Terms of Hire

Club Hire Fleet - Terms of Hire

The terms of hire for ESC dinghies, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and windsurfers (referred to collectively as the 'hire fleet') are designed to keep people safe and the hire fleet craft in the best condition possible. The hiring of any ESC craft is conditional upon the hirer adhering to these terms and following the 'Guidelines For Use'. Hirers who do not take care of equipment may be unable to hire in the future.

Definitions:

Hirer - the Club member who completes the transaction of hiring the craft

User - the Club member who uses the craft, when different from the above definition

Temporary member - per the definition in the Byelaws.

Terms:

1) The hire fleet may only be hired and helmed by Club members
2) The hirer must be 18 years or over at the date of hire
3) The hirer is responsible for the craft while it is being used during the period of hire
4) The hirer will be considered the "master" of the craft for the period of use
5) Temporary members or signed-in guests may only accompany the hirer or user on craft designed for more than one person
6) The member must remain at the helm of the craft at all times
7) For all hire fleet craft, the route of sail must be no further than 3 nautical miles from the Club launching slipway
8) No hire fleet craft will be hired to the same person or family for a period in excess of 5 consecutive days without written approval, in advance, from the Secretary
9) The hirer may not launch the craft from any location other than the Club, without written approval, in advance, from the Secretary
10) ESC may require the hirer to provide a deposit against damage (of not more than £50) prior to the hiring, in addition to the hire fee
11) Any damage or loss to the hired equipment will be reported by following this link https://forms.office.com/e/UppZErHVFR
12) If damage to the craft is not reported, the hirer may be liable for the full cost of repairs beyond fair wear and tear
13) Hirers shall reimburse the Club for any loss or damage to the craft and/or a third party, caused during their period of hire, and shall either pay the full cost of replacement and/or repair, or pay the amount of any insurance excess applicable or £50, whichever is the lesser amount
14) Hire fleet craft must be returned to their allocated slot on the terrace or Mountbatten Dinghy Park, by the hirer
15) All equipment used is to be washed down immediately after use and packed away free of sand/mud. A surcharge may be applied to the hirer if this is not completed to a satisfactory standard
16) The Club or the Bosun may make such enquiries of the hirer as considered appropriate, prior to the hiring, to satisfy themselves that the hirer is competent to sail the craft
17) The Club or the Bosun have the right to refuse a hiring on such grounds as considered appropriate
18) Hirers will be bound by the Club Rules and Byelaws and will go afloat at their own risk
19) It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian who is hiring a craft for a junior member to use, to ensure that the craft is appropriate to the sailor's ability, their weight, the weather conditions and is rigged accordingly
20) All persons using the hire fleet craft shall wear a buoyancy aid at all times whilst afloat. Other safety equipment may be useful if the hirer is taking the boat some distance from the Club, e.g. a handheld radio or mobile phone
21) The maximum number of people on board will not exceed the number stipulated in the description of each craft this should be in accordance with the CE plate that can be found within the cockpit of the vessel
22) The Club may impose other conditions on the hire of the craft, as it considers necessary
23) The Club reserves the right to cancel any bookings if hire fleet craft are required for training purposes. Training will always take priority over other bookings. The Club will endeavour to provide as much cancellation notice as possible
24) Members should not go afloat on any Club hire craft under the influence of drugs or alcohol
25) Smoking aboard any hire fleet craft is strictly prohibited
26) Attention is drawn to the need to comply with the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the Chichester Harbour Byelaws.
27) Refunds are at the discretion of the Club and will only be issued in exceptional circumstances.