Club Roles, Responsibilities & Committees
It is all members' responsibility to run the club and we refrain from specific roles instead, specific committee members oversee specific elements of the club but this by now means precludes other members from participating actively in all areas on the management and running of the club - quite the opposite, it is meant to serve as a structure to support, not negate, members' involvement.
No positions at Ely Sailing Club are employed and all committee members are volunteers, mainly with full-time jobs as well as their own families and commitments whilst we endeavour to be proactive, responsive and committed to our club, please be patient with your committee.
Flag Officers
Commodore is the principal Flag Officer, sets a direction for the club and is responsible for the organisation and management of the club.
Vice Commodore is second in command and is responsible for the organisation and management of the sailing side, and associated aspects, of our club.
Rear Commodore is third in command and is responsible for the organisation of social events including the bar, catering provisions and website/media.
Honorary Roles
Honorary Secretary is an Officer and is responsible for all club records, maintaining all club legal documentation, be it rates, licences, rules or health & safety etc. as well as organising and taking minutes of Committee Meetings, AGMs, etc.
Honorary Treasurer is an Officer and is responsible for all club finances and the submission of any legal documents required by law. The Treasurer is required to keep the main committee apprised of the club's financial position at each committee meeting.
Other Key Committee Roles
Membership Secretary is responsible for managing membership of the club, including berth allocations and responding to membership enquiries.
Club Welfare Officer is responsible for supporting the wellbeing of young and vulnerable members and will be an interface between those members, the Trustees and external authorities in the event of a reported incident, risk of harm or other safeguarding concern. The welfare Officer is supported by a team including members of the committee as laid out in the club safeguarding policy.
Training Principal is responsible for all aspects of our club's sail and power boat training within the RYA's standards.
Fleet Class Captains are the principal representatives of the classes or groups of boats currently sailing within the club.
Cadet Officer is a separate role from the fleet captains of the youth classes and is filled by an adult willing to represent the interests of the cadet members at the committee level and organise cadet events.
Bosun is responsible for coordinating all matters relating to the club's sailing and power craft as well as the maintenance of all club buildings and land from cleaning to improvements, including the berths.
Webmaster is responsible for managing and maintaining the club's website and supporting IT systems.
General Committee - Elected Members
Frequency | First Tuesday of the month starts at 19:30. Does not meet in August. |
Chair | Commodore |
Attendees | Vice Commodore Rear Commodore Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Training Principal Membership Secretary Elected Committee Members |
Purpose | Review and decide on actions to be taken in order to achieve the successful operation of the club. |
Sailing Sub Committee - Invited Members
Frequency | Typically twice yearly. |
Chair | Vice Commodore |
Attendees | Bosun (Sail) Fleet Class Captains Cadet Officer |
Purpose | The committee is responsible for recommending the sailing programme and once approved ensuring that appropriate membership support is organised (RO, ARO, Rescue Boat duty) to affect the event. The committee is also responsible for maintaining race result records and the presentation details for prize-giving. |
Social and Promotion Sub Committee - New Attendees Encouraged
Frequency | Typically bimonthly |
Chair | Rear Commodore |
Attendees | Bosun (Land) Bar Secretary Press Officer |
Purpose | The committee is responsible for recommending the social programme throughout the year and once approved ensuring that appropriate membership support is organised to affect the event. The committee will liaise with the Sailing Committee for support of sailing events such as Open Events. The committee is also responsible for promoting the club through means such as the website and social media. |
Last updated 18:47 on 10 August 2026
