This is a sample Handbook, Constitution and Bylaw provided by the San Diego Argonauts
RADIO CONTROLLED BOATING WITH THE SAN DIEGO ARGONAUTS
The opportunities for model boating in San Diego are unique in that we have a model yacht pond in the beautiful Mission Bay Park system that is dedicated to model boat operation. Thus, model yachting here is a major feature of the city's recreational facilities. The advent of radio control has opened up the model boat hobby in that it permits a number of models to be operated simultaneously and makes for exciting racing. There are three types of organized activities at the pond: Racing Sail, Racing Power and scale steam and electric. Each of these groups has it's own devotees and a few even participate in all three.
RACING SAIL BOATS:
In order that model yacht sail races can be conducted in an equitable manner, the yachts are divided into a number of classes depending on hull type and size. The four most popular in San Diego are national in scope and include the U.S. ONE METER, MARBLEHEAD, SANTA BARBARA and SOLING OD. San Diego skippers have brought proud recognition to our club with many National Championships.
Those interested in getting started in R/C model yacht sailing, call:
Pete Jefferson (619) 459 9163
Rocky Gallo (619) 626 8045
RACING POWER BOATS
The hobby of racing boats powered by two stroke engines is, like sail, one that attracts international enthusiasts. Several classes of boats are designed to emulate the full size racing hydroplanes like Miss Budweiser, Circus Circus, O Boy Oberto and the like. Others are miniature racing boats in their own right. The speed of these little boats is their major attraction and boat for boat contests will surely set pulses racing. The boats are raced in classes depending on the size of the engine and style of the hull. In a local Southern California contest as many as a hundred boats may compete in a single two-day event. Some have inboard engines, others outboard power, just like their full sized counterparts. The fuel is an alcohol oil mixture. This sport is especially attractive to those who enjoy the mechanical challenges of this hobby. Nevertheless, some of the drivers are ladies.
For more information call:
Mike Mooers (714) 365 0817
Mike Veta (714) 495 1658
Bob Cornell (619) 275 3387
SHIP MODELERS GUILD
Another organization that can regularly be seen at the Model Yacht Pond is the San Diego Ship Modelers Guild. Their membership and scope of interest is very wide encompassing static scale models of, for example, a Spanish Galleon, a Battle Cruiser, a submarine or a radio controlled working model steam powered tug with real steam engines built to scale. They pride themselves in the craftsmanship on a miniature scale and some can take as long as three years to build with some gracing a mantle to inspire dreams of Pirates on the Spanish Main.
For more information call:
K.C. Edwards (619) 560 5966
LOCATION
The Model Yacht Pond is located in beautiful Mission Bay Park on Vacation Island. That is just west of Sea World off Ingraham Street. Turn west off Ingraham at the traffic light towards Princess Resort and immediately turn left to the pond. If you miss the quick left turn you will end up at the Princess Resort and that isn't a bad place to be.
SUMMARY
Model yacht building and operation is a popular hobby in San Diego and it attracts all ages, skills and interests. It can provide relaxation, thrills, excitement and pride of accomplishment. A question often asked concerns the cost of the model boats and the answer depends on a number of considerations such as how much the modeler himself can do and how much he must purchase. In general a boat can be built, ready to go, with radio for as little as $300 with the other extreme being a few thousand dollars. On the other hand it is far less than their full sized counterparts. The members of the three groups are always ready and willing to talk to you.
SAN DIEGO ARGONAUTS
R/C MODEL BOAT CLUB
CONSTITUTION
I) This organization shall be known as: SAN DIEGO ARGONAUTS R/C MODEL BOAT CLUB.
Ii) The purpose of the club is to assist its members in the enjoyment and promotion of radio controlled model boating.
III) The club is a non-profit organization, non-discriminatory against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, sex or age. It shall extend guest privileges to all persons with National or International model boat affiliations.
IV) Officers shall consist of the following:
The Board of Directors shall consist of eight (8) members as follows:
VI) A quorum for a meeting of the Board of directors shall consist of five (5) members of the Board.
Members of the Club shall be required to be members of a National or International model boat organization.
The Secretary shall keep copies of the insurance coverage on file.
VIII) The club shall have as it's symbol a distinctive logo that appropriately reflects the Club's objectives and activities.
BY LAWS
1) Term of office:
A. Each of the officers defined in the Constitution (Article IV) shall serve a term of one (1) year from December 1 through November 30. There shall be no limit on the number of terms that can be served.
B. Members of the Board of Directors shall serve a term of one (1) year, such term coinciding with that of the Officers. There shall be no limit on the number of terms that can be served.
C. Vacated offices: In the event that the Commodore is no longer able to serve, one of the Vice Commodores shall succeed to Commodore by a majority vote of the remaining Board members, and with the approval of the majority of the membership at the next regular Club meeting.
2) DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS:
A. Commodore:
The Commodore shall administer the Club activities and carry out the directives of the Board of Directors.
Shall preside at all joint meetings of the Club and shall conduct such meetings according to Roberts Rules of Order.
Shall be the official representative of the Club.
B. Vice Commodores shall assist the Commodore and in his absence shall carry out the activities of the Commodore.
Shall govern and coordinate the respective contests and events.
C. Purser
Shall collect Club dues, and other income, maintain the Club's bank accounts, pay all bills as budgeted or approved by the Board and/or the membership.
Shall prepare and present to the membership at the annual meeting a financial report and budget.
The fiscal year shall be December 1 to November 30.
1. Division Pursers:
The Board of Directors may authorize the establishment of division treasuries for the purpose of allocating specific monies for the benefit and use of either the Sail or Power Divisions. The Treasurer shall, when requested, make periodic reports to the division Vice Commodore.
D. Secretary
Shall maintain a current membership roster, maintain a file of Club correspondence, keep and publish minutes of Club meetings and publish the Club's information bulletins or newsletters as may be directed by the Board.
E. Board of Directors:
Shall establish Club policies in all matters. Shall provide direction and guidance for the Club officers.
3) ELECTIONS
A. Each year, prior to the October meeting, the membership shall be notified of pending nominations for offices. Nominations will be made from the floor at the October Club meeting or in writing to the Secretary.
B. Prior to the November meeting, a list of nominees shall be published to the members.
C. The annual election for officers will be held at the November meeting and they will take office December 1. A majority vote of the members present plus proxy ballots will decide the election.
4) Meetings
A. Meetings of the membership shall be held at times and places as may be decided by the Board. Meetings of members of the several Divisions shall be as directed by the Division Vice Commodore.
B. Meetings of the Board of directors may be held at times and places as directed by the Commodore. Any member of the Board may request a special Board meeting. Such special meeting shall be held as requested, the Commodore presiding. The purpose of such meeting shall be provided in the meeting notice.
5) FEES and DUES
A. Club dues are $15 per year, $1 per month for those joining after August 1. Such dues shall be mailed to the Club Secretary accompanied by the membership application. After recording the membership information, the Club Secretary shall send the membership information and dues to the Club Treasurer.
B. Dues owed to the National organization (see section VII of the Constitution) shall be paid before the member can be considered a proper member for the year. The Board may designate special handling arrangements for the convenience of the members in paying the National dues.
C. Active military personnel on offshore duty may, on request, have their dues abated until such time as they return to San Diego.
D. Junior members (under 18 years) will pay the regular Club dues, but will have one half of the International association dues paid by the Club.
E. Club dues of the Officers (not including Directors) may be waived.
6) TERMINATION
A. member may have his membership terminated for these reasons:
1. Non Payment of dues. After dues are delinquent one (1) month (February 1) the member is considered to be terminated.
2. MISCONDUCT
Any member deemed by the Club Commodore to be guilty of misconduct at a Club function shall be advised in writing that a hearing will be conducted at the next regular Club meeting., At that time a two thirds vote of the members present shall suffice to expel the member.
7) RETRIEVE BOAT
The retrieve boat shall be used only by members or members of a recognized national organization. Members or not, small children must be accompanied by an adult member at all times.
8) AMENDMENTS
All members shall be notified in writing of any proposed changes in the Constitution and By Laws including the time and date of the meeting at which the vote will be taken. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present shall be required to approve the proposed changes. A copy of the revised document shall be published in the next Club newsletter.
9) HONORARY MEMBERS
Honorary membership may be awarded to a non-member for extraordinary service to the Club. It may be bestowed at any regular meeting by a simple majority vote of the membership present. The honor will be recognized by a plaque or certificate, awarded at an appropriate occasion.
10) LIFE MEMBER
Life membership may be awarded to an active Club member for extraordinary service to the Club. Recognition by way service to the Club. Recognition by way of a suitable plaque or certificate shall be presented at a designated Club meeting. A life member shall be excused from dues payment thereafter.
RECORD OF APPROVED AMENDMENTS
November 1, 1961 June 1, 1965
May 19, 1970 March 8, 1972
April 1, 1974 August 3, 1976
June 8, 1978 June 5, 1979
June 1, 1980 October 7, 1980
October 3, 1983 April 3, 1984
November 4, 1986 April 1, 1993
March 1, 1998
CLUB POINTS
On the first and last Sunday of each month (with a few exceptions) each Division hold their Club Points races. (The Sail Division on the first and the Power Division on the last Sunday).
This is a yearlong event and at the end of the year the Club Champions are determined for each class. The race Director's responsibilities are shared throughout the year so that all members learn how to conduct regattas. There is a nominal entry fee, which is accumulated throughout the year and used to purchase trophies, which are awarded at the annual Club banquet.
REGATTAS
Each year we host regattas for the most popular classes in our area. Most regattas are two-day affairs (Saturday & Sunday). Skippers come from various points in the west and the competition is at a very high level. The Argonauts are fortunate in having a number of national champions, past and present.
Regatta Directors are from our membership and assistants learn as they go of the intricacies of managing regattas.
Entry fees are $8 to $10 and the funds are used to defray the costs of printing, postage, trophies, etc. As a non-profit organization our goal is to have a zero profit at the end of each year.
Since the pond is shared with others it is necessary to put out, and retrieve, marker buoys for each regatta. Here again we ask the membership to pitch in and help with such activities. Please remember that ONLY MEMBERS are allowed in the dinghy.
RADIO FREQUENCIES
It is very important that you be aware of radio frequency conflicts. Please follow each Divisions policy on frequencies. Do not run the risk of damaging another skippers boat and/or equipment or, of course your own.
MAINTENANCE
We are fortunate to have such a wonderful Model Yacht Pond. Please help maintain it.
Rack Space Designed by American Endeavor Last Modified: 7/27/08