Conditions of Use of club Squibs

RTYC SQUIBS 

CONDITIONS OF USE 

Date: 09-Feb -2026

1        Introduction         

The National Squib is an open keelboat which is delightful to sail.  Its ability to sail well in a broad range of wind speeds and conditions makes it ideal for the tidal waters of the Tay Estuary.  Its a fairly easy boat to sail and is very forgiving.  The Squib is 19 feet long, weighs c700kg and draws about a metre.  It carries 3 sails, a mainsail, jib and spinnaker.  The sail area is fairly modest which reduces the need for reefing in the upper wind strengths. The Squib can take up to 4 crew but is more comfortable with 3 and even better with 2.   RTYC owns two Squibs, Crystal Tipps and Sweet Mystery. The Squibs are kept on moorings April to September and stored in the Harbour Shed when ashore in the closed season. The Squibs are maintained by appointed members who are designated bosuns. The RTYC Squibs do not have auxiliary engines and the only means of propulsion is by wind or paddles.  

2        Use of the Squibs 

The Squibs are available for the use of members but under certain conditions:- 

 Members wishing to have the use of a Squib must be accredited as Squib Helms. 

1. Compliance with all rules/ procedures.
2. Payment of any hire fee. 
3. Use must be in daylight hours. 
4. There is an upper wind speed limit of 25mph. 
5. Single handed sailing is not permitted. 
6. Sailing area is from Lady Green navigation buoy to east and Balmerino to west. 
7. All voyages must take account of weather and tidal conditions.
8. All crew must wear personal buoyancy at all times. 
9. The Squibs must never be beached or run aground.
10. Breakage and damage through fair wear and tear is the responsibility of RTYC. 
11. Other breakage and damage caused by negligence/misuse is the responsibility of the member hiring the Squib. 
12. All breakage and damage is reported immediately & reported back to the appointed person.
13. The nominated Helm holds the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the vessel and its crew. It is the Helm's sole discretion and duty to ensure that both the crafts condition and the prevailing and forecasted weather conditions are suitable for the intended voyage before departing

3        Accreditation  

The use of the Squibs for personal use is permitted without the requirement for safety boats and without supervision.  Therefore, members wishing to use the Squibs must be accredited Squib Helms who meet certain minimum standards of competence which will be based on qualifications, experience and by assessment. The accreditation may be withdrawn where subsequently the required levels of competence are not met or there is failure to comply with the rules and procedures laid down.  Accreditation will be arranged through the Squib Class Captain who will maintain a list of accredited Squib Helms. For the avoidance of doubt members taking part in the Club organised training and social sailing sessions will not be required to be accredited Squib Helms.  Participation in these sessions will contribute greatly to the attainment of accreditation.   

4        Crew members (other than the accredited Squib Helm) 

A member who is an accredited Squib Helm may take out members and non-members as crew.  It is entirely the responsibility of the Squib Helm to assess the competency and suitability of crew members and to ensure their safety and well-being when afloat.  Non-members taken out as crew must complete and sign the required form before going afloat.   Non-members who participate in Squib sailing more than three times would be required to become members.   

Last updated 09:34 on 13 May 2026