• Always use common sense and be thoughtful of others.
• If you are concerned about a practice or what to do, seek out the right answer from a knowledgeable club member.
• Always remember we are an organization that attempts to be self-sufficient. Volunteer efforts from the membership to plan, maintain and run the organization allow for a minimum of vendor/contractor activities.

The enforcement of OBYC rules is essentially entrusted to the self-discipline of Club members. When patterns of rule violations are repeated, the club officers, committee chairperson, or members of the Board of Directors must take the appropriate action for education, correction, clarification, or discipline.

Changes to Rules shall have two readings by the Board before implementation.

Correspondence may be directed to the OBYC, PO Box 236, Orr's Island, ME 04066.

1. The OBYC facilities are for the private, non-commercial use of members except as authorized by the Board of Directors.
   
   
2. A member's guest(s) are those specifically invited to accompany the member while using Club facilities. Guests must be accompanied by a member, and the behavior of the guest(s) is the responsibility of the hosting member. A tenant of a member, a charterer of a member's boat, or a paying passenger may not use the member's privileges.
   
   
3. Attendance at social events is limited to those who commit to attending an event by either the sign-up sheet or telephone approval with the hosts no later than 48 hours prior to the event.
   
   
4. A Club guest is a visitor or vendor invited to the club for a specific purpose in conjunction with Club maintenance, social, educational or other event. Use of the facilities is limited by that specific purpose.
   
   
5. Visiting yachtsmen requiring a "guest mooring", and who financially contribute to this cause, may use the club facilities for a reasonable, but limited, period of time.
   
   
6. All members should report any trouble or facility problems to a Club Officer or Director in a timely fashion.
   
   
7. No personal property is to be stored within or about the facilities.
   
   
8. Dogs must be on a leash or under the firm command of a handler. No animal/pet is permitted in any building but may use the clubhouse porch along with their handler. All handlers are expected to pick up animal waste.
   

1. Membership is limited to 250 REGULAR and HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS.
   
   
2. Applicants for membership must complete an approved Membership Application Form and forward it to the Membership Committee. It must be endorsed by two sponsoring members in good standing of different households and include a non-refundable application fee.
   
   
   1. A Regular Member may sponsor one application per calendar year.
      
      
   2. A new Regular Member may not sponsor an application until he/she has been a member for one year.
      
   
   
3. Annual dues are determined by the Board, pursuant to the Bylaws.
   
   
4. For the duration of the Club’s mortgage, a new Regular Member's mortgage payment obligation will begin with the next scheduled billing statement (February 1 or October 1).
   
   
5. When the membership limit is reached, the Membership Committee will maintain a waiting list of candidates who have successfully completed the application process. Candidates will be offered membership on a first-come basis, except as outlined in the Bylaws.
   
   
6. Membership is considered to be continuous for those in good standing who are current with payments for dues, assessments, and fees.
   
   
7. Dues of those Regular Members and Junior Associates joining after September 1 will be credited to the following year's dues.
   
   
8. Any member may request the Board in writing for a leave of absence. The Board reserves the right to set the terms and conditions of such requests on an individual basis. The applicant will be notified in writing of the Board's decision within 60 days of receipt of the request.
   

1.  Application Fee (non-refundable)	$200 for each regular member
2.  Capital Account Assessment	$500 for each regular member; ½ due upon acceptance, ½ within 6 months.
3.  Annual Membership Fee	$150 per each Regular Member
4.  Annual Junior Associate Fee	$75 per each Junior Associate
5.  Family Option Fee	an additional $50 per household unit
6.  Annual Mortgage Payment	$221 per regular member, ½ billed February 1, ½ October 1 for a period of 10 years or less, depending upon length of mortgage. A new member's obligation begins on the next billing date following admittance.
7.  Late Payment and Fee Surcharge	$25
8.  Dock Space for Dinghy	$50 per season
9.  Kayak Storage Fee	$30 per season
10.  Private Use of the Facilities	$100 non-refundable deposit to reserve date; $250 usage fee.

1. Those who desire boat moorings in the anchorage area must submit an OBYC Mooring Application (click here to print out a form to fill in and mail) to the OBYC Waterfront and Anchorage Committee. The layout of plans for and placement of all boat moorings in the anchorage is determined by the OBYC Waterfront and Anchorage Committee based on availability and appropriateness with final authorization by the Harbormaster of the Town of Harpswell.
   
   The Waterfront and Anchorage Committee maintains a waiting list of current members who desire a change in their mooring location. Members wishing to be moved should contact the Anchorage Co-Chair of the Waterfront and Anchorage Committee. Movement of moorings will be based on position on the waiting list as well as the size of the vessel. Such movement of moorings will be at the owner's expense.
   
   
2. New Moorings: The member must submit a completed OBYC Mooring Application to the Waterfront and Anchorage Committee, who will determine the location. The member must also complete an application with the Town of Harpswell and pay the appropriate mooring registration fee. The Town's Harbormaster has final approval of all mooring locations. If the new mooring is not installed professionally, documentation of inspection must be received by the Waterfront and Anchorage Committee.
   
   
3. Purchase of Existing Moorings: The member must submit a completed OBYC Mooring Application to the Waterfront and Anchorage Committee, accompanied by a copy of a current mooring inspection report. The purchase of an existing mooring does not necessarily guarantee the right to use its present location. Placement will be determined based on the mooring's specifications, the size of the vessel, as well as consideration of any waiting list requesting movement of moorings (see #1 above).
   
   
4. Mooring Inspections: OBYC requires that all moorings be inspected in accordance with the Town of Harpswell's ordinance, but no less than every 3 years.
   
   
5. Mooring Balls: All mooring balls must be marked with the following no later than July 1 of each year:
   
   
   1. Owner’s Name
      
      
   2. Current Town of Harpswell Registration Sticker
      
      
   3. Registration # Permanently Marked
      
      
   If a member is unable to affix the current mooring registration sticker by July 1, he/she should notify the Co-Chair of the Waterfront and Anchorage Committee.
   
   
6. Floats: The front of the floats is to be kept clear for docking to load and unload boats.
   
   
   1. Any boat tied to the front of the floats must be manned at all times so that it can be moved quickly to clear a space for other boats wishing to load, unload or refuel.
      
      
   2. When docking activity is minimal, a boat may be left unattended for a short period of time at the extreme southern float area.
      
      
   3. The central float opposite the ramp to the dock is to be kept clear for persons wishing to refuel.
      
      
   4. Children under the age of 10 must wear life jackets and be accompanied by an adult at all times when on the club dock, floats, or in a club-owned boat.
      
   
   
7. Club dinghies provide access to boats within the anchorage. Club dinghies are shared by all members. They should be returned to their original location as soon as possible. They are restricted to use in the anchorage area only.
   
   
8. Member dinghies may be kept at the floats if space is available and upon payment of an annual fee established by the Board of Directors. Dinghy spaces at the floats are for those boats that are frequently used and are not intended as storage spaces for boats rarely used. Priority is extended to those assigned space the previous year and, where applicable, to maintain continuity in a family.
   
   
   1. Boats 10 feet long or less may be kept upside down on the four southernmost floats.
      
      
   2. Boats between 10 and 12 feet may be kept in the water behind the southernmost floats. Boats over 12 feet may not be kept on the floats.
      
      
   3. All boats on the floats or tied behind the floats must be clearly identified with the owner's name and phone number.
      
      
   4. All boats shall be kept in good useable condition. This includes keeping them properly tied and bailed out so they will not damage neighboring boats.
      
      
   5. If the owner is not available to act promptly when needed, please provide the Water and Anchorage Committee with the name of someone who can tend your boat on short notice. Dinghies are the owner’s responsibility; please do not ask the Club to act on your behalf.
      
      
   6. Do not borrow or use a punt or dinghy, or any other property, of another Club Member without their express permission.
      
   
   
9. Heavy materials or objects must not be dragged on the ramp, floats, or docks.
   
   
10. Jet skis or similar powered watercraft are not welcome.
    
    
11. Kayak Storage: Upon payment of a seasonal fee, members may store their kayaks on the AFSS boat racks during the period of the School's operation.
    
    
12. Boating Safety: Members who have a boat moored in the anchorage are encouraged to:
    
    
    1. Comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirement that their boat registration number and current year's registration sticker be properly displayed on each side of the forward part of their boat, or that their boat have a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certification of Documentation.
       
       
    2. Have their boat(s) inspected when the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has scheduled visits to OBYC to conduct complimentary boat inspections.
       
       
    3. Complete a Float Plan sheet before leaving the anchorage to indicate your planned destination and arrival/return time.

1. Children of Regular Members ages 12-18 may use Club facilities during daylight hours with parental permission. Those 19 and older should apply for a Junior of Regular membership in order to use the Club other than as a member's guest. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent at all times.
   
   
2. Smoking is not permitted in the Clubhouse, restrooms, storage shed, or on the pier or floats.
   
   
3. Excessive noise (radio, singing, DJ's, etc.) must be restrained and not disruptive to the neighbors.
   
   
4. Functions must end no later than 10:00 p.m.
   
   
5. For Club social events the following apply.
   
   
   1. The assigned hosts for the event may establish any special requirements for an event.
      
      
   2. Sign-up sheets are provided for most Club social events. Sign-up sheets will be removed by Thursday evening before a Saturday event or Tuesday evening before a Thursday event.
      
      
   3. The event hosts reserve the right to limit the attendance to those names on the sign-up sheet.
      
      
   4. Members and guests who attend social events are encouraged to wear name tags during the event.
      
      
   5. If Club-owned tents are desired, it is the host's responsibility to set up the tents and to take them down within 48 hours of the event.
      
   
   
6. For private social events the following will apply:
   
   
   1. Private use of the Club is limited to members and their guests. Members wishing to use the facilities must complete the approved request form and submit it to the Club Manager with ample time for approval and scheduling. Click here to print out a form to fill in and mail.
      
      
   2. The requesting member must be in attendance during the entire event.
      
      
   3. Fees are charged for private use of the Club per the Fee Schedule.
      
      
   4. Facilities must be left in clean and undamaged order, and it is the responsibility of the requesting member. In the event of damage, the host member must notify the Club Manager and provide a plan of correction.
      
      
   5. Paper products and other supplies on the premises are not for private party use.
      
      
   6. The Club uses a private well and holding tank without a leach field. Water is to be used with discretion.
      
      
   7. Use of Club facilities shall be available for members even during special events and/or private parties but consideration must be given toward the event.
      

1. The Abbot Fletcher Sailing School shall determine its own rules, procedures and budget, approved by the Club's Board of Directors. The rules must include the signing by the responsible student/parent of a General Release of Liability form and a Medical Release form.
   
   
2. Sailing School students and instructors who are not members of the Club may use the facilities during times of sailing prorams. Members of students' families may observe classes as Club guests but are not privileged to use docks or boats.
   
   
3. Club members are asked to respect the activities of the Sailing School and not impede or distract from its program(s).
   
   
4. Sailing School boats, with the exception of the "coach boats," are available for members' use at times when the School is not using them. Members must attend a boat rigging session and be approved by an AFSS instructor before using any of the AFSS boats.