WINSA

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Prepared October 15, 2006
Based on original copy of June 23, 1994

Article I

Name, Function, Burgee

Section 1
The name of this Association shall be the NAS Whidbey Island Naval Sailing Association. (WINSA)

Section 2
This Association shall function as a branch of the U.S. Navy Sailing Association, sponsored by the Bureau of Naval Personnel. (BUPERS)

Section 3
The Burgee of WINSA shall be a pennant with a blue field and a gold W starting at the hoist followed by a gold horizontal stripe running from the center of the W to the point of the Burgee. The W and gold stripe having a width equal to one-eighth the vertical height of the hoist.

Article II

Objectives

Section 1
To promote and facilitate sail training, cruising and competitive sailing.

Section 2
To establish and maintain appropriate contact and liaison between the membership of other yachting organizations both civilian and military.

Section 3
To assist NAS Whidbey Island in furthering boating and sailing as a sport of the Station's Morale Welfare and Recreation Department, and to stimulate the acquisition of craft suitable for the purposes of the Association.

Section 4
Will emphasize the teaching of sailing arts and skills in order to encourage members to sail safely and skillfully.

Article III

Membership

Section 1
There shall be two types of membership in WINSA.

  1. Regular Membership will be open to any person who is capable of and desirous of actively participating in or making a significant contribution to the objectives of WINSA. Individuals pursuing advanced sailing qualifications beyond Skipper Class B-2 level will require a regular membership.
  2. Family Membership will be open to members of the household of a regular member at no additional fee. Members of the household are defined as persons who are legal deductions for federal income tax purposes. Only one vote per family will be permitted at General Meetings.
    1. Individuals 18 and older desiring to pursue advanced sailing qualifications beyond Skipper Class B-2 level will require a regular membership.

Section 2
A member in good standing shall be one who has fulfilled all of his/her obligations to the association.

Section 3
The minimum age shall be 14 (ages 14 through 18 will require parental/guardian approval). Members must be 18 years or older to hold office.

Section 4
Membership will allow the following:

  1. May take part in all programs and activities of WINSA.
  2. May attend all rendezvous and business meetings, may offer and second motions for vote, may cast vote in person or by proxy and may hold office, if age limit allows.
  3. May fly the Association burgee as appropriate.
  4. Will receive mailings of all material published by the Association.
  5. Will receive official membership card certifying his or her sailing qualification level.
  6. May join as an individual membership in the U.S. Navy Sailing Association.

Section 5
Members when assigned in accordance with this constitution, will actively serve on standing special committees. All members are expected to contribute, as requested, to the work as well as enjoying the benefits of the Association. Eligibility for membership and payment of annual dues are not alone sufficient to assure acceptance or retention on the membership rolls.

Article IV

Officers and Organization

Section 1
The administration and management of the Association shall be vested in an Executive Committee consisting of the following elected officers and the chairpersons of the standing committees. Elected officers shall assume their duties on 1 January for a period of one year.

  1. Commodore. The Commodore shall preside at all meetings and perform all other duties as appropriate for proper management of the association. The Commodore shall serve as chair of the Executive Committee and as a member (ex officio) of all other committees. The Commodore shall create special committees as appropriate, and shall appoint chairs of the standing and special committees. Unless held by elected officers, chairs shall serve at the pleasure of the Commodore.
  2. Vice Commodore. The Vice Commodore shall assist the Commodore in the performance of his/her duties, and in the absence of the Commodore, act as the Commodore. The Vice Commodore shall serve as the Chair of the Membership Committee.
  3. Rear Commodore. The Rear Commodore shall assist the Commodore in his/her duties and will serve as Chair of the Training Committee. (Training and Safety)
  4. Secretary. The Secretary shall maintain files of all current correspondence of the Association. The Secretary shall also submit a written list of the membership to all members, updated at least annually, maintains minutes of all general membership and executive meetings, and shall serve as a member of the Membership Committee and make initial recommendations on applications covering the eligibility of all applicants.
  5. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records of the Association, with all funds deposited in a local bank. The Treasurer shall submit a written report at the annual meeting of all receipts and disbursements and the balance of funds remaining in the account. The Treasurer shall make available for audit, at any time requested by the Commodore or the Executive Committee, the Association's account status. The Treasurer shall also prepare the annual budget. All disbursement of funds shall be in strict accordance with these by-laws.

Section 2
Standing Committees. Membership on standing committees shall be assigned on an annual basis by the Executive Committee with the exception of those committee positions required to be filled in accordance with this Constitution. Chairs of standing committees shall report to the membership, at the annual meeting, the activities and accomplishments of their committees for the past year, and shall submit to the Executive Committee recommendations for such items as considered to be included in the annual budget for the forthcoming year.

  1. Membership Committee shall be chaired by the Vice Commodore. In addition to the Secretary there shall be at least one other member. This committee shall rule on all questions of eligibility for membership in accordance with the requirements of this Constitution and by-laws.
  2. Qualification Committee shall be chaired by the Vice Commodore. In addition to the Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore, there shall be at least three members selected by the Vice Commodore from among the most highly skilled and experienced sailors in the Association. Members other than the Rear Commodore shall serve at the pleasure of the Vice Commodore.
    1. The Qualification Committee shall establish and maintain a set of standard performance procedures for each WINSA qualification level, and shall determine the sailing qualifications of all WINSA members. The chair shall keep the secretary fully informed as to the level of proficiency held or obtained by each member for the proper notation on membership records.
  3. Training Committee shall be chaired by the Rear Commodore. The Rear Commodore shall appoint the members of the Training Committee; members shall serve at the pleasure of the Rear Commodore. The Training Committee shall establish and conduct a continuing training program to increase the level of qualification held by members.
    The chair may form sub-committees to develop and conduct training as required, furthermore, this committee shall investigate all boating mishaps and provide recommendations for corrective action. They shall identify deficiencies in procedures and/or equipment and maintain current safety rules and regulations on file and make safety information available to Association members.
  4. Facilities Committee. The chair of the Facilities Committee shall hold the title and fulfill the duties of Fleet Captain. The Fleet Captain shall appoint other members of the committee and they shall serve at the pleasure of the Fleet Captain. The committee shall be responsible for;
    1. Assignment of berthing spaces for yachts owned by members when such spaces are available to and controlled by the Association.
    2. Providing timely advice and assistance to the Naval Air Station on matters affecting the Marina facilities, the acquisition of additional or replacement yachts, and yacht maintenance.
    3. Appointment of boat captains for all yachts owned or charted by the Association, and overseeing the operation and maintenance of such yachts, including the costs thereof.
  5. Activities Committee. The chair shall appoint members of the committee and they shall serve at the pleasure of the chair. The committee shall be responsible for the organization and conduct of social activities and community services sponsored or hosted by the Association.
  6. Race Committee. The chair shall appoint members of the committee, and they shall serve at the pleasure of the chair. The committee shall be responsible for all activities and the organization associated with the holding of yacht races sponsored or hosted by the Association. The Chair shall appoint delegates as appropriate to represent the Association in its liaison with other yacht racing organizations and activities.
  7. Cruise Committee. The chair shall appoint members of the committee and shall serve at the pleasure of the chair. The committee shall be responsible for the organization, planning and execution for sailing trips in adjacent waters of Whidbey Island for both day and extended cruises.
  8. Web Master. The chair shall appoint members of the committee and shall serve at the pleasure of the chair. The committee shall be responsible for the creation and management of the website in keeping with the spirit of WINSA. They will also keep posted upcoming events, up-to-date links regarding contacts, memberships, meetings, etc.

Section 3
Special Committees.

Nominations Committee. The Commodore shall appoint a chair for the nominations committee no later than 1 August of each year. The chair shall select 2 to 4 committee members who have a broad knowledge of member contributions on activities of concern to WINSA. The committee shall survey and select members for elected offices, and confirm their willingness to serve. The membership shall be notified of the nominations at least thirty days prior to the annual meeting. Provisions for proxy voting, write-in candidates or nomination from the floor must have consented to serve, if elected. The committee shall conduct the election process or appoint a committee to do so.

Article V

Meetings

Section 1
The Annual Meeting shall be held in November of each year for the election of officers for the next year, and for such other business as may be necessary.

Section 2
Regular meetings shall be one monthly meeting as determined by the membership.

Section 3
Special meetings of the Association may be called by the Commodore with notification posted at the marina or via contacting the membership.

Section 4
Meeting of the Executive Committee (all standing officers) shall be at the direction of the Commodore.

Article VI

Organizational Rules Authority

Section 1
The rules contained in the current edition of “Roberts Rules of Order” shall govern the Association.

Section 2
Quorum –

  1. A simple majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
  2. A simple majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum

Section 3
Amendments-

  1. Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws may be proposed by any member through the Executive Committee at anytime.
  2. Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by two-thirds majority vote of the membership.

Article VII

Finances

Section 1
Approval of expenditures requires a check with signature by two of the following Association officers:

  1. Commodore
  2. Vice Commodore
  3. Treasurer

Section 2
The Commodore may expend up to $100 without approval of the Executive Committee.

Section 3
The Executive Committee may expend up to $500 without approval of the general membership.

Section 4
The Association is to be operated as a non-profit organization.

Section 5
Annual dues – Individual and Family membership dues are $30 per year. New membership will be prorated.

Article VIII

Dissolution of Organization

Section 1
Upon dissolution of the Whidbey Island Naval Sailing Association, all assets will be given equally to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society and the Oak Harbor youth sailing program. If the Oak Harbor youth sailing program is not functioning, then all funds will go to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society.

Article IX

Individual Proficiency Qualifications

This Association shall issue individual proficiency qualifications in accordance with the standards set by the Chief of Naval Personnel, and the U.S. Naval Sailing Association.

Qualification Levels and Requirements

The Association will emphasize the teaching of sailing arts and skills in order to encourage members to sail safely, skillfully and pleasurably. (Moved to Article II)

Section 1
Mate - Class A. Minimum qualifications to crew a small sailing craft. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road, nomenclature, and basic seamanship.

Section 2
Skipper- Class A. Qualified to handle sailing craft up 20 feet in length, in the local area in daylight conditions. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road, and water safety procedures. (Minimum age 14)

Skipper- Class B-2. Qualified to handle sailing craft up to 28 feet in length, in the local area under sail or power in daylight conditions. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road, coastal navigation and piloting, and water safety procedures. (Minimum age 18)

Section 3
Cruising Skipper - Class B-2. Qualified to skipper sailing craft up to 28 feet in length in the local area, under power or sail, during day or night conditions. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road and coastal piloting techniques. (Minimum age of 18)

Section 4
Racing Skipper- Class C/NFS. A qualified skipper who has a theoretical and practical knowledge of yacht racing rules and tactics, plus mastery of the special skills involved in racing in close quarters during day or night conditions. (Minimum age 18)

Section 5
Racing Skipper- Class C/FS. A qualified skipper who has a theoretical and practical knowledge of yacht racing rules and tactics, plus mastery of the special skills involved in racing in close quarters and the use of spinnaker sails during day or night conditions. (Minimum age 18)

Section 6
Senior Crew - Class SC. Qualified to assist a Senior skipper or Watch captain In sailing an auxiliary powered sailboat over 28 feet in length by performing routine tasks involved in sailing the vessel with minimal supervision other than assignment of duties, and having sufficient knowledge that other routine tasks do not require lengthy explanation. (Minimum age 18)

Section 7
Senior Watch Captain-Class SWC. Qualified to take charge of an auxiliary powered sailboat, over 28 feet in length, under command of a Senior or Offshore Skipper while underway when the Skipper is on deck. Includes the ability to handle all necessary operations under normal conditions such as navigation, sail evolutions, initial action in emergencies, and supervising crew in their duties. (Minimum age 18)

Section 8
Senior Skipper - Class D. Qualified to command and sail an auxiliary powered sailboat over 28 feet in length in out-of-area inland waters in all weather conditions, day or night. (Minimum age 18)

Section 9
Off Shore Skipper- Class DO. Qualified to command or serve as Watch Captain on a large sailing yacht off shore under all weather conditions, day or night. (Minimum age 18)

Article X

Application for Initial and/or Renewal Membership

Section 1
The Secretary shall provide for the availability of application forms to all member and prospective members.

Section 2
All applications for membership must be accompanied by the annual dues, and must be completely filled in as specified on the forms provided.

Section 3
Final action by the membership Committee shall constitute authority for the Secretary to issue, or deny issue of, a membership card to the applicant.