Membership Handbook

The history of Lake Davenport is closely linked to the history of the river boat days, so it is natural that boating started early in the area's development. The earliest known ancestor of all pleasure boating groups was the Davenport Boat Club, a group of shell racers organized in July 1878 with 150 members. In their heyday, 1878 to 1892, the Boat Club distinguished themselves in state and national regattas.

Another early group was the Irrawadi Canoe Club, organized in May 1883 with 25 members devoted to canoe sailing. Their canoes were all basically the same — an early indication of one-design yacht racing. Lake Davenport still has one of these canoes, The Rambler, on display at the clubhouse. The Irrawadis disbanded in 1920.

The Founding — 1935

It was the construction in 1934 of Lock and Dam 15, creating a relatively quiet pool of water, that made a resurgence of interest possible on the new Lake Davenport. In 1935, eleven sailors met at Lindsay Boat Club with Burdick Richardson as its first Commodore. The founders were intent on serious, competitive racing. They soon recognized the advantages of one-design racing and the Snipe class was introduced. Lew Shorey, the second Commodore, took most of the trophies, along with John Hayward.

Post-War Growth

The Second World War drastically curtailed Sailing Club activities. In 1947, Dick Duley joined the Club with only four active boats. Two years later, the Lightning fleet had seven boats. The Club was coming of age. Lake Davenport incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1951. The first C Scow, a 20-foot scow, was introduced in 1957. Tom Getz quickly became a leader in the scows.

A Home of Our Own — 1961

Since its beginnings, the Club had shared facilities with Lindsay Boat Club. In 1961, the Corps of Engineers proceeded with its plan for a breakwater and public marina at Lindsay, and therefore refused to renew the sailors' permits for moorings. Moving was a necessity.

The members secured from the Davenport Levee Commission a one-year lease at $25.00 for 200 feet of land at the foot of Bridge Avenue. The area was a sad and dejected looking place, a trashy weed pit several feet below the top of the seawall.

Sailing was great there, but intense work parties with backbreaking labor never ended. Membership was at 25 persons with a net balance of $73.00, but the group decided to build a clubhouse. The structure, erected solely by the incessant labor of the members, became a reality in the spring of 1962. The improved facilities brought additional members and more land was leased from the Levee Commission. In 1965, the Club purchased committee boats so races could be started from a starting line, instead of from shore with a white flag. The boat parking area was blacktopped in 1972 and more boat hoists were installed in 1981.

Sailing School

Almost before their clubhouse was completed, the members recognized the importance of producing new sailors. The Sailing School developed from small beginnings in 1962, when volunteers used members' boats for instruction. In 1970, the Club purchased five Butterfly class boats and hired two junior instructors. By 1980, three X-boats were purchased and the program was revised. The school was temporarily suspended in 1986 when liability insurance could not be procured.

Sailing School was re-introduced in 1992 in conjunction with the City of Davenport Park and Recreation Department. In 1994, the Quad City Sailing School was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation. Hunter sailboats have since been introduced as the teaching boat of choice.

As a result of public interest in excursion boating, the Club entered into a new lease agreement with the Levee Commission in 1986. A new clubhouse was built upstream from the old location.

Racing Fleets

The M-16's were popular in the 1960's but had disappeared by 1970. The MC, a 16-foot scow, was introduced in 1980 and had 25 boats within two seasons. In 1981, the race schedule included Sunday races for Lightnings, MC's and C's, as well as races for C's and MC's on Wednesday nights and Saturdays. Saturdays were eliminated in 1994. C and MC Scows are the fleets that currently follow racing schedules.

Social affairs have always been an important part of Club activities, with special parties scheduled throughout the season. The annual Trophy Dinner in November closes the season. There's always next year, because the feeling for wind and water shows no signs of going away.

General

Clubhouse

Grounds & Waterfront

1. Rules and Jurisdiction

All races are sailed under the jurisdiction of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club. They will be conducted in accordance with the LDSC By-Laws, these Sailing Instructions, and the most recently published Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and prescriptions of the US Sailing Association, as modified herein. All races shall be arranged, conducted and judged by the Principal Race Officer (PRO), who will oversee the operation and necessity of all judging and support boats as well as the judging support staff.

2. Entries and Eligibility

All yachts must comply with their official class rules. Only yachts registered with the Club shall be entitled to race or represent the Club. Owners and helmsmen must be members in good standing of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club.

3. Notices

Official notices will be posted on the official bulletin board of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club. It is the responsibility of each skipper to check this board.

4. Courses and Course Signals

Course diagrams with identifying letters indicate the types of courses to be sailed. The identifying course letters will be displayed on the Race Committee boat before or with the warning signal, along with the number of laps to be sailed.

5. Starting Procedure

Races shall be started by using the following signals. Times shall be taken from the visual signals; the absence of a sound signal shall be disregarded.

Signal	Flag & Sound	Minutes Before Start
Warning	Class flag; 1 sound	5
Preparatory	P, I, Z, Z w/I or black flag; 1 sound	4
One-minute	Preparatory flag lowered; 1 sound	1
Starting	Class flag lowered; 1 sound	0

6. Postponement

No morning or afternoon race may be postponed more than 90 minutes. No evening race may be postponed more than 30 minutes.

7. Race Signals

Preparatory Flags

Other Signals

Additional Sound Signals

Sound	Meaning
2 blasts	Postponement
1 blast	Come Within Hail
2 blasts	Missing Mark
3 blasts	Abandonment of Race

8. Time Limits

The overall time limit for all classes is 90 minutes. When the time limit expires and no yacht from a class has finished, the Race Committee shall abandon all races still in progress (Code flag "N", three guns).

If a boat in its class finishes within the time limit, that finish stands and remaining boats will be given positions as the PRO deems appropriate. All boats still racing 30 minutes after the first finisher will be positioned by the PRO. If no boat reaches the first mark in 30 minutes, that class's race is abandoned.

9. Protests

10. Scoring

Each class must determine its own method of scoring and keep scoring records. Contact respective Fleet Captains with questions. If fewer than three (3) boats start, that race is not valid for scoring. A minimum of five (5) races must be completed in a series.

11. Safety

12. Race Committee

It is the responsibility of the Race Committee — and only the Race Committee — to consult with Race Committee Boat personnel about courses and laps prior to the warning signal. There will be no verbal communication with the Race Committee after the first Class flag is raised. Helmsmen wishing input should consult their respective Race Committee Representative.

13. Special Rules for Evening Series

All races shall terminate at 8:15 P.M. or sunset, whichever comes first. If one or more yachts finish within the time limit, unfinished yachts will be scored as last finisher plus 2.

14. Spinnaker Rule

A yacht not close hauled, which is in the act of setting, carrying or lowering a spinnaker shall have right-of-way over all yachts not sailing the same leg and not handling a spinnaker.

Under Chapter 504 — Not for Pecuniary Profit

Article I — Name

The name of the corporation is "LAKE DAVENPORT SAILING CLUB".

Article II — Duration

This corporation shall come into existence upon the issuance of a Certificate of Incorporation by the Secretary of State of Iowa, and its existence shall continue perpetually thereafter unless dissolved at any regular or special meeting by a majority vote of members whose dues are fully paid and in good standing.

Article III — Office

The principal office of the corporation shall be located at the foot of Mound Street in the City of Davenport, Scott County, Iowa.

Article IV — Purpose

This corporation is formed for recreational and athletic purposes under Chapter 504 of the 1950 Code of Iowa, including the power to acquire, own or sell property, borrow money, receive funds, and administer income for the promotion and development of sailing as a recreational and athletic activity.

Article V — Non-Profit Status

No part of the corporation's assets or income shall inure to the benefit of any Director, officer or member, and the corporation shall not carry on any propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation.

Article VI — Board of Directors

The affairs of the corporation shall be conducted by a Board of not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) Directors, elected at the Annual Meeting. Directors serve staggered terms of one, two, and three years. Vacancies shall be filled at a Special Meeting called for such purpose.

Officers of the corporation consist of: Commodore (President duties), Vice-Commodore (Vice-President duties), Treasurer, and Secretary. All instruments, deeds, transfers, notes and mortgages may be signed by any two officers. All offices may be united in one person except Commodore and Secretary.

Article VII — Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting for election of Directors shall be held at the principal office on the Second Saturday in November of each year. The Board may specify a different place, date and time with at least five (5) days' notice. Special meetings may be called by the Commodore, any officer, or any five (5) members. Each member whose dues are fully paid is entitled to one vote, exercisable only in person (no proxies).

Article VIII — By-Laws

The Board of Directors may adopt By-Laws relating to the management of the affairs of the corporation and shall have the power to make contracts, purchase, sell and encumber property.

Article IX — Membership

Individuals may become members on application to the Board of Directors and election by the Board. Any member may be removed by vote of the Board at any regular or special meeting.

Article X — Limited Liability

Article XI — Amendments

These Articles may be amended at any Annual Meeting or Special Meeting upon affirmative vote of a majority of members in good standing, except that Article X shall never be amended.

Article XII — Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, after payment of all liabilities, remaining assets shall be paid over to a charitable corporation in Scott County, Iowa, as selected by the Board of Directors. No assets shall inure to the benefit of any private individual.

Article I — Membership Classes and Fees

Section 1. Membership

Section 2. Dues and Fees

The Board of Directors shall determine all dues and fees annually. New members joining after August 1st pay 50% of dues; after September 1st pay 25%. Crane Fee is 75% after August 1st. Refunds are prorated only on death or job-related transfer.

Section 3. Privileges

Club privileges shall be subject to rules prescribed from time to time.

Section 4. Payment of Dues

Article II — Election of Members

Section 1. Election

Any person of good standing and required age shall become a member upon election by the Board and payment of fees within ten (10) days. Each application must be endorsed by a Full Member. No candidate shall be considered unless they intend to participate in Club sailing events.

Section 2. Method of Election

All candidates are voted upon at Board meetings. A majority of all Directors must vote for election. Rejected candidates may not be proposed again for one year.

Section 3. Expulsion

Any member violating Club rules, demonstrating unsportsmanlike conduct, or failing to pay charges within thirty (30) days may be fined, suspended or expelled by the Board.

Section 4. Leave of Absence

A full member may be granted leave up to five (5) years. Membership reinstated without initiation fees or interim dues, but with loss of seniority.

Article III — Meetings, Nominations, Elections

Section 1. Annual Meeting

The first Sunday of November each year. Written notice mailed thirty (30) days in advance.

Section 2. Special Meeting

May be called at any time by the Commodore, any officer, or any five members.

Section 3. Voting

Only full and life members may vote. A full membership entitles the holder to one vote, which may be split between husband and wife (one-half vote each).

Section 4. Quorum

25% of total full members constitutes a quorum.

Section 5. Nominations

The Nominating Committee (Fleet Captains) shall meet before September 1st to nominate candidates for directorships. The Secretary notifies Full Members at least thirty (30) days before the Annual Meeting. Floor nominations are also accepted.

Section 6. Rules of Order

Parliamentary questions shall be determined by Robert's Rules of Order.

Article IV — Board of Directors; Officers

Section 1. Board of Directors

Seven (7) members serving staggered terms of one, two, and three years.

Section 2. Officers

Elected by the new Directors prior to or during the November meeting: Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Harbormaster, Secretary, and Treasurer. Terms run January 1 to December 31. The new Board should sit with the old Board at November and December meetings.

Section 3. Duties of Officers

Section 4. Regular Meetings of the Board

Monthly meetings at a time decided by the Board. Four (4) members constitute a quorum.

Section 5. Special Meetings

Upon written request of three (3) Directors with three days' notice.

Article V — Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees

Appointed by the Commodore with Board approval at the first regular meeting after election:

Section 2. Permanent Committees

Article VI — Work Assessment

Section 1.

The LDSC is by its nature a working club. Each member is assessed a work obligation on their dues statement. The assessment may be credited at an hourly rate as reported by the Harbormaster, or paid in full. Members paying in full by May 1st have satisfied their obligation. Members not paying and not completing ten (10) hours of work will be billed the remaining hours at the hourly rate on November 1st.

Section 2.

Full members with five (5) or more years of membership who no longer keep a boat on Club grounds are exempt from the work assessment, but encouraged to assist.

Article VII — Effect of and Amendment of By-Laws

Section 1. Effect

These By-Laws supersede all previously adopted By-Laws, rules and regulations.

Section 2. Amendment

By-Laws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the Members or the Board of Directors. No By-Law adopted by the Members shall be amended by the Board. Changes require a two-thirds vote of those present. Board changes require two readings at subsequent regularly scheduled meetings and shall be identified with an asterisk (*) and date of enactment.