There are three main types of written rules that apply to the organization of a yacht club. They are:

1.THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

The articles are important when a yacht club handles monies and properties for others, the main purpose being to protect the individual members from personal liability for debts of the club. The articles define the relationship of the club to the yachting fraternity and contain the information necessary for a secretary of state to approve the application. The articles contain the name of the club, its purpose, the number of proposed officers and directors, the names of members who are incorporators, and other information.

2.THE CONSTITUTION

The constitution basically states the relationship between the purpose of the club and its members. The articles of the constitution should contain:

• NAME
• PURPOSE
• MEMBERSHIP -Who is eligible for membership - How to become a member - Kinds of membership.
• OFFICERS - Description of governing body - Terms of office.
• ELECTIONS & MEETINGS - Election procedures - Filling of vacancies - Removal from office.
• AMENDMENTS
• DISSOLUTION

THE BY'LAWS

The by'laws describe the relationship between the members and the working groups within the club. By'laws should be flexible and simple.-

• MEMBERSHIP - privileges, responsibilities, special rights, dues.
• MEETINGS - how often, how called and by whom, special meetings, quorums, etc.OFFICERS - how elected, their duties.
• NOMINATING COMMITTEE - how selected, nomination and election procedure..
• COMMITTEES - and other working units.
• PROCEDURE - for amendments.
• PROCEDURE - for amendments.

CLUB OFFICERS -

• COMMODORE
• VICE COMMODORE
• REAR COMMODORE

STAFF OFFICERS INCLUDE - 1) RACE COMMITTEE, 2) FLEET CAPTAIN, 3) FLEET SURGEON, 4) SECRETARY, 5) TREASURER, 6) MEASURER.

CLUB BURGEE - Club burgees are generally triangular in shape, sometimes swallow-tail. Club burgees may be flown by day only or day and night as set by the rules of the club.

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