CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I  NAME
The name of this organization is The Tred Avon Yacht Club, Incorporated.

ARTICLE II  PURPOSE
The purpose of the Tred Avon Yacht Club is to encourage interest in the sailing and racing of various classes of yachts, the education of the children of the members in sailing and in the rules of good sportsmanship, and the cultivation of social and friendly contacts among its members.

ARTICLE III  PROPERTY
The property and assets of the Club are vested in the Resident and Senior Members thereof.  Termination of membership shall operate as a release of all right and title to the property and assets of the Club.

ARTICLE IV   MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Club shall consist of the following classes:  Honorary, Senior, Resident, Intermediate, Legacy, Non-Resident, Junior, Family, and Associate.

• HONORARY MEMBERS:  Honorary Members may be elected to the Club for a period of one year on recommendation of the Board of Governors.  Honorary Members shall have all the privileges of the Club except the right to vote or hold office.  They shall pay no initiation fee or dues, nor shall they be entitled to any interest in the property or assets of the Club.


• SENIOR MEMBERS:  Upon completion of thirty years of Resident or Associate Membership in the Club, a member having reached the age of seventy or more may apply for Senior Membership.  Senior Members shall have all the rights and privileges of Resident Members with the exception of voting on assessments.  A Senior Member will pay no assessments and will not be counted in the Resident Membership quota of the Club.


• RESIDENT MEMBERS:  Shall be persons who have attained the age of twenty-three and who reside in Talbot, Queen Anne's, Dorchester, or Caroline Counties, or who have temporary residence during the summer afloat or ashore in such counties, and who have purchased a membership certificate. It shall be required that any candidate for Resident Membership shall have resided afloat or ashore within the four county area for a period of at least one year before being considered for membership.  Resident and Senior Members or, if unavailable, their spouses have the sole voting power in the selection of Club Officers and the determination of Club policies. 


• INTERMEDIATE MEMBERS:  Shall be persons who have attained the age of twenty-three and are under the age of thirty-five and who reside in Talbot, Queen Anne's, Dorchester, or Caroline Counties, or who have temporary residence during the summer afloat or ashore in such counties. It shall be required that any candidate for Intermediate Membership shall have resided afloat or ashore within the four county area for a period of at least one year before being considered for membership.  An Intermediate Member shall not be required to purchase a membership certificate until attaining the age of thirty-five.  Prior to purchase of a membership certificate, an Intermediate Member has no voting power.  Upon payment of the certificate, the Intermediate Member is automatically categorized as a Resident Member, regardless of the status of the membership quota, but will be counted in the quota once so classified.  The certificate may be paid at any time before attaining the age of thirty-five. 


• LEGACY MEMBERS: Shall be persons who have attained the age of twenty-three and are under the age of thirty-five whose father or mother is a member of the Club at the time of the candidate’s application.  Upon attaining the age of thirty-five, the Legacy Membership shall terminate and an application for Resident or Non-Resident Membership may be made through the Membership Committee. Until such application is approved, the former Legacy Member shall cease to be a member of the Club. A Legacy Member may be elected as a Resident Member regardless of the status of the Resident Membership quota but will be counted in the quota once elected.  


• NON RESIDENT MEMBERS:  Are those who do not meet the requirements for Resident Membership with respect to location of residence, ashore or afloat. Upon attaining residence in any of the four resident counties and payment of the certificate, a Non-Resident member is automatically categorized as a Resident Member regardless of the status of the Resident Membership quota, but will be counted in the quota once so classified.  


• JUNIOR MEMBERS:  Shall be persons who have attained the age of eighteen but are under twenty-three. Such members are subject to election by the Board of Governors in the usual way. 


• FAMILY MEMBERS:  Shall consist of the spouse of a member in any membership category together with the children of the family below the age of twenty three.


• ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:  Are in a limited membership category that is no longer available to new members. Existing Associate Members who marry must change their membership status to Resident, Senior, Non Resident, or Family.

ARTICLE V   ELECTION OF MEMBERS
The election of members shall be by the Board of Governors.  A candidate for membership must be proposed by a Resident, Senior, Intermediate, Associate, Legacy or Non-Resident member in good standing and seconded by another member, in good standing, from any of these classes of membership, neither of whom shall be a member of the Board of Governors, or the Membership Committee.  Only Legacy candidates may be proposed or seconded by an immediate family member.  The proposal shall be submitted to the Chairman of the Membership Committee who, together with the Membership Committee, shall conduct a preliminary investigation in each case and make only positive recommendations to the Board.  After receipt of the recommendation of the Membership Committee, the Board of Governors will give consideration thereto and if tentatively accepted, the candidate’s name shall be posted on the bulletin board and/or website for not less than twenty-eight days or may be sent to the Resident and Senior Members by mail.  If any member of the Club objects to the candidate, the member shall notify the Secretary of the Club and state the objections.  Such objections shall be considered by the Board at the time the candidate is voted on.  More than one negative vote shall disqualify the candidate from membership, and he or she may not again be proposed for membership for a period of six months. The proposing member shall be notified of the disqualification and waiting period by the Chairman of the Membership Committee, or his delegate, within ten days of the decision.  Upon election, the candidate shall be so notified by the Secretary and billed by the Treasurer for the initiation fee, membership certificate if applicable, and dues within ten days of the decision.  Failure to pay such fees and dues within thirty days of notice of election to membership shall be considered a refusal of membership unless the time for payment has been extended by the Board of Governors.

The Board of Governors may establish or change a limit on the number of members in each membership category.

ARTICLE VI   DUES AND INITIATION FEES
The Board of Governors shall establish the dues and initiation fees for all classes of membership.

Members whose dues have not been paid after two notices from the Treasurer shall be posted on the bulletin board and/or website, and notice to that effect sent to the member.  Unless granted an extension by the Board of Governors, members whose dues are not paid within thirty days from the date of posting shall be dropped from the Club membership.

All members whose status changes shall be given credit on their new dues and initiation fee, if higher, for the amount of any previously paid dues and initiation fee.

If desired, dues may be paid semi annually, half payable on January 1, and half payable on July 1. New members shall be required to pay the full year’s dues for their classes when election to membership occurs before July 1 and prorated dues, if afterwards.

ARTICLE VII   OFFICERS
The elected officers of the Club shall be: Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Secretary and Treasurer.  The officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of one year and shall serve until their successors are elected.  Two Governors shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a term of three years and shall serve until their successors are elected.  

ARTICLE VIII   DUTIES OF OFFICERS
(Where the male pronoun is used either male or female pronoun applies)
It shall be the duty of the Commodore to command the squadron and to preside at all meetings of the Club and the Board of Governors.  He shall appoint the Fleet Captain and, with the approval of the Board of Governors, all committees not otherwise provided for. The Commodore shall be an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.

It shall be the duty of the Vice-Commodore to assist the Commodore in the discharge of his duties and, in the case of absence or vacancy in the office of Commodore, to act as Commodore.

It shall be the duty of the Rear Commodore to assist the Commodore in the discharge of his duties and, in case of absence or vacancies in the offices of Commodore and/or Vice Commodore, to act as Vice Commodore or Commodore, as required.

It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Club and the Board of Governors in books provided for that purpose.  He shall be responsible for, and have custody of, all club trophies.  He shall keep a correct roll of all the members and shall notify the Treasurer each year before January 1 of the names and classifications of the members.  He shall advise the Treasurer of the election of new members or other changes in membership.  He shall send out notices of all meetings of the Club and the Board of Governors and shall notify candidates of their election to membership.  He shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Constitution and Bylaws.

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to collect and receive all money due the Club and to pay bills contracted after approval by the Board of Governors.  He shall keep an accurate account of all financial transactions in books provided for that purpose.  He shall make a report at each meeting of the Board of Governors of all receipts and disbursements, with a statement of the current financial condition of the Club.  He shall have custody of all the funds of the Club and shall submit a report of the financial resources of the Club at each meeting of the membership.  He shall notify in writing any member who fails to pay any indebtedness to the Club within thirty days from the day on which it was due that his name will be posted on the bulletin board and/or website if payment is not received within thirty days.  In the event of non-payment, the member shall be posted at sixty-one days from the date of indebtedness, and a second written notice shall notify the member that non-payment will cause him to be dropped from the Club by the Board of Governors at its next meeting. Any member dropped from the membership roll of the Club shall be so notified in writing.

It shall be the duty of the Fleet Captain to carry out the duties assigned by the Commodore.

ARTICLE IX   BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Secretary and Treasurer together with six Governors and the immediate Past Commodore shall constitute the Board of Governors.  In the event of a tie vote, all 12 members of the Board being present and voting, the vote of the immediate Past Commodore shall not be counted.

The Board of Governors shall manage the affairs and property of the Club.  It shall elect the members of the Club.  It may drop members from the membership roll for non-payment of dues, assessments, and/or house charges. It shall employ, or authorize the employment of, any persons essential to the operation of the Club.  It shall have the sole power to order the construction of additions or improvements to the Club property by the committee concerned.  It may not pledge any of the Capital assets of the Club without the approval of a two thirds majority of the Resident and Senior Members, or if unavailable, their spouses, voting at a meeting called for that purpose.

The Board of Governors shall meet monthly at the direction of the Commodore and may be called for a special meeting whenever such a meeting shall be deemed necessary.  Six members of the Board shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.  

ARTICLE X   COMMITTEES
The Board of Governors shall appoint the Nominating Committee, the Long Range Planning Committee, the Finance Committee, the Membership Committee, and the Junior Sailing Committee. With the exception of the Nominating Committee, the terms of membership shall be for three years.

The Nominating Committee shall be appointed not less than sixty days prior to the Annual Meeting.  This committee shall be composed of five Resident and/or Senior Members, not more than two of which may be members of the Board of Governors.  However, no officer or governor who may be eligible for re election shall be appointed to the Nominating Committee.  This committee shall nominate candidates for the offices to be filled at the Annual Meeting.  It shall post the list of nominees at least forty-five days prior to the Annual Meeting.  Not less than thirty days prior to the Annual Meeting, any twenty-five Resident and/or Senior Members may submit to the Secretary in writing the nomination of any qualified member for any of the several offices.  Any such additional nominations shall be posted at least fifteen days prior to the Annual Meeting. In the event of a vacancy occurring on the Board of Governors, the most recently appointed nominating committee shall reconvene to appoint a successor to serve until the next Annual Meeting.

The Long Range Planning Committee shall be composed of four members, one of which shall be the Treasurer, and at least two past commodores.  

The Finance Committee shall be composed of at least four members, one of which shall be the Treasurer.  

The Membership Committee shall consist of six members.  The Committee shall have charge of the preliminary investigation of candidates for membership and shall submit positive recommendations to the Board of Governors. Four members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.

The Junior Sailing Committee shall have charge of Junior Sailing instruction and instructors, sailing schedules, and all necessary safety regulations. The Committee shall function under the control of the Board of Governors.

Committees to manage house and grounds, the waterside, racing, social events, and other activities of the Club shall be appointed by the Commodore with the approval of the Board of Governors, and shall function under the control of the Board of Governors. Committee members may be members of record or their spouses.

ARTICLE XI   MEETINGS
Twenty five Resident and/or Senior Members shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of the club membership.

The Annual Meeting of the Club shall be held during the month of November on such day as may be determined by the Board of Governors.  There shall be a Semi-Annual Meeting of the Club during the month of April at such time as may be determined by the Board of Governors.  Dates of the Annual and Semi-Annual meetings may be changed at the discretion of the Board, based on weather or other conditions. The Commodore shall call a special meeting of the Club on written request of fifteen Resident and/or Senior Members.

Notices of all regular and special meetings shall be communicated to each Resident and Senior Member by mail, email, website, or newsletter at least ten days before such meeting, and the notice shall state the purpose of any special meeting.

ARTICLE XII   ASSESSMENTS
No assessments shall be levied except by a two thirds vote of Resident Members, or if unavailable, their spouses, present at a special meeting called for that purpose.

ARTICLE XIII – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
A Capital Improvement Fund has been established from all membership certificates issued to members approved after January 1, 1997, and the donation of membership certificates issued prior to January 1, 1997.

The Capital Improvement Fund shall be maintained and used solely for capital improvements to the Club as determined by the Board of Governors and approved by a two-thirds vote of Resident and Senior Members, or if unavailable, their spouses, present at a special meeting called for that purpose.

ARTICLE XIV – WATERSIDE IMPROVEMENT FUND
A Waterside Improvement Fund has been established and will be maintained from all funds received as a result of the $1,500 assessment approved on December 16, 2000, and the non-refundable $400 assessment approved on November 3, 2002, and any donations specified for waterside improvements.

The Waterside Improvement Fund shall be maintained and used solely for capital improvements to the waterside facilities as determined by the Board of Governors and approved by a two-thirds vote of Resident and Senior Members, or if unavailable, their spouses, present at a special meeting called for that purpose.

ARTICLE XV   DISCIPLINE 
 The Board of Governors may expel from the Club, or suspend for a definite period, any member who shall be found guilty of improper conduct, or violation of the Constitution, Bylaws, or rules and regulations of the Club.  Specific charges shall be brought against the member, and the member shall have the right to a hearing before the Board of Governors before any final action is taken.

ARTICLE XVI   AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Constitution may be made at a special meeting of the Club called for that purpose or at a regular meeting of the Club, providing notice of the proposed amendment has been sent to each Resident and Senior Member at least ten days in advance of the meeting.  A two thirds vote of such members, or if unavailable, their spouses, present and voting at such meeting shall be required for adoption of an amendment.

 
TRED AVON YACHT CLUB BYLAWS

SECTION I   FLAGS
The Club Ensign shall be a sharp tailed blue burgee with a horizontal white swallow tailed stripe.

The use of the Club Ensign, when displayed alone, is restricted to members and family members.  It should not be reproduced for marketing, except by the Club, without permission from the board.

• The Commodore’s flag shall be a rectangular blue flag with a white fouled anchor encircled by thirteen five pointed white stars.


• The Vice Commodore’s flag shall be a rectangular red flag with a white fouled anchor encircled by thirteen five-pointed white stars. 


• The Rear Commodore’s flag shall be a rectangular white flag with a red fouled anchor encircled by thirteen five-pointed red stars. 


• The Fleet Captain's flag shall be a rectangular white flag with a blue fouled anchor. 


• The Race Committee's flag shall be a rectangular blue flag with a red fouled anchor supported by the two letters R.C. in white.   

SECTION II   GUESTS
The Board of Governors shall have the authority to make rules covering guests and the fees thereof, if any.  Persons residing in Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Dorchester, or Caroline counties may be brought as guests up to twice a season.  Membership candidates, childcare provider, dates of members, and crews of members during racing events are exceptions to this policy.  Guest privileges may be extended to members of reciprocal yacht clubs, or the houseguests of members, for a period up to two weeks and guest cards issued.

No guest may be brought to the club by any member once notice has been given by the Secretary that, as determined by the Board of Governors, their presence is not desirable.  

SECTION III   RESIGNATIONS AND CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY
Resignations and requests for change in membership category must be forwarded to the Secretary in writing and be presented by the Secretary at the next meeting of the Board of Governors.  No resignation shall be accepted while the member is indebted to the Club.   

SECTION IV – REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERS
Requests for reinstatement must be made in writing to the Secretary who will present the request at the next meeting of the Board of Governors, provided the applicant is in good standing.  The Board shall vote on all such requests and more than one negative vote shall disqualify the request.  Credit shall be allowed, on the initiation fee chargeable, for the full amount of any previously paid initiation fees if the request is made within one year of the applicant's resignation, two thirds of the amount if within one to two years, one third if within two to three years, and none if more than three years have elapsed since the resignation. The applicant shall pay any difference between his certificate and assessment paid, if lower than the certificate and assessment at time of reinstatement, if applicable.

SECTION V   SURVIVING SPOUSE AND CHILDREN
The surviving spouse shall continue as a member pursuant to the deceased spouse’s category of membership without the need for application, election or payment of initiation fees.  However, a surviving spouse may not become a Senior Member until reaching the age of seventy. Payment of the membership certificate, if applicable, and regular annual dues, assessments, etc., is required.   Surviving children under age twenty-three shall continue as Family Members.  Should a surviving spouse remarry, rights of succession to their membership do not apply to the subsequent spouse.  The surviving subsequent spouse may, within a period of ninety days after the death, apply for election to membership in accordance with Articles IV & V of the Constitution, but without the need for sponsors.  Payment of the initiation fee, membership certificate and regular annual dues, assessments, etc., is required.  If application is made within ninety days after the death, membership quotas will be ignored and membership will commence immediately.  The member will be included in any existing membership quota for the category of membership, once so classified.

SECTION VI   DIVORCED SPOUSE
The divorced spouse of an elected member may, within a period of ninety days after the divorce, apply for election to membership in accordance with Articles IV & V of the Constitution, but without the need for sponsors. If elected, such divorced spouse shall have all of the rights and privileges of membership as of the date of the divorced spouse’s acceptance, and shall be exempt from the payment of an initiation fee.  Payment of the membership certificate and regular annual dues, assessments, etc. is required.  If application is made within ninety days after the divorce, membership quotas will be ignored and membership will commence immediately.  The member will be included in any existing membership quota for the category of membership, once so classified.

SECTION VII   AUDIT AND EXPENSES
The Board of Governors may periodically appoint a committee to review the financial operations, financial records, and internal controls of the club.  This committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Board.  The Board of Governors shall approve all non-recurring expenditures above $1,000.  This limit may be reset by the Board annually.

SECTION VIII – INQUIRIES, SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS
All inquiries, suggestions and complaints should be sent to the Secretary in writing.  The Secretary will then refer the matter to the Board of Governors at the next meeting.

SECTION IX   DUES AND INITIATION FEES
Dues and initiation fees shall be reviewed annually by the Finance Committee, with changes recommended to the Board of Governors for approval. Dues are payable in advance on January 1.

1. Resident Members shall pay an initiation fee of $800 and yearly dues of $860.


2. Intermediate Members shall pay an initiation fee of $400 and shall pay dues equal to 50% of the amount paid by Resident Members.


3. Senior Members and Intermediate Members shall pay annual dues equal to 50% of the amount  paid by Resident Members.


4. Non Resident Members shall pay an initiation fee of $400 and shall pay dues equal to 53% of the amount paid by Resident Members.


5. Legacy Members shall pay an initiation fee of $200 and annual dues of one-quarter those of Resident Members. Legacy Members who make application for Resident or Non-Resident Membership within ninety days of attaining the age of thirty-five shall pay no additional initiation fees, and membership quotas will be ignored.


6. Junior Members shall pay an initiation fee of $50 and annual dues of $25.    


7. Associate Memberships in existence as of December 31, 1979, will be continued for the life of the member, or until resignation or change of membership status.  No new members of this class of membership will be accepted.  Annual dues equal to half the amount paid by Resident Members will be payable.

SECTION X   AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
The Bylaws may be amended or changed by a two thirds majority vote of the Board of Governors.

SECTION XI   ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL MEETINGS
1.    Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and their approval
2.    Treasurer’s report
3.    Reports of Officers
4.    Reports of permanent committees
5.    Reports of special committees
6.    Unfinished business
7.    New business        


SECTION XII – MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE POLICY

Clarification of Membership Certificates, by date of issuance:

Resident Members as of January 1, 1991
Not transferable except to surviving or divorced spouses, and subject to redemption in the amount of $3,300, payable within one year after the death or resignation of the registered holder.  Disbursements will be made on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

Resident Members after January 1, 1991, and before January 1, 1997
Same as above except redemption requests will be honored only after Resident Membership reaches 315.

Resident Members after January 1, 1997, and before January 1, 2002
Same as above, except while no paper certificates have been issued to members joining after January 1, 1997, any such Resident Member who resigns as a member in good standing before the first anniversary of their membership shall receive a refund of four-fifths of the certificate, less any unpaid portion.  The amount due upon resignation before the second anniversary shall be three-fifths, before the third anniversary two-fifths, and before the fourth anniversary one-fifth.  There shall be no refund for any resignation after the fourth anniversary of membership.

Members joining after January 1, 1997, shall be entitled to the same membership certificate financing options as have been available in the past.

Resident Members after December 31, 2002:
Same as above except Resident Members joining after December 31, 2002, shall pay a $5,200 certificate, allocated $3,300 to the Capital Improvement Fund and $1,900 to the Waterside Improvement Fund.