Events and activities away from your premises
Are you aware of the insurance implications?
A growing number of clubs are running trips to other clubs or centres, so their members get to experience a different sailing area. This type of event can be great fun, help to develop skills and allow for some good social activity around the sailing. However, it’s important to make sure that any activity is appropriately insured.
Ben Bennett, Account Director at Gallagher, the RYA’s official Club Insurance partner, has answered your frequently asked questions on this topic.
Gallagher advises that clubs and centres should be aware of the need to consider and evaluate the risks of organising activity away from the usual facilities – often held at alternative RYA affiliated club or centre premises.
It’s recommended that all RYA affiliated clubs and centres take time to evaluate their individual risk exposures, helping to ensure that they are adequately covered.
Please note that these frequently asked questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation.
Q. Would clubs/groups be automatically covered for ‘activities away’ under their existing insurance arrangements? i.e. would cover such as public liability and insurance of the boats/equipment belonging to the ‘host venue’ and being used by others, be automatically covered?
A. Whilst we are unable to comment on the flexibility of any other policy, the Gallagher RYA endorsed policy does allow the hosting of events anywhere in the UK in respect of club/centre organised activity. The policy also permits transit of club/centre boats to third party sites where appropriate (subject to a standard maximum length limit of 30ft). That said, if you do opt to borrow/loan equipment from the venue, which you are being hosted by, it is advisable to ensure that either:
- Their policy extends to include use by others (you may find this is uncommon in today’s market).
- You contact your insurance providers and seek to extend your policy to cover such items on loan/borrowed – for the duration of your stay.
Q. Would a visiting club/group need to be members of the ‘host’ club, for the duration of their stay?
A. This is a common requirement for many clubs – some club rules dictate that at least ‘temporary’ membership should be granted, or very often to allow full use of ‘host’ club equipment and to comply with insurance requirements of the ‘host’ club. Often this need not be each individual being granted ‘temporary’ membership, but the club/centre or group involved as one – permitting use of the facilities and equipment, as any other member would be entitled to do.
Q. Whose insurance would the sailing activity fall under the club/centre acting as the ‘host’, or that of the visiting club/group?
A. Essentially, this simply boils down to the level of ‘organisation’ on the part of the ‘host’ club/group. If the host venue is not the organiser of the activity, then the liability sits with the visiting club or group. If the host is the organiser, then the liability would be their responsibility and not with the visitors. Both parties should check their insurance policies to confirm.
Q. What if a club wants to take part in some different on the water activities? (stand-up paddle boarding, open water swimming, kayaking, etc.)?
A. Checks should be made with respective insurers. However, on the basis that such activities will be run by suitably qualified and competent individuals, with the guidelines/regulations of the appropriate National Governing Body (NGB) followed at all times, the Gallagher policy would permit such additional water sports activity if they have been pre-agreed.
Q. What about other ‘land based’ activities appropriate for the location to which a club/group may be travelling – hill walking, for example?
A. I can only speak on behalf of Gallagher. Requests for additional ‘shore-based’ activity is common and on the understanding that the club/group adopt a sensible risk aware approach to managing the activity and utilise the skills of personnel within the organisation who has the appropriate skill/qualification and/or experience, this can usually be accommodated without any real issue. Naturally, you should liaise with your own insurance advisor/provider on subjects such as these, given that responses may vary from insurer to insurer.
Finding suitable insurance
As the RYA’s official Club Insurance partner, Gallagher has been endorsed by us for over 40 years, providing specialist products to meet the needs of RYA-affiliated clubs, recognised training centres and affiliated organisations.
To find out more about how Gallagher can help you and for further insurance questions, contact the specialist RYA Gallagher Team.
0800 612 2282
rya@ajg.com
The sole purpose of this article is to provide information on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links that were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss that may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
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