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Club Policies

Club ByLaws, Rules, Regulations, and Policies

The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club is governed by its Bylaws and policies established by the Board of Directors. Also, the Board has developed a Code of Conduct to guide the members on what is and is not expected of their conduct while on the Club's premises or participating in Club events.


  • Bylaws
    • The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club ByLaws current version was revised 25 April 2021.
      ByLaws
  • Policies

    • The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club Board of Directors have adopted the following policies.

      Non-Discrimination Policy

      No member, guest, or applicant for membership shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other grounds prohibited by law.

      Meetings

      Any meeting of the Board of Directors, standing committee, or ad hoc committee is open to all members. Board and committee meetings shall be posted on the Club’s website calendar.
      A General Membership meeting will be held once during each quarter of the year. Notices of these meetings are sent out via the Club’s newsletter and the online calendar; members are encouraged to attend.

      Code of Conduct

      All members shall adhere to the Code of Conduct for the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, which is on the Club’s website and posted in the Event Center.

      Club Facilities

      The Club’s facilities are primarily intended for the use of Club members.  By paying membership dues, members are in effect supporting the Club and are entitled to preferential use of its facilities.  
      It is the Club’s policy to allow access to the Clubhouse and front and back doors of the Event Center daily from 0600 hours (6 am) to 2000 hours (8 pm). The Club uses the free Brivo Pass app to grant access. If a member does not currently have access, they can download the app (for iOS from the Apple Store or for Android from Google Play), set up an account and password, and request access by sending a mobile phone number and email address to [email protected], and then a “digital key” will be sent to the member’s app.  
      However, during times of full Club closure by the Board due to specific circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no access to the Club. 
      No member may stay on the Club premises over night. Under an unusual circumstance, members may request permission to stay over night from the Port Captain, Vice Commodore, or Commodore.
      The Club's facilities are available for rent by members who have been in the Club for at least one year. Rental rates are available here and are subject to change at the direction of the Board. Rental privileges are only extended to current members, except in special circumstances approved by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
      Guests are welcome at the Club, but members must be present at all times when they bring guests to the Club, and all guests must wear a name tag. There is a limit of ten guests per membership at any time. While members may gather at the Club with up to 10 guests per membership, no part of the Club may be reserved, nor may paid chefs or bartenders be hired separately or use the Club galley for ad hoc private events (i.e., where the member has not arranged an event rental through the Vice Commodore). Members must notify the Vice Commodore in advance if 20 or more guests are being invited by multiple members on any given day.
      Members of other yacht clubs are welcome to access the Club (“reciprocal privileges”) during hours when the Club is open, upon presentation of proof of membership to their respective yacht club. They must wear a name tag while on Club premises.
      The floating dock is for members of the Club and their guests only. Children under 12 years of age must wear a PFD when on the ferry or dock, with no exceptions. Mooring of any private boat to the dock is prohibited without prior permission of the Rear Commodore.
      The Club reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, especially if there is a potential threat to the health and safety of the Club’s members, employees, or customers. 
      Boatyard Rental is available only to Club members. Rent is due annually in January of each year. Renters will be provided 24/7 access. Renters are responsible for closing and locking gates. Renters’ access will not be reasonably restricted or blocked by HMBYC, or other renters. Club policy is that none of the following kinds of property will be stored in rental spaces:
      • Animals;
      • Trash or waste materials;
      • Welding, flammable, explosive or other inherently dangerous materials; 
      • Storage containers or dock boxes; and
      • Any items that shall violate any order or requirement imposed by any Board of Health, sanitation department, police department, or other governmental agency or in violation of any other legal requirement.
      It is Club policy that:
      • Renter shall keep the rental space neat and clear of weeds, clutter, and piles of gear or debris.
      • Renter shall not dump any oil, gasoline, antifreeze, or other such substances on Club property and shall not otherwise pollute the Club property or area. 
      • Renter shall maintain liability insurance on Renter’s vessel, vehicle, trailer, or any personal property used or stored on Club property. Renters must provide proof of insurance as part of setting up the rental.
      • Renter shall make no alteration or improvements to the Club boatyard space without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors.
      • Renter shall not operate any business or commercial activity upon Club property. 
      • Renter shall not store multiple boats or paddlecraft (kayaks) in a single space.

      Use of Club Boats

      The Club maintains sailboats and other watercraft that are intended for the exclusive use of its members. The primary consideration in allowing use of the boats and other watercraft is safety. It is Club policy that only members who have been certified as having successfully completed the Club’s official check-out process  are allowed to skipper Club-owned boats.
      All persons must sign a liability waiver before boarding any boat or taking out any other watercraft. Members must sign such a waiver annually, and guests must sign one for each use.
      Club-owned boats and other watercraft may only be used inside the breakwater of Pillar Point Harbor during daylight hours.
      All persons on Club-owned boats (sail, power, SUPs, and kayaks) must wear US Coast Guard approved PFDs. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent on Club-owned paddleboards or kayaks.
      No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed while on Club-owned boats. Members must report any problems to the appropriate Fleet Captain upon conclusion of boat use.  

      Watch Officers

      During regular Club hours or any other time when the Club is officially open, it is Club policy that there shall be a Watch Officer (or hired bartender) on duty to ensure that policies and procedures are being followed, along with applicable laws. Watch Officers are members in good standing who have been trained in all relevant aspects of Club operations. While on duty, they are acting on behalf of the Board of Directors and have been granted authority to act in the best interests of the Club.

      Bar Policy

      The Club is allowed to serve alcoholic beverages only to adult members and guests. The Club is subject to many regulations, which if not strictly followed may result in the loss of the Club’s liquor license. Accordingly, alcoholic beverages may only be consumed onsite and while a Watch Officer (or hired bartender) is on duty. The Club’s policy is to discourage intoxication. Watch Officers and bar staff are authorized to refuse service to any member or guest who displays signs of intoxication and to order intoxicated persons to leave the Club immediately.
      In addition, it is Club policy that:
      • Only adult members, or adult guests who have signed the guest book register, may be served alcoholic beverages.
      • Proof of membership (current year HMBYC member badge) or a guest name badge are required for purchasing alcoholic beverages.
      • Persons under the age of 21 will not be served alcoholic beverages or be allowed to sit at the bar. 
      • No outside alcoholic beverages may be brought onto the Club premises.
      • No Club alcohol can be removed from Club premises.
      The Club has the right to refuse service to anyone.

      Drug Policy

      The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regard to illegal drugs. Any member or guest who knowingly possesses, uses, or sells illegal drugs on Club premises will be subject to disciplinary action.

      Smoking Policy

      The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club’s policy is that there is no smoking on the Club property, including the outside areas of the Club. If a member would like to smoke, they must do so on the beach or the roads surrounding the Club.

      Gambling Policy

      In compliance with State laws, it is Club policy that no gaming that includes the winning or losing of money may take place on Club property. This includes but is not limited to card games, sports pools, raffles, or other games of chance.

      Supervision of Minors

      The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club is a child-friendly organization and members are encouraged to bring their children to the Club. While on Club premises, it is Club policy that minors must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian; Watch Officers or the bartender are not responsible for monitoring children. Children must follow Club policies, behaving safely and appropriately without disturbing or annoying other members.

      Pets

      Except for the important restrictions provided below, pets, most commonly dogs, are allowed on Club premises. However, no animals are allowed in the Club kitchen, behind the bar, or near food serving tables, buffets, and/or dining tables. Pets are specifically not allowed in the Clubhouse, the Event Center, or on the deck when food is being served. 
      Pets must be licensed and on a leash that cannot extend beyond 6 feet in Club buildings, decks, or the picnic table area. Pet owners are required to keep their animals from barking excessively or annoying other members. Of particular concern are aggressive pets, as well as animals that do not get along well with other animals. 

      Lost or Damaged Property

      The Club does not accept responsibility for personal belongings left at the Club by members or guests or for loss or damage of any kind to personal property while on Club premises. Articles of clothing and other belongings left on Club premises and unclaimed by their owners for more than a two week period will be disposed.

      Reinstatement of Club Membership

      A member who resigns from the Club and later wishes to rejoin, may do so without having to pay the initiation fee, so long as no more than 12 months have elapsed since they resigned their membership.
      A member who resigns from the Club and wishes to rejoin after 12 months have elapsed since resigning their membership, may do so by paying one-half (50%) of the current initiation fee; however, if 10 years have elapsed since resigning their membership, the full current initiation fee must be paid.
      A member may only rejoin the Club once using this policy. If the member wishes to rejoin a second time, the full current initiation fee is required to be paid.

      Document Retention and Destruction Policy

      It is Club policy that members of the Board of Directors, committee members, staff, volunteers, and outsiders (independent contractors) are required to honor the following document retention and destruction rules: 
      • Paper or electronic documents indicated for retention below will be maintained by office staff.
      • No paper or electronic documents will be destroyed or deleted if pertinent to any ongoing or anticipated government investigation or proceeding or private litigation. 
      • No paper or electronic documents will be destroyed or deleted as required to comply with government auditing standards. 
      Records will be retained for the following time periods before destruction:
      • Accounts payable ledgers and schedules: 7 years.
      • Bank reconciliations: 2 years.
      • Bank statements: 3 years.
      • Checks (for important payments and purchases): permanently.
      • Contracts, mortgages, notes, and leases (expired): 7 years.
      • Contracts (still in effect): contract period.
      • Correspondence (legal and important matters): permanently.
      • Deeds, mortgages, and bills of sale: permanently.
      • Year-end financial statements: permanently.
      • Insurance records, current accident reports, claims, policies, and so on (active and expired): permanently.
      • Minute books, bylaws, and charter: permanently.
      • Payroll records and summaries: 7 years.
      • Personnel files (terminated employees): 7 years.
      • Tax returns and worksheets: permanently.

      Current policies were adopted by the Board of Directors on February 15, 2024.

  • Code of Conduct

    • This Code is to be read in conjunction with the By-Laws, Articles, and Policies and Regulations of the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club (HMBYC).

      Key Principles

      Membership in the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club is a privilege that must adhere to the following principles:

      • HMBYC seeks to operate in an environment where people show respect for others and their property, both on and off the water. Respect is defined as consideration for the well-being of another’s body, emotions, and possessions, to ensure no damage or deprivation is caused to them.
      • HMBYC seeks to operate in an environment that is free from harassment. Harassment is defined as any action directed at an individual or group that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment.
      • HMBYC seeks to operate in a non-discriminatory environment. By this it is meant that every shall have an equal opportunity and shall receive fair treatment in accordance with the law, as well as the Club By-Laws, Articles, and Policies and Regulations.
      • HMBYC seeks to operate in an environment in which safety is of paramount importance in all activities, especially those on the water. Every Member should recognize that there are inherent dangers in all boating activities, including sailing, and that diligence in safety procedures is the best way to safeguard our Members against these dangers.

      Rules of Behavior

      Consistent with these principles, all Members shall, at all times:

      • Be fair, considerate, and honest in dealings with others.
      • Treat all persons with respect and dignity, with proper regard for their rights and obligations, and never show any prejudicial behavior.
      • Respect the privacy of other persons.
      • Make decisions that are in the interest of the HMBYC and not in the interest of individual Members.
      • Be subject to and respect the conditions under which the HMBYC’s liquor permits have been issued.
      • Not engage in the excessive use of alcohol, and not act in a way that becomes a public nuisance or creates a public disturbance.
      • Not permit any persons under the age of twenty-one for whom they are responsible to be served or receive alcohol.
      • Conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner on and off the water at all times.
      • Abide by the By-Laws, Articles, and Policies and Regulations under which the HMBYC operates.
      • Be good stewards of the environment, especially the harbor and the waters in which we sail.
      • Obey lawful directions from a HMBYC Officer or employee.
      • Take responsibility for their guests, children, and pets at all times while on the HMBYC premises.
      • Not represent the HMBYC in any dealings, unless authorized by the Board of Directors.
      • Not tarnish the reputation of the HMBYC, officers, directors, committees, employees, and management.
      • Not engage nor encourage nor participate in the use of illegal drugs on the HMBYC premises.
      • Not use offensive language to any Member or guest of the HMBYC.
      • Not denigrate nor intimidate any Member or guest of the HMBYC.
      • Not assault, nor act with aggression toward any Member or guest of the HMBYC.
      • Not, nor let any guest, bring a firearm nor any weapon onto the club premises, nor brandish any object in a weapon-like manner.
      • Not knowingly discriminate against, abuse, harass, ridicule, nor embarrass any Member or guest of the HMBYC.
      • Be keenly aware of safety issues related to sailing at all times, and act to minimize danger to all Members and guests of the HMBYC, including oneself, both on and off the water.
      • Maintain the integrity and security of all the HMBYC’s confidential documents and information, and especially personal information about other Members.

      Compliance

      Any alleged breach of the above principles is to be reported to the Watch Officer on duty, the Club Manager, or an Officer or Board Member of the HMBYC for action. Officers may warn the offending Member. Specific compliance and disciplinary actions under this Code will be according to the By-Laws and published Policies and Regulations of the HMBYC.