CBC has developed rules and procedures to help ensure a safe, rewarding, and fun learning environment. It is important that you review these rules. Appropriate behavior is expected at all times.

Failure to observe the rules and procedures vary according to the nature of the infraction, but can include loss of sailing privileges and/ or program expulsion. Verbal or physical abuse, or behavior that jeopardizes your safety or that of anyone else in the program, will result in early dismissal with a warning. A second incident will constitute a written warning and appropriate sanctions. Any additional incident will result in dismissal from the remainder of the season without refund of tuition or membership fee.

If you have any questions concerning our Rules and Procedures, please contact the Director at 401-454-7245 or info@communityboating.com. We’re here to make your sailing experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.

> Be Safe, Be Responsible
> Personnel Gear
> Equipment
> CBC Sailing Area
> Miscellaneous Rules and Procedures
> Open Sailing
> Weather
> On-the-Water Evaluation
> Ratings
> Guests
> Watch the Flag
> Green/ Red Flag
> Right of Way
> Running Aground
> Man Overboard
> Capsizing

Sailing involves potential hazards inherent to all water sports. Anyone going out in a boat must understand the associated risks and assume full responsibility for their actions on the water. CBC staff has the right to limit any part of the program, or close it completely at any time, if the safety of members may be threatened.

The person in charge also has the right to revoke any sailing or membership privileges for violation of these rules. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, or that a staff member has shown poor judgment, you may discuss it later with him/ her, the Director, or Board of Directors. At the time, however, you must comply with his/ her request.

Everyone using CBC boats is required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) which is Coast Guard approved, the proper size for weight and build, and form-fitting and comfortable, as it will be worn at all times during program involvement. Protective clothing including drysuits, wetsuits, boots, gloves, and thermal layering appropriate to the sailing conditions are also the responsibility of the sailor and are a requirement for participation in all programs. Shoes will also be worn at all times, both in the boats and on the docks and site.

All equipment must be inspected prior to each sail. Familiarize yourself with wind and weather conditions and how your boat should be rigged to accommodate them. Please keep in mind the ever-present hazard of the swinging boom. Watch you head! Accidents or collisions resulting in damage/ injury must be reported immediately. You must also inspect your boat after sailing and report broken/ worn equipment. Do not drag sails on the dock, floor, or grass. Boats must be bailed and free of litter.

Day Sailers and Hunters are designed for at least 2-3 adults. FJs require 2 sailors. These requirements are necessary for weight distribution and control. We encourage you to sail with other members to learn from each other and build a community of sailors excited about sailing.

The sailing area must be obeyed as marked on the CBC master chart. Members must be familiar with the local waters as there are many obstructions to contend with. Feel free to ask a staff member if you are not sure of open sailing areas. Sailing time may be restricted upon demand — maximum limit upon restriction is two hours.

• No swimming or landing at other docks or shore.
• Stay clear of CBC dock and landing boats.
• Do not litter the property, dock, boats, or river.
• Alcohol, controlled substances and smoking are prohibited.
• No bikes, rollerblades, or pets are allowed near docks/ building.

Instructional classes and programs have priority for boat use during class time slots. Members may use boats not being utilized for classes during open sailing hours upon staff approval.

Storms may approach very quickly up Narragansett Bay. Keep a close eye on weather conditions. If it feels as though a storm may be approaching, or the wind suddenly gets stronger, return at once. Always check weather conditions prior to leaving dock.

All members must pass an on the water evaluation of basic sailing skills in order to participate in open sailing privileges. A check-out test is required for each type of boat you wish to sail. There is a one-time fee of $20 for the initial test, and $5 per boat upgrade. This test is FREE to qualified members who volunteer to steer a boat in one Beginner class. Members taking courses will learn the skills required for this evaluation.

Skipper’s tests may be scheduled one week prior to your desired first sailing date in that boat and are available as time and weather permit. You will only be allowed to sail the boat you have been pre-qualified in. Scheduled classes and private instruction are available to teach the proper skills required to handle each class of sailboat at CBC.

Green — Adult may sail alone with mainsail only in winds < 6 knts.
Blue — Adult may bring guests and sail with main and jib < 10 knts.
Yellow — Adult may use advanced boats in winds < 16 knots
Orange — Adult may be given teaching privileges in < 21 knts.
Red — Adult may be given racing privileges in < 21 knts.

Qualified CBC members may take out guests as often as they like at no charge provided there are boats available. There must be a qualified member in each boat, and each member and guest must sign the sign-out sheet. Members are responsible for their guests and for their safety. It is the obligation of each member to know emergency procedures and to ensure that his/ her guests are familiar with them prior to sailing.

You are required to sail within sight of the American flag at all times. In an emergency or should weather conditions deteriorate, the flag may be lowered to half-mast. You must return to the dock immediately if the flag is lowered to half-mast! CBC staff may revoke membership privileges or limit participation for violation of this very important rule.

A green flag indicates that no restrictions are present and that members may sail according to the level and boat they have previously qualified in.

A red flag indicates that there are restrictions currently present due to weather or equipment limitations. Each member must check the posted restrictions prior to sailing. Less experienced members may not be permitted to sail on some red flag days. Common restrictions include the use of storm sails due to high wind or wave conditions, or restrictions to the open sailing area due to weather or boat traffic.

Avoid collisions! Sailboats on port tack yield to starboard, windward yields to leeward, overtaking yields to overtaken. Avoid boats having difficulty. Yield to hand propelled craft. Watch out especially for shells (rowboats) that are hard to see, travel fast, and frequently don’t see you. Large motorboats (tankers, ferries, ships, etc.) limited in maneuverability always have the right of way. Give all ships a 50 yard min. buffer zone.

Stay in the boat! There are many underwater obstructions that you cannot see near shore. Some can cut right through your shoes. Raise your centerboard, lower your sail, or remove your rudder to free yourself from the obstruction. Give all shorelines a 50 yard min. buffer zone.

If anyone falls out of the boat, watch his/ her position constantly and return to pick him/ her up immediately. It is difficult to find a person in the water once you have lost sight of him/ her.

Stay with the boat! The current can be very strong making swimming difficult. Do not try to swim to shore. All boats have internal flotation, and won’t sink even when full of water. Do not stand on top of the capsized boat, as your weight may force the mast into the mud. Speed is the key to recovery success.