Month: September 2026

Slips, Launch and Haul Committee
Communication #4
Additional Information
For all members using Commercial Crane Haul.
All Skippers Arrive at 0630
 This is the final communication before Haul Day.
 Crew lists and crew duties were in Communication#3. Make sure you read and
understand your duty for Haul Day.
 Please follow the directions from the parking attendants when you arrive. We will be
parking near the gate this year.
 At the Gate, check in with the Gate Monitor. Check that your cell number is correct and
sign by your name on the list. Obtain a hard hat and High Visibility Vest as required.
o Gate Monitors _ Blue + HV vest
o Safety Officer – Yellow + HV vest
o Foreman – White + HV vest
o Assistant Foreman – White
o Wrangler – Orange + HV vest
o Parking – Blue + HV vest
o Skippers and Crew – Blue
o Slips, Launch and Haul Team – Red
 All morning crews must be available for their shift and at Roll Call for 0700 hours.
Skippers hauling during first shift are to check in with the Wrangler (Orange Hat) to
enquire about your haul time. Stay away from the haul area but be within earshot of the
Wrangler one hour before anticipated haul time. You should monitor VHF 14 with your own
handheld or you must be available to be contacted by your cell phone.
 Cradle Pads are to be self-positioning and placed at a lower height in order to be raised
once the boat is sitting on the keel.
 The Haul Sequence will be posted on the bulletin board in the club the morning of Haul Day. For
Early Haul the Small Crane will begin at B-Dock and then proceed to J-Dock. The Large Crane
will begin at C-Dock. For Late Haul the Small Crane will start on A-Dock.
 All preparations for haul are to be completed prior to your haul date. If you will require a crash
boat tow, please inform the Wrangler upon arrival.
 Please ensure your cradle is marked with Boat Name, Owners Name, bow, stern, and keel
placement location.
 Sling stickers will be available in the clubhouse.
 A 50-foot (one piece) control line is to be attached at Bow and Stern. (Longer at J- dock)
 Mast Up boats must have backstay, topping lift, and any other mast support lines aft of the mast
disconnected. You must have two messenger lines tight under the hull at your pre-marked sling
locations. Messenger lines are to be snugly attached to the upper lifelines with a clove hitch.
There can be no items on the cradle at haul time! For the benefit of the Sling Crew nothing can be
stored on your side decks and both port and starboard gates should be open.
 There should be no anchors mounted in front of the boat.
 A (free) light breakfast will be available in the clubhouse followed by an enjoyable lunch that will
be available for a small fee.
 Let’s have a safe haul!!!!! If everyone is prepared and understands their duty we will all have a
great day.

Slips, Launch & Haul
Communication #3
Haul Crew Duties & Responsibilities
For all members using Commercial Crane Haul.

Be Ready To Do Your Shift By 0700 Hours

GATE MONITOR: Arrive at 0600. Set up check in tent and obtain bins of hard hats if required.

Record arrival times of members and distribute hard hats and High Visibility vests to 1st Shift Crew only. (Gate Monitors – Blue + HV vest, Safety-yellow + HV vest and air horn; Foreman-white + HV vest; Assistant Foreman-white; Wrangler-orange + HV vest; Slips, Launch & Haul Team- red; Parking-blue and HV vest; All others- blue.) Distribute the specific “Tip Card” to each Skipper as they sign in. Monitor VHF14 at high volume. When called upon by Wrangler or Assistant Foreman confirm member presence on site. Receive Hard hats at end of day and return to storage as directed by Haul Coordinator (Early: Garry Cole Late: Bruce Baker) Disassemble tent at end of day.

FOREMAN: Using the provided script (as an aid), address the Haul Crew regarding your expectations prior to the shift including safety, hard hats, awareness of Crane Operator’s line of sight. Emphasize QUIET in the haul area. Field questions from crew to confirm they know what is expected of them. Provide direction to Bow/Stern Line, Line Handlers and Sling Crew. Communicate with the Crane Operator regarding crane set up. Follow the order of boat haul sequence and communicate with Assistant Foreman. Direct Crane Operator via hand signals for the lift. When the boat is first hauled out of the water make sure the boat is level. Before the slings are released when the boat is in the cradle check with the skipper of the boat.

ASSISTANT FOREMAN: Announce roll call to confirm all members are present for your haul crew. Alternates may be available immediately to sub for crew when needed. Monitor VHF 14 at high volume. Stand By crew are available in the clubhouse. The clubhouse will have a radio. Communicate with Wrangler regarding haul sequence. Communicate with Crash Boat, and Gate Monitor as needed. Take note of any changes made to the haul sequence AND the reason for the change. Email these notes to slips@midlandbaysailingclub.com as soon as possible after your shift.
WRANGLER: Communicate with Assistant Foreman regarding haul sequence. Maintain communication with Gate Monitor to confirm skipper’s presence on site. Direct skippers to alternative slips to keep haul wells free on A-Dock, B-Dock, C-Dock, and J-Dock. Communicate with crash boat regarding any boat requiring a tow. Communicate on VHF 14 that there are 30 minutes to shift change. This time will be clearly indicated on the Haul Sequence. Take note of any issues or problems that come up during your shift. Email a report with these details to slips@midlandbaysailingclub.com

LINE HANDLERS: Working with the Bow and Stern Line Handlers, aid in securing the boat when at the hauling slip.

ALTERNATES: Remain with the haul crew. Pay attention to techniques of all crew positions. Be available to substitute for any crew position immediately.

PARKING ATTENDANTS: Arrive at the club by 0615 (1st Shift) and check in at the gate. Pick up your blue hat and HV vest at the gate. Direct MBSC traffic to the designated parking areas, the grass area near the gate marked by pylons and along the Bay Port fence. Follow additional instructions from the Haul Day Coordinator. (Early: Garry Cole, Late: Bruce Baker)

SAFETY OFFICER: Monitor Hard Hat compliance and ensure QUIET in the haul area. Clear the haul area of non-essential persons. Ensure all boats in the haul area, are clear of crew. Take direction from Foreman to position yourself to observe the “blind side” of the boat and communicate with Foreman regarding sling hooks, lifelines, and safety. Ensure Shepard’s hook and ring buoy are near the haul area. If a safety issue is observed, speak with the Foreman. Maintain eye contact with Foreman when possible. If a Mayday situation is observed activate one blast of air horn.

BOW & STERN LINE HANDLERS (Gloves are recommended.)
Ensure entire length of line is not tangled and is available for use. Pay close attention to the direction given by the Crane Foreman. Keep the boat always aligned and control the vessel swing. Both lines are controlled from the same side of the boat. Once the vessel is secure on the cradle proceed to the slip well to receive the next vessel.

SLINGS (Gloves are recommended.)
Guide slings and hooks safely as they descend. Use the bow and stern Messenger lines for all mast up vessels. Set slings at appropriate points as marked. LOOK UP. Ensure crane hooks are clear of rig, topsides, and lifelines. Maintain contact with slings until full tension is felt, when the vessel is lifted slightly and appears level disembark the boat. Proceed to the cradle location. When the keel of the vessel is on the cradle and level rise the pads to meet the haul. When given the okay from the foreman disconnect the slings. Proceed to the haul slip well for the next vessel.

STAND BY CREW: Remain in the clubhouse for your entire shift and be available when called upon by Haul Coordinator, Assistant Foreman or S, L&H Team member, to assist as required. (Cradle compliance, slings, lines, crash boat, crew for skippers or handling of dock lines at boat slips for example) Club radio will be provided for Standby Leader. Monitor VHF tuned to channel 14, at high volume.

CRASH BOAT (PFD required)
Be sure the VHF radio (channel 14) volume is at maximum.
Remain near your assigned crane haul area to tow vessels to the haul slip well, if required. “Tow” any vessel by lashing crash boat at side near the aft. The crash boat motor must be behind the stern of the towed vessel. Put the motor in gear with gentle throttle until you have way. Make sure there is an EXTRA PFD on board. Stay alert and react/help in case of any “Man overboard” emergencies.

All CREW MEMBERS: If cradles need to be moved all crew will help. If an issue is observed, speak to the Assistant Foreman. ALL CREW SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR ENTIRE SHIFT. LISTEN FOR SAFETY OFFICER AIR HORN SIGNAL AND HALT ACTIVITY UNTIL ISSUE IS RESOLVED

Slips, Launch & Haul Team sporting Red Hard Hats: If you are not sure, ask a Slips, Launch and Haul committee member.

Rob Darch, Glenn Boisvert, Derek Lasky, Deane Woods, Bruce Baker, Garry Cole, Bob Hesser, Bob Ledingham and David Spencer

Slips, Launch and Haul Committee Communication#2
Haul Day Information

For all members using Commercial Crane for Haul.
Early Haul: Saturday October 3, 2026 @ 0700 Hours
Late Haul: Saturday October 24, 2026@ 0700 Hours

Important Information

● New Members:
○ If you have any questions about haul, first ask your neighbors around your boat for clarification. If you are still not sure email slips@midlandbaysailingclub.com.
● Cradles:
○ The cradle layout on the properties will be done on Friday September 25th starting at 0900 hours. Driving restrictions will apply on the club property. We hope to be finished by 1300 hours.
○ Cradle moving will be done on Sunday September 27th at 0800 hours. Driving restrictions will apply on club property.
○ For both days there are driving and parking restrictions at the club. No driving or parking in the parking areas of A-Dock and C-Dock. There is also no driving or parking east of the electrical panel at the G/H dock all the way around to the end of J-Dock. Signs will be posted on Wednesday September 25th.
○ Make sure your cradle has its posts up and pads installed at a lower level so that your boat does not have to be positioned twice.
○ If you are worried that your cradle may sink into the gravel, you may wish to put 2×6 boards under your cradle
● Is your cradle compliant?
○ 6.2.3 Members must have all sling locations clearly marked on their boats to assist the sling handlers in properly positioning slings to allow a swift and safe lift.
○ 6.2.4 Members must install a keel placement guide on their cradles or trailers to assist the haul out crew in placing the boat without undue delay.
○ 6.2.5 Cradle or trailer pads or hull support apparatus must be capable of standing in position to accept the boat without the necessity of persons under a slung boat manually performing this task.
○ 6.3.6 Cradles and trailers must have the bow and stern identified and marked with the name of the boat and owner, clearly visible from both the bow and stern.
○ Sling stickers are available in the clubhouse
● If you know you will need a tow, let the Wrangler know as soon as possible on Haul Day.

Slips, Launch and Haul Committee Communication#1
Haul Day Information

For all members using Commercial Crane for Haul.

Early Haul: Saturday October 3, 2026 @ 0700 Hours
Late Haul: Saturday October 24, 2026@ 0700 Hours

You will be receiving at least four communications from the Slips, Launch and Haul Committee. Please read each communication carefully so that you are up to speed on what is required of you.
Important Information

● Starting time is 0700 hours. (All skippers must arrive at the club between 0630 and 0645 and be ready to go by 0700 hours)
● We have some good news!!! It looks like we will be able to park closer to the main gate this haul. Stay tuned to more details on this in following communications.
● Check in at the gate:
○ Confirm your cell phone/contact number
○ Receive the correct coloured hard hat.
● Monitor VHF Channel 14 at high volume
● There are two shifts during both Haul Days
○ If your boat hauls during the 1st Shift, your assigned duty will be during the 2nd Shift
○ If you boat hauls during the 2nd Shift, your assigned duty will be during the 1st Shift
● The Haul sequence will be posted by 0630 hours on Haul Day on the Slips, Launch and Haul bulletin board
● Prior to your Haul time:
○ Check in with your Wrangler
● When it is your duty shift:
○ Check in with your Assistant Foreman
● A light breakfast will be provided free of charge
● Lunch will be available for a small fee $5.00
● Announcements about the shift change will occur in the clubhouse and over VHF Channel 14
● Crew Lists: Will be posted on Friday September 25th in the clubhouse and will be emailed out on or after that date
● Skippers are reminded that the Service Dock is unavailable until Launch/Haul as been completed and all temporary assigned boats on the Service Dock have moved to their home slip.
● If you have any questions during either Haul Day then ask any committee member wearing a Red Hard Hat