I was wondering if anyone would have some solid advice on public liability cover.
Established clubs like Sandgropers for example would have to be incorporated and have their own P/L cover which all members contribute to with their annual fees, but what do individuals like myself who sails with a couple of other yachties but are not at that stage where they have a club and treasurer ect.
I was told that some individual sailors cover themselves by their house and contents policy,I tried my insurer and they ummed and arred about it then said NO
Is this the case with some insurers,does anyone have this kind of cover and if so who are they and more importantly do they have it in writing?

Andy B,

I think your home public liability insurance will probably cover someone getting injured on your property and that's all.

The situation probably depends on the state you are in, but I recall many years ago (mid 1980's) in another club I was in here in Victoria, I went through the incorporation process so we could get insurance. My understanding at that time was that until an organisation was incorporated, it was not legally recognised as an entity in its own right, so it could not sign a document as an organisation. It was just a bunch of individuals, leaving the members individually exposed. I don't know whether this has changed or applies where you live.

There are other organisations that carry insurance that may be be able to accept you as a member and cover you by their insurance. One possible problem may be the risk you may expose them to given in being an individual sailor, they probably have no way of controlling your behaviour. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that you are irresponsible. It is just that if an incident occurs where it may be considered you were acting dangerously, the organisation providing the cover may find their premium skyrockets or that their application to renew their policy is refused. If this happens, all affiliated clubs suffer. In formulating an association for blokarts, I will be arguing for member clubs to be required to sign up to a set of safety rules in order to insulate other clubs from this type of problem.

Having said all this, don't believe me. I reserve the right to be totally wrong :-) If I were you, I'd have a quick chat to a solicitor.

I hope this helps.

Brian

The teacher was sailing the DN of the Purvis's, at night after we( the commitee) had said to stop sailing. the foot was pushed off the end of the leg bones .
I have been told the lass was able to walk again on the foot.
I still vividly recall having her leg and foot strapped to my arm on the way to the ambulance, as we had nothing else available as a splint.
I may be getting old , but the brain still functions

Splitty, are you bored again??



Ouch Paul!! I'm glad you didn't tell me that story before I sailed for the first time!!

From what I remember it was the teacher sailing the V twin seater,can't see how a complete novice being allowed to sail a Dn especially at night,but then again it was 25 years ago and the old memory isn't as sharp as it once was,scratch that my memory never was sharp, I think, I can't remember.
It was Bobby Justice who said she lost her foot because I remember thinking wow what a 21st birthday presant,maybe she had a prosthesis fitted after the accident who knows.
I recall the huge flood lamps lighting up the parking area and out to the lake when the Dn came in out of the darkness blinded by the lights and smacked head on into the little yacht,but then again I could be wrong I can't remember
But I think it supports the importance of liability insurance don't you agree.
Speaking of insurance I have had tool insurance for all my vehicles Paul,maybe your not using the right broker,having said that there are stipulations set down by the insurer and one of them is that the vehicle must be lockable and be stored in a secure garage.