Extreme weather procedure
It is our ambition as a club to sail in a variety of weather conditions, including very cold, wet or windy weather. Whilst this is our aim, there will be circumstances when sailing needs to be secondary to other factors. This document lays out the procedure for closing the club and standing down the duty team in the event of extreme weather conditions.
The decision-making group would usually consist of: -
- The Sailing Secretary, Nick Ryles
- The Commodore, Doug Phillips
- The duty team leader for the day
For the Sailing Secretary email sailingsec.wsc@gmail.com, call 01278 686392 or send a message via the clubs WhatsApp groups. Contact details should also be available via the members' portal on the club website. If reasonable efforts have been made to convene the decision-making group but communication is not possible or delayed, then either the Sailing Secretary or Commodore can make the decision alone.
Early discussions (up to 72 hours before sailing) can be beneficial but obviously the forecast will become more accurate nearer the day of sailing. A decision should ideally be made by 7pm the evening before sailing to allow communication with members to take place.
A meeting should be convened if some, or all, of the following circumstances exist:
- A named Storm affecting the area
- Weather warnings, of either wind or rain, or both
- A forecast of very strong wind speeds (usually exceeding 30 knots)
- A combination of conditions, for example extreme rain and strong winds, which may make travel hazardous.
- Conditions which might cause unreasonable hazard to duty teams, in addition to conditions which exist during published sailing times
- Forecast of overnight freezing temperatures which are likely to remain so for much of the scheduled sailing time.
- Forecast of heavy snow at the lake.
- Localized flooding around the lake.
If a decision is made to cancel sailing the duty team leader is responsible for informing the duty team and the Commodore or the Sailing Secretary should email all club members by 7.00pm the night before sailing.
Last updated 7:24pm on 26 January 2025