Frankston Yacht Club Volunteer Tasks

Volunteering at Frankston Yacht Club (FYC) is an essential part of ensuring our club runs smoothly and provides a welcoming environment for members and visitors. Below, you'll find information on the different volunteer roles, responsibilities, and key tasks to help keep our club organized and running efficiently.

🏠 Opening Up the Clubhouse

Why It’s Important:
Setting up the clubhouse creates a welcoming atmosphere for members and visitors. A clean and organized club allows everyone to enjoy the facilities and encourages newcomers to get involved.

🕒 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Tasks

Change Rooms

✅ Check and replace toilet paper (stored in white cupboards in the women’s change room)
✅ Ensure change rooms are clean and free of rubbish or wet sailor gear
✅ Place lost items in the red-lid bin outside or return them to the owner if known
✅ Check and refill soap dispensers (found in white cupboards in the women’s change room)

Club Rooms

✅ Open blinds, turn on lights, and switch on the TV
✅ Set up tables (groups of 2-4 seats)

Decking & Outdoor Area

✅ Remove any rubbish
✅ Place barriers in line with the yard fencing and ramp near the café
✅ Set up tables, chairs, umbrellas, and stands (ask for assistance if needed)

🥪 Canteen Duties

Why It’s Important:
The canteen provides food and drinks for members, creating a welcoming atmosphere and keeping everyone fueled throughout the day.

🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Tasks

✅ Ask a committee member to access the register and cash drawer
✅ Turn on fridge lights
✅ Set up the canteen with food items (chocolate, chips, pies, etc.)
✅ Refer to Olive for any questions about food preparation
✅ Serve members as required

🍹 Bar & Closing Up the Clubhouse

Why It’s Important:
Serving food and drinks keeps members engaged after sailing. Cleaning up ensures the club is ready for mid-week events and maintains safety.

🕒 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM

Tasks

Bar & Kitchen

✅ Collect cash from the office
✅ Steam 1 bag of dim sims (found near the sink) – ensure water is added to the steamer
✅ Serve food and beverages as needed
✅ Restock fridges and dispose of any open wine bottles
✅ Clean the kitchen and secure cash

Bins & Waste Management

✅ Empty all bins and wash if necessary
✅ Replace bin liners (found in bar drawers near the dishwasher)
✅ Ensure lids are on all bins

Change Rooms

✅ Check and replace toilet paper and soap dispensers
✅ Remove rubbish and wet sailor gear
✅ Place lost items in the red-lid bin outside

Club Rooms & Decking

✅ Sweep and mop floors if required (brooms in white cupboards in women’s change room)
✅ Wipe down all tables
✅ Remove rubbish from decking
✅ Put away barriers, tables, chairs, umbrellas, and stands

🚤 Powerboat & Safety Boat Duties (Gradnell & LG)

All powerboat crew must attend the on-water briefing at 12:30 PM in the Powerboat Shed.

Key Requirements:
✅ Footwear is mandatory on powerboats
✅ Wear sun-smart clothing and wet-weather gear
✅ All drivers must provide a copy of their boat license to the office

Crew Responsibilities

• Each crew member will receive:
  🥤 1 soft drink & 1 water
  📦 The boat captain will collect an equipment bag from the canteen before heading out

🛟 Safety Procedures

• Complete the safety checklist before launching
• Use the built-in radio to communicate with the RO (Race Officer)
• Assist in laying the racecourse
• Be prepared for rescue activities if needed
• During a rescue:
  ✅ The boat captain is in charge
  ✅ All rescues must be reported to the tower
  ✅ Keep radio communication to a minimum until the rescue is completed
  ✅ Only the designated swimmer should leave the boat unless directed otherwise

End of Day Procedures

✅ Store equipment in its designated place
✅ Remove empty fuel containers and place them outside for refilling
✅ Full fuel containers should be stored in the yellow fuel cabinet
✅ Wash boats and trailers with fresh water
✅ Flush engines after use
✅ Complete the boat checklist and report any maintenance issues

🚩 Mako (Start/Finish Boat) Duties

All crew must attend the on-water briefing at 12:30 PM in the Powerboat Shed.

Key Responsibilities

✅ Driver: Positions the race committee vessel under the RO's direction
✅ Scribe/Recorder: Records start/finish times, OCS boats, and retirements
✅ Timer: Starts and calls out the countdown to the race start
✅ Flags Operator: Raises and lowers flags at correct intervals
✅ Sound Signals: Sounds the horn for race signals
✅ Radio Operator: Manages communications (ideally holds a Marine Radio Operator license)

End of Day Procedures

✅ Store equipment properly for next week’s races
✅ Remove and replace empty fuel containers
✅ Wash boats and trailers with fresh water
✅ Flush engines after use
✅ Complete the boat checklist and report any maintenance issues
✅ Report back to the Captain of the Day before leaving

📚 Learn More

Would you like to improve your skills before volunteering? Check out our online courses to learn about race management, powerboat handling, and club operations.

🔗 View Online Courses (Insert link to online learning resources if available)

🙌 Thank You for Volunteering!

Volunteers are the heart of FYC, and your support ensures we can provide an amazing experience for everyone at the club. If you have any questions, please reach out:

📧 Email: membership@fyc.com.au
📅 In-Person Help: Chat with Meaghan on Saturdays for assistance.

🚤 See you on the water!