Arrive 60 – 90 minutes before the event start time.

The Officer of the Day might ask you to: 

• Actively chivvy up the sailors to complete the sign-out sheet.
• Lock the Granary Building (front and back doors) and the Sun Lounge i.e. our two boat stores. Also lock the front door of the clubhouse.
• Bring the sign-out sheet to the Watch Hut about 10 minutes before the race start.
• Help the OOD keep an eye on the time during the start sequence.
• Make up the race result sheet based on the info given on the sign-out sheet.
• Write down times every lap, and for the finish, as called out by the OOD.

This is one OOD’s version of what is required. Another OOD may work slightly differently. Today’s AOODs are tomorrow’s OODs so pick the OODs brains and enjoy learning how we run the racing.

Kit List

This is our strongly recommended kit list for adults and cadets alike. N.B. It can be easy for non-sailing parents/carers to underestimate how cold cadets can become while sailing at North Berwick.

• Wetsuit (ideally 5mm thick)
• Windproof outer layer (does not need to be sailing specific. Any windproof kagool would suffice.
• Dinghy boots (trainers would do - adding neoprene or polypro socks will help to keep feet warm. Do not wear cotton socks.
• Buoyancy aid (minimum of 50 newtons) - please note that club buoyancy aids are only made available during training events. For all other club events members require their own buoyancy aid.
• Towel, a change of clothes and dry footwear. This is important, particularly to warm up cold cadets quickly should the need arise.
• Helmet - parental choice. Helmets are mandatory during Learn to Sail courses for everyone under 18. Club helmets are only made available during training events. For all other club events members require their own helmet if one is desired.
• A beanie hat will help to keep you warm.
• Sailing gloves will help you to grip ropes.
• Swimwear for under your wetsuit.
• Sun protection - the effects of the sun are more noticeable on the water.
• Water bottle

Recommended for RIB duties: You can get cold surprisingly quickly on a RIB. We recommend you add additional layers to the kit described above e.g. thermals beneath your wetsuit and/or an extra fleecy layer between your wetsuit &  windproof layer and thermal socks. Gloves and a hat are essential. Flask with a hot drink is a good idea.

How To Use Credit After An Event Has Been Cancelled

• When you go on to the ELYC website, make sure you have logged into your account
  
• Register for a new event in the normal way
  
• When you arrive at the ‘Review and Confirm’ stage, select the option INVOICE ME
  
• At the top right hand corner of your screen click on the icon and select ‘View Your Profile'
  
• Click on 'Invoices and payments' (the hazard sign indicates you have credit on your profile)
• Click on SETTLE
• The event should now appear in your invoice list as Settled

Please do not hesitate to contact vicecommodore@elyc.org.uk or membership@elyc.org to help if it still does not work for you.

On The Website