Here is the latest from US Sailing. This may not be the final result of the new membership rule set to be added to the 2009 rules but it looks like the leaders are narrowing in on making sure they implement some type of mandatory membership. There is still time to put your two cents in so if you feel strongly feel free to make a comment below or to inform your local representative today.

“Version as of May 15:

46 Person in Charge; Membership Requirement
A boat shall have on board a person in charge designated by the member or organization that entered the boat. See rule 75.

US SAILING prescribes that the person in charge and each person who steers the boat shall be members of US SAILING or their own national authority. However, any person may steer the boat for reasons of safety. This prescription does not apply to races that are primarily intended to teach racing or bring new sailors into the sport, or to races for which US SAILING has granted a written waiver.

Recall that at the meetings in Newport last March the Board asked for input from the membership…and we got it!

The Regional Sailing Associations (RSA’s) have responded with volumes of feedback, including the expected negative criticism and personal whines, the hoped for constructive criticism, and a thoughtful balance of understanding and support.

Additionally, Jim Capron, Charlie Leighton, and other Board members have personally met with groups at regattas, yacht clubs, and other sailing gatherings across the country. They listened to concerns, gathered suggestions, and made clear the intent of the proposed prescription.

With this valuable input from those who will be the “users”, the RRC has further worked the Rule 46 prescription to its current version above.”