eva & ron

Operating Guidelines

Approved on April 13, 2003 by the Y-Knot Board of Managers

1. Introduction

The following Operating Guidelines formally establish Y-Knot Sailing as a program of YMCA Camp Chingachgook and define the structure and functioning of the program. Y-Knot Sailing is a non-incorporated association of individuals dedicated to fostering accessible sailing opportunities as a volunteer-based program of the YMCA Camp Chingachgook on Lake George, New York, which is a branch of the Capital District YMCA.

2. Mission

The mission of Y-Knot Sailing is to provide and promote sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and the general sailing community. Y-Knot will offer a range of sailing opportunities for members and non-members with all levels of ability, from recreational sailing to independent racing. Y-Knot will strive to eliminate barriers to sailing while maximizing independence, safety, and participation within the broader sailing community.

3. Name and Purpose

A. The name of this organization shall be “Y-Knot Sailing,” hereafter in this document referred to as “Y-Knot.”

B. The objectives of Y-Knot shall be to:

  1. Increase participation by people with disabilities through the elimination of physical and financial barriers to sailing.
  2. Provide instruction and training in the sport of sailing, enabling participants to sail at a level they deem appropriate. Good seamanship and water safety will be emphasized. Wherever possible, Y-Knot shall align its training with national sailing organizations.
  3. Promote enjoyment of the sport by providing events to enable skill development through racing, cruising and seminars.
  4. Provide members with avenues for growth to extend their sailing skills beyond the resources of Y-Knot.
  5. Support other programs through participation in their events, sharing of ideas and innovations and, where appropriate, other means of support.
  6. Promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all YMCA programs and the broader community.
  7. Provide economical sailboat rentals to qualified members.
4. Roles and Responsibilities of Y-Knot Members, Volunteers and the YMCA

A. Y-Knot Members and Volunteers are responsible for:

  1. Determining the purpose, goals and policies of the Y-Knot Sailing program.
  2. Recruiting Y-Knot members.
  3. Planning and coordinating Y-Knot programs and events.
  4. Fundraising, setting a yearly budget and allocating funds raised by the program.

B. The YMCA is responsible for:

  1. Providing access to Lake George and Camp facilities as arranged, including food service, lodging, and meeting facilities.
  2. Providing program support services, including office support, administrative support, and support for support sailing, and instruction.
  3. Maintaining all YMCA boats and equipment designated for the Y-Knot program in good working order.
  4. Executing financial transactions requested by the Y-Knot board and providing timely and comprehensive accounting.
5. Membership

A. Membership eligibility:

  1. Membership is open to the public.
  2. Members must register and pay annual dues.
  3. Membership subsidies maybe offered at the discretion of the Board of managers.

B. Membership benefits:

  1. All members shall be eligible to hold an elected office on the Y-Knot Board of Managers and to vote in club elections.
  2. Members are entitled to discounted sailing rates and to attend annual meetings and participate in events and other activities.

C. Membership responsibilities: Members are encouraged to actively participate in all Y-Knot activities.

6. Board of Managers, Officers, and Committees

A. The Y-Knot Sailing Board of Managers shall be composed of a minimum of ten Y-Knot members in good standing. The Camp Chingachgook Executive Director or designee will serve as the staff liaison to the Y-Knot Board.

  1. Board members are expected to maintain good standing by attending a minimum of four regular meetings annually and fulfilling duties as assigned. Board members may be removed for good cause by two-thirds vote of the Board of Managers.
  2. Board members serve three-year terms, which are staggered. Board members must rotate off the board for one year after serving two consecutive terms.
  3. Elections to the Board will be held at the annual meeting each fall. Nominations for Board memberships must be submitted to the Board in writing prior to the annual meeting.
  4. The Board may appoint new members to fill vacancies during the year.
  5. All Board members will serve as liaison to the YMCA. And at least one Board member will serve on the Camp Chingachgook Board of managers.
  6. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power or function of the Board and all matters requiring action shall be passed by a vote of a majority of the voting members of the Board. (A voting member abstaining from a vote shall be counted as present for the purpose of establishing a quorum.) All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, and a record of each vote shall be maintained.

B. The following Officers shall be elected by a majority of the Y-Knot membership at the fall general meeting. The terms of office shall be a two-calendar-year term that commences January 1 of the following year. The Y-Knot President and at least one Vice President shall be individuals with disabilities.

  1. The President shall preside at Board meetings and shall be responsible for the general supervision of the work of the Board. The President or his or her designee shall represent Y-Knot at public functions and events.
  2. The Vice President shall, in the absence of the President, perform the duties of the President.
  3. The Secretary shall prepare, maintain, and send official notices of actions of the Board and shall administer the daily business of the Board under the general direction of the President. The Secretary will draft and send a copy of the minutes of each meeting of the Board to all Board members prior to the next Board meeting. The approved minutes shall serve as the official record of a meeting of the Board.
  4. The Treasurer, in cooperation with the Camp Director or designee, will be responsible for generating quarterly reports on the status of Y-Knot’s finances. The Treasurer will be responsible for maintaining ongoing communication with Camp Chingachgook’s Executive Director and will maintain records and documentation of all program transactions.

C. The Board of Managers has the power to create and appoint members to various Committees. Non Y-Knot members may serve on committees. The following committees will stand unless dissolved by majority vote of the Board: Executive Committee, Program, Membership, Publicity, Fundraising, and Regatta.

  1. The Executive Committee shall consist of all Y-Knot officers, all committee chairpersons and the Executive Director of Camp Chingachgook or designee, who serve as the YMCA staff liaison. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the strategic direction of Y-Knot.
  2. The Program Committee shall coordinate sailing clinics and recreational sailing opportunities, recruit, train and organize volunteers, and oversee Y-Knot equipment. A yearly report on Y-Knot equipment assets will be provided to the Board of Managers.
  3. The Membership Committee will be responsible for outreach and recruitment of new members.
  4. The Publicity Committee will oversee creation and maintenance of the Y-Knot web site, create press releases, e-mails and other announcements, including newsletters, and will explore other avenues to increase awareness of Y-Knot. Any official Y-Knot program publicity will go out through the YMCA Camp Chingachgook office or with the approval of the YMCA executive director.
  5. The Fundraising Committee will establish yearly fundraising goals and organize events to meet them.
  6. The Regatta Committee will run the annual Y-Knot Cup Regatta and other racing-related events.
7. Meetings

A. The general membership shall meet at least once per year, in the fall, and may meet from time to time during the remainder of the year as determined by the Executive Committee.

B. The Board of Managers shall meet no less than four times per year, with the first meeting in January.

C. The Executive Committee and standing committees will meet as required to conduct Y-Knot business.

8. Equipment

A. The YMCA owns assets acquired for the program through the efforts of Y-Knot volunteers.

B. Y-Knot program members and volunteers may acquire needed sailboats and related equipment.

C. Y-Knot program members may charter boats and adaptive equipment if available and transport them to other events.

9. Operating Funds

A. The dues and fees of the Y-Knot program will be set by a vote of the Board. Membership is based on the calendar year.

B. The Board must approve the annual budget no later than April 1 and operate within these financial guidelines.

C. Discretionary spending not to exceed $500 may be authorized by the President, Vice President(s), or YMCA Executive Director for immediate disbursal.

D. The board can amend the budget at any time during the year with majority vote.

10. Amendments to Guidelines

All amendments to these Guidelines must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Managers.