Rules for the Pontoon

  1. Wind Conditions
    Members and Visitors are welcome to use the pontoon except in strong and gale force winds, and always under the direction of the Sailing Committee.
  2. Personal Buoyancy
    A Personal Floatation Device must be worn by children under 12 years of age and by all non-swimmers using the pontoon or the approach Walkway and Bridge.
  3. Reserved Spaces
    The positioning of club boats takes precedence over members boats. Space for the Chevvy and for a RIB to be left in the water must be maintained. The north side of the pontoon is reserved as is the south-west side of the pontoon  These club boat positions are to be used, always seeking to avoid damage to the RIB from weather or difficult handling conditions.  It is the intention to keep the RIB on the North side of the pontoon, giving easier parking.
  4. Rafting and tying up
    Yachts may be tied up providing the skipper or owner remains on-site. Rafting, in suitable conditions, to a maximum of three boats is permitted with lines to the pontoon from the outside boats.  Those in highly manoeuvrable boats should consider leaving as much of the pontoon length as clear as possible for larger less manoeuvrable boats. 
  5. Clearing the Pontoon
    Space may be required to be cleared or reserved for Training, Safety, Event Management or an Emergency.
  6. Prolonged Use
    In the event of breakdown, dispensation may be given by the Sailing Captain for the use of the pontoon provided the boat is being worked on actively.
  7. Environment
    Skippers are required to adhere to good environmental practice at all times, especially while moored to the pontoon. This includes not discharging waste to the environment and the transport of refuse to receptacles on shore. Unattended obstructions or tripping hazards on the pontoon must be avoided.
  8. Visitors Moorings
    The Visitors Moorings (two grey buoys to the east of the Club pontoon) were provided by Down District Council and are maintained by EDYC at the expense of Down District Council, to promote sailing in Strangford Lough. They are expressly for the use of visitors and are not for the routine or extended use of members. Abuse of this facility may result in the withdrawal of DDC support.
  9. Speed & Wash
    A speed limit of 5 knots is recommended within the mooring area of the Dorn and adjacent to the pontoon and visitors moorings.