Lake Davenport
Sailing Club

History of Lake Davenport Sailing Club

The history of Lake Davenport is closely linked to the history of the river boat days, so it is natural that boating started early in the area's development. The earliest known ancestor of all pleasure boating groups was the Davenport Boat Club, a group of shell racers. The club was organized in July 1878 and had 150 members. In their heyday, 1878 to 1892, the Boat Club distinguished themselves in state and national regattas.

Another early group of pleasure boaters was the Irrawadi Canoe Club, organized in May 1883. The club had 25 members and was devoted to canoe sailing. The canoes were all basically the same, an indication of things to come in one design yacht racing. Lake Davenport still has one of these canoes, The Rambler, on display at the clubhouse. The Irrawadis disbanded in 1920 and there is no record of any organized yacht club for many years.

It was the construction in 1934 of Lock and Dam 15, creating a relatively quiet pool of water, that made a resurgence of interest possible on the new Lake Davenport. In 1935, eleven sailors met at Lindsay Boat Club with Burdick Richardson as its first Commodore. The founders were intent on serious, competitive racing. They soon recognized the advantages of one design racing and the Snipe class was introduced. Lew Shorey, the second Commodore, took most of the trophies, along with John Hayward.

The Second World War drastically curtailed Sailing Club activities. In 1947, Dick Duley joined the Club with only four active boats. Two years later, the Lightning fleet had seven boats. The Club was coming of age. Lake Davenport incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1951. The first C Scow, a 20-foot scow, was introduced in 1957. Tom Getz quickly became a leader in the scows.

Since its beginnings, the Club had shared facilities with Lindsay Boat Club. In 1961, the Corps of Engineers proceeded with its plan for a breakwater and public marina at Lindsay, and therefore refused to renew the sailors' permits for moorings. Moving somewhere was a necessity. It was then that the members secured from the Davenport Levee Commission a one-year lease at $25.00 for 200 feet of land at the foot of Bridge Avenue. The area was a sad and dejected looking place, a trashy weed pit several feet below the top of the seawall.

Sailing was great there, but intense work parties with backbreaking labor never ended. Bigger and better things were talked about for 1962, but most members wanted water and toilets. Membership was at 25 persons with a net balance of $73.00, but the group decided to build a clubhouse. So the structure, erected solely by the incessant labor of the members, became a reality in the spring of 1962. The improved facilities brought additional members and more land was leased from the Levee Commission. In 1965, the Club purchased committee boats so the races could be started from a starting line, instead of from shore with a white flag. The boat parking area was blacktopped in 1972 and more boat hoists were installed in 1981. The leased land included 1,800 feet, extending from Bridge Avenue to the Davenport Water Works.

Almost before their clubhouse was completed, the members recognized the importance of producing new sailors. The Sailing School developed from small beginnings in 1962, when volunteers used members' boats for instruction. In 1970, the Club purchased five Butterfly class boats and hired two junior instructors. By 1980, the format was revised and three X-boats were purchased. The program had better instructors and was geared more toward the adult sailor. The school was temporarily suspended in 1986 when liability insurance could not be procured.

Sailing School was re-introduced in 1992 in conjunction with the City of Davenport Park and Recreation Department, using Lightnings, MC and C scows as training boats. In 1994, the Quad City Sailing School was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation. Hunter sailboats have since been introduced as the teaching boat of choice.

As a result of public interest in excursion boating, the Club entered into a new lease agreement with the Levee Commission in 1986. A new clubhouse was built upstream from the old location.

The M-16's were popular in the 1960's, but had disappeared by 1970. The MC, a 16-foot scow, was introduced in 1980. The MC class had 25 boats within two seasons. In 1981, the race schedule included Sunday races for Lightnings, MC's and C's, as well as races for C's and MC's on Wednesday nights and Saturdays. Due to increased family obligations by members, Saturdays were eliminated in 1994. C and MC Scows are the only fleets that are currently following racing schedules.

The highlight of all activities at Lake Davenport is the annual Polar Bear Regatta. It is held the last weekend in September, attracting many boats from seven mid-western states. The Lightning fleet started the regatta in 1960, but today only MC's and C's share in the fun.

Social affairs have always been an important part of Club activities, with special parties scheduled throughout the season. The annual Trophy Dinner in November closes the season. There's always next year, because the feeling for wind and water shows no signs of going away.

House, Grounds & Waterfront Rules and Procedures

General

1. The Lake Davenport Sailing Club will not be held responsible or liable for loss or damage to any private property that may be brought to the clubhouse, grounds or premises. Boats are stored at owner's risk.
2. Members are responsible for their own acts or conduct, as well as those of family and guests. Reasonable conduct must be displayed at all times.

Clubhouse

1. Club facilities may be coordinated with the House Manager for use by current members in good standing (full, life and honorary). Member's activities will be limited to the Club membership at large and/or a maximum of twenty (20) non-members per each sponsoring member in attendance. Should there be damage to the Club facilities, repairs shall be billed to the sponsoring member(s).
2. Club facilities may not be reserved for private parties. With only one room, we do not have adequate space to serve the sailing membership and those wishing to hold private functions. All LDSC facilities are to be shared and are open to the general membership at all times during the regular season.
3. Member's private notices may be dated and placed on the bulletin board, in accordance with rules established by the House Manager.
4. Complaints about violations of these rules may be made by any member to any Board member within ten (10) days of the incident for resolution by the Board at the next Board meeting.
5. The clubhouse is for use by the entire membership. Obviously, every member must assume responsibility for its care and upkeep.

Grounds & Waterfront

1. The Harbormaster is in complete charge of the parking area for boats. Boat space selection will be assigned by Club seniority and as requested. However, any member who fails to pay his or her dues by May 1st, forfeits choice of a parking space. Trailers are to be returned to their individual parking area, once the boat has been put into the water. Do not leave your trailer in the driveway area, as this makes it extremely inconvenient for other sailors who are planning to launch their boats. You will be expected to police the area around your boat throughout the season.
2. All cars must be parked in the parking areas along the road, or in the parking area at the far end of the Club facilities. Cars are not to be parked along the seawall or in boat parking areas.
3. Sails must not be hung on the flagpole.
4. The water available at each hoist is for washing boats, not for washing cars.
5. All boats parked at the Club must be rigged and in sailing condition.
6. All trailers must be secured to a post.
7. The LDSC tools may not be taken off Club property and MUST be returned to their proper place after each use. Any exceptions must be cleared by two (2) Board members.
8. Members are not to block access to the hoists at any time, unless they are waiting to launch or recover. After launching, members should keep moving their boats down the seawall to make room for others coming behind.
9. On race days, as a courtesy to other sailors, skippers are requested to rig their boats and leave the seawall as quickly as possible after launching. Similarly, when returning, skippers are requested to limit their mooring to the time necessary to de-rig and hoist their boats from the water.
10. All hoists must be left with the hook seven (7) feet above the ground and the boom swung off the water and secured.
11. It is the responsibility of the members participating in Club races to share in launching and putting away the Race Committee boats on each race day. A sign-up sheet is posted on the Club bulletin board for this purpose.
12. The Race Committee boats are to be used only for the running of races, Sailing School supervision, Board-approved Scout programs and any rescue. Only members of LDSC may operate the Race Committee boats. Exceptions to this must be approved by two (2) Board members.

Sailing Instructions — All Classes

1. Rules and Jurisdiction

All races are sailed under the jurisdiction of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club. They will be conducted as closely as possible in accordance with the LDSC By-Laws, these Sailing Instructions and the most recently published and available Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and the prescriptions of the US Sailing Association, as modified herein. Additionally, all races shall be arranged, conducted and judged by the Principal Race Officer (PRO), who will oversee the operation and necessity of all judging and support boats as well as the judging support staff.

2. Entries and Eligibility

All yachts must comply with their official class rules. Only yachts that are registered with the Club shall be entitled to race or represent the Club. Owners and Helmsmen must be members in good standing of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club.

3. Notices

Official notices will be posted on the official bulletin board of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club. It is the responsibility of each skipper to check this board.

4. Courses and Course Signals

The course diagrams with identifying letters indicate the types of courses to be sailed. The identifying course letters will be displayed on the Race Committee boat before or with the warning signal, along with the number of laps, complete or partial, to be sailed. The preferred race courses are: North or South winds — Polish Gold Cup; East or West winds — Windward Leeward.

5. Starting

Races shall be started by using the following signals. Times shall be taken from the visual signals; the absence of a sound signal shall be disregarded.

The warning signal for each succeeding class shall be made with or after the starting signal of the preceding class.

6. Postponement

No morning or afternoon race may be postponed more than 90 minutes. No evening race may be postponed more than 30 minutes.

7. Signals

The following International Code Flags and other visual signals shall be used as indicated:

Preparatory Flags

P flag — Normal preparatory signal; no starting penalties are in effect. If you are over the line at the start, you can return through the line or round the ends. Dip starts are allowed.

I flag (Round an End) — Rule 30.1 will be in effect. If you are over the line during the minute before the start, you must sail to the pre-start side of the line around either end before starting. No dip starts allowed.

Black Flag — Rule 30.3 will be in effect. If you are in the triangle formed by the ends of the line and the first mark during the minute before the start, you will be disqualified.

Z flag (20% Rule) — Rule 30.2 will be in effect. If you are in the triangle formed by the ends of the line and the first mark during the minute before the start, a 20% Scoring Penalty shall be received.

Additional Signals

Y flag (Life Jacket Signal) — Life jackets or other Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices shall be worn by the skipper and crew when hoisted, accompanied by 1 horn blast.

General Recall (1st Repeater) — Applies when there is a significant number of unidentifiable premature starters or an error in starting procedures. Signaled by raising the 1st Repeater flag and sounding 2 horn blasts.

X flag (Individual Recall) — Applies when any part of the hull, crew or equipment is on the starting line prior to the Starting signal. The PRO shall hail the offending sail number, accompanied by 1 long horn blast.

C flag (Change of Course) — Course adjustments after the Starting sequence will be made known prior to any boat beginning the change of course leg, accompanied by 1 horn blast.

8. Time Limits

The overall time limit for all classes will be 90 minutes. When the time limit has expired, and no yacht from one or more classes has properly finished the course, the Race Committee shall abandon all races still in progress by displaying Code flag "N" and firing three (3) guns.

If a boat in its Class finished its race in the time limit, then its finish shall stand and the remaining boats will be given their position as the PRO deems appropriate. All boats still racing 30 minutes after the first boat finishes will be given their position based on their current position on the race course.

If a boat in its class does not reach the first mark in 30 minutes, its Class race shall be abandoned. If one Class is abandoned, it does not have to affect the other Class's race.

9. Protests

1. The protest flag (Code flag "B") shall be red for Class C only. Class MC does not require a flag, according to Rule 61.1.
2. As soon as possible, but within 1 hour after the Race Committee lands, it must be notified of the racing number of the protested yacht(s) or other reason for the protest.
3. A protest committee will be appointed by the PRO which consists of 3 impartial members not a party to the protest or interested in the outcome.
4. Protest hearings will be held as soon as possible after the conclusion of the day's races.

10. Scoring

Each class must determine its own method of scoring and must provide for the keeping of scoring records. The respective Fleet Captains should be contacted if questions or concerns arise. If fewer than three (3) boats in a class start a race, that race will not be valid for scoring. A minimum of five (5) races must be completed in a series in order for the Club to provide for that Series (not including Special Series).

11. Safety

1. Each yacht in all classes shall carry one Coast Guard approved life preserver of the jacket or buoyant vest type for every person on board and must comply with the current civil boating regulations. Each racing yacht shall also carry one paddle. When Code flag "Y" is displayed, helmsmen and crews shall wear life jackets throughout the race or until the signal is struck. It is the responsibility of helmsmen and crews to wear life jackets when conditions warrant. A yacht will be disqualified for each race in which her helmsmen and/or crew does not properly respond to Code flag "Y".
2. Barges are a natural hazard of the race course. A Committee Boat will blast one long horn and start a yellow flashing light when a barge enters the race course. Any yacht will be immediately disqualified if it passes between a barge and the Committee Boat while the light is flashing. In the event a barge temporarily impedes the course to a mark, the Race Committee will fire one gun and display Code flag "M" (mark missing).
3. It is recommended that boats are not to sail below the old Clubhouse.
4. Lock and Dam 15 and the surrounding water are absolutely off-limits at all times. Sailors who ignore this warning do so at their own peril.
5. Special attention must be paid to the bike path users when Club members are arriving and departing Club property.
6. A disabled or capsized boat may receive outside help from other boats, including committee boats, recreational boats and competitors, without being disqualified. This rule shall apply to local LDSC events only, not including Polar Bear.

12. Race Committee

It is the responsibility of the Race Committee and ONLY the Race Committee to consult with the Race Committee Boat personnel about race courses and number of laps to be sailed prior to the warning signal. There will be no verbal communication with the Race Committee after the first Class flag is raised. Helmsmen wishing input on these matters should consult their respective Race Committee Representative.

13. Special Rules for Evening Series

All races shall terminate at 8:15 P.M. or sunset, whichever comes first. If by 8:15 P.M. or sunset, one or more yachts of a class have completed the course within the time limit, all yachts of that class that have not finished will be scored the position of the last boat to finish plus 2.

14. Spinnaker Rule

A yacht not close hauled, which is in the act of setting, carrying or lowering a spinnaker shall have the right-of-way over all yachts not sailing the same leg of the course as she, and not in the act of setting, carrying or lowering a spinnaker.

LDSC Perpetual Trophies

Articles of Incorporation

Under Chapter 504 — Not for Pecuniary Profit

These Articles of Incorporation are adopted by the undersigned citizens of the United States: Kenneth E. Jensen (3623 - 23rd Avenue, Moline, Illinois), Arthur Temple (25 McClellan Blvd., Davenport, Iowa), and W. B. Sebern (2747 East Pleasant, Davenport, Iowa). The above named individual incorporators are all of legal age and a majority are citizens of the state of Iowa.

The name of the corporation is "Lake Davenport Sailing Club."

This corporation shall come into existence upon the issuance of a Certificate of Incorporation by the Secretary of State of the State of Iowa, and its existence shall continue perpetually thereafter unless sooner dissolved, which may be done at any regular or special meeting of the membership by a vote of a majority of the then members whose dues are fully paid and are in good standing.

The principal office of the corporation shall be located at the foot of Mound Street in the City of Davenport, Scott County, Iowa, and the name of its initial registered agent at said address is W. B. Sebern.

This corporation is formed for recreational and athletic purposes under the provisions of Chapter 504 of the 1950 Code of Iowa, and in carrying out such purposes, it shall have the powers normally possessed by corporations formed under such Chapter, including the power to acquire, own or sell property of all kind and character, and to borrow money and to receive funds, and to administer and apply the income and principal from funds received or property owned for the purposes of this corporation, including the promotion and development of sailing and the use of sailboats as a recreational and athletic sport or activity.

No part of the corporation's assets or income shall inure to the benefit of any Director, officer or member, and the corporation shall not carry on any propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation.

The affairs of the corporation shall be conducted and managed by a Board of not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) Directors, who shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the membership for the following terms: one Director for a three year term, one Director for a two year term, and the remaining number of Directors for a one year term.

Members at any Annual Meeting or Special Meeting may by resolution change the number of Directors; provided the number shall not be reduced below three. A vacancy shall be filled by the membership at a Special Meeting called for such purpose.

The officers of the corporation shall consist of a Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Treasurer, and Secretary, elected by the Board of Directors at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the membership shall be held at the principal office on the Second Saturday in November of each year. The Board of Directors may specify a different place, date and time with notice given at least five (5) days before. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Commodore, any officer, or any five (5) members. Each member whose dues are fully paid shall be entitled to one vote; such vote may only be exercised in person and not by proxy.

The Board of Directors may adopt By-Laws relating to the management of the affairs of the corporation, and shall have the power to make contracts, to purchase, sell and encumber property, and otherwise manage all things pertaining to the affairs of the corporation.

Individuals interested in the purpose for which this corporation is formed may become members on application to the Board of Directors and election to membership by the Board. Any individual once elected to membership may be removed from the membership rolls by vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.

The private property of the membership shall be exempt from the debts of the corporation, and the property of the membership and the individual members shall be exempt from all liabilities of the corporation of any and every kind whatsoever.

These Articles may be amended at any Annual Meeting or Special Meeting upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the members whose dues are fully paid and are in good standing; provided, however, that Article X shall in no event and under no circumstances be amended.

In the event of dissolution, after payment of all liabilities and obligations, any remaining assets shall be paid over and transferred to such charitable corporation having an office in Scott County, Iowa, as may be selected by the Board of Directors at the time of dissolution. In no event shall any of the assets, earnings or income of the corporation inure to the benefit of a private individual or corporation.

By-Laws

1. Full Membership: Shall consist of a couple or individual and all of their unmarried children under the age of twenty-five (25) years. A person must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to hold a full membership. Such members are entitled to all Club privileges, including the right to vote, to propose and endorse applications for membership, to hold office, to skipper yachts in Club sanctioned races, to rent boat stalls and to launch their own boats from Club property.
2. Associate Membership: Shall consist of any person of any age. Such members are entitled to use of the clubhouse and grounds only when a full member is present. Associate members are not eligible to vote, propose and endorse applications, hold office, skipper yachts in Club sanctioned races unless a full member is aboard, or launch their own boats.
3. Honorary Membership: May be granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Entitled to full use of the clubhouse and grounds, but shall have no voting rights nor be eligible for election to the Board.
4. Life Membership: Granted by the Board of Directors to long-time active Club members. Life members have full membership and voting rights and are eligible for election to the Board.

1. The Board of Directors shall determine annually all dues and fees, published on the Membership Application and Yearly Dues Statement.
2. New members joining during the year will have their bill prorated: 50% of Full Member dues after August 1st and 25% after September 1st. They will be billed 75% of the Crane Fee after August 1st.
3. Refunds will be made on a prorated basis only on the death of a member or on a job related transfer from the area.

Club privileges shall be subject to rules prescribed from time to time.

Members who have not paid their membership dues by May 1st shall have voluntarily rescinded their membership, and have lost priority boat parking space assignment.

Any person of good standing and of the required age shall become a member upon election by the Board of Directors and payment of the applicable fees. If payment is not made within ten (10) days after notice of election, the election shall be declared void. Each application shall be endorsed by a Full Member. No candidate shall be considered unless he or she intends to participate in sailing events sanctioned by the Club.

All candidates shall be voted upon at regular or special meetings of the Board. A majority of all Directors must vote for election. No rejected candidate shall be proposed again for one year.

Any member guilty of violating any Club rule, unsportsmanlike conduct, or conduct unbecoming a gentleman or lady, may be fined, suspended or expelled by the Board of Directors. Non-payment of legitimate charges within thirty (30) days shall constitute grounds for expulsion.

A full member may be granted leave of absence to a maximum of five (5) years. Membership will be reinstated upon return without initiation fees or interim dues, but with loss of seniority.

The regular Annual Meeting shall be held on the first Sunday of November each year. Written notice shall be mailed thirty (30) days in advance.

Special Meetings may be called at any time by the Commodore, any officer, or any five members. The Secretary shall send notice of the date, place and time by mail.

Only full members and life members may participate or vote. A full membership entitles the holder to one vote, which may be split by husband and wife, one-half vote each.

At any meeting, 25% of the total number of full members shall constitute a quorum.

On or before September 1st, the Nominating Committee (consisting of Fleet Captains) shall nominate candidates for directorships. The Secretary shall notify Full Members at least thirty (30) days before the Annual Meeting. Nominations from the floor are also accepted. At the Commodore's discretion, the Committee may nominate two members for each vacancy.

All parliamentary questions shall be determined in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

There shall be seven (7) members of the Board. Terms: one Director for three (3) years, one for two (2) years, and the remaining for one (1) year.

Prior to or during the November meeting, the new Directors shall elect from their own membership: a Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Harbormaster, Secretary and Treasurer. Effective terms shall be January 1 to December 31; newly elected Board and officers should sit with the old Board at November and December meetings.

1. Commodore: The principal executive officer of the Club. Shall supervise and control all business and affairs, preside at all meetings, and cause regular and special meetings to be called. Subject to Board approval, shall appoint and remove agents and employees.
2. Vice-Commodore: Shall assist the Commodore and perform assigned duties. In the Commodore's absence, death, inability or refusal to act, the Vice-Commodore shall assume all powers and restrictions of the Commodore.
3. Harbormaster: Shall be chairman of the House, Grounds and Waterfront Committee, with authority to call work parties as deemed necessary.
4. Secretary: Shall be ex-officio Secretary of the Board, keep minutes of all meetings, have charge of minutes and records, and give and serve all notices.
5. Treasurer: Shall have custody of the Club's funds, pay all bills properly contracted, and render a full financial report at the Annual Meeting or when called upon.

Regular meetings shall be held monthly. Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum.

Shall be held upon the written request of three (3) Directors upon three days notice. The Commodore shall call such meetings promptly.

1. House, Grounds and Waterfront Committee: Chaired by the Harbormaster. Duties include operation, maintenance and upkeep of building, grounds and facilities.
2. Membership Committee: Three members appointed by the Commodore. Duty is to recruit new members interested in yacht racing and Club welfare. All applications shall be examined and forwarded with recommendation to the Board.
3. Race and Regatta Committee: Five members — one representative each from the C, Lightning, MC and Variety Fleet, plus a Chairman appointed by the Commodore. Duties include preparation of race schedule and Sailing Instructions, conduct of all yacht races, and promotion of events to improve LDSC racing quality.
4. Social Committee: One or more members. Shall arrange and sponsor recreational activities approved by the Board.
5. Trophy Committee: Shall take care of trophies, keep records, and arrange presentations at the annual Trophy Awards Dinner and Special Series events.
6. Auditing Committee: Three members. Shall conduct an annual audit of the Treasurer's books not less than two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting.
7. Ad-Hoc Committee: The Commodore may designate Ad-Hoc Committees as needed, to be dissolved when their work is completed.

1. Historian: Shall formulate and maintain a permanent record of Club activities.
2. Long-Range Planning Committee: Duties include initiating long-range studies and programs for efficient operation and orderly growth, handling short-range fact-finding studies, and developing and obtaining Board approval for Club goals and objectives.

The Lake Davenport Sailing Club is by its nature a working club, and all members are expected to participate equally in projects and work parties. Each member shall be assessed a work assessment on their regular dues statement. The assessment will be credited at an hourly rate as reported by the Harbormaster or may be paid in full with other fees. Any member paying the Work Assessment in full by May 1st has satisfied the obligation. Any member not paying by May 1st who does not fulfill ten (10) hours of work will be billed November 1st for the remaining hours.

Full members who have been members for five (5) years or longer, and who no longer have a boat kept on Club grounds, will not be assessed for the work obligation. They will, however, be encouraged to assist with work projects where possible.

These By-Laws shall supersede all By-Laws heretofore adopted and all other rules and regulations of the Club consistent therewith.

By-Laws may be adopted, amended or repealed by either the Members or the Board of Directors; however, no By-Law adopted by the Members shall be amended or repealed by the Board. Adoption or amendment shall require a two-thirds vote of the Members or Directors present. The Directors adopting changes shall have voted in two readings at subsequent regularly scheduled meetings. By-Laws adopted by the Board shall be identified with an asterisk (*) with the date of enactment.