Participation Agreement Form

Sailing, like most sports, involves an element of risk to injury. Students will be sailing in water deeper than they can stand, a sudden wind gust could cause their boat to capsize, parts of the boat can cause injury, and exposure to the elements, if not properly prepared can cause problems.  The water environment contains many sharp objects such as oyster shells, fish bones, and other debris.

To make sailing classes as safe as possible, students will be instructed in rules which will reduce the risks.  The students must follow the directions of the instructors and the rules/policies as described in the Parent Handbook.  We have read the above information concerning the risk involved in sailing.  We understand and assume the risk involved in participating in the sailing classes.  We will abide by the rules of Emerald Coast Sailing Association and the Fort Walton Yacht Club and those rules established for the sailing program.

We further agree to hold  Emerald Coast Sailing Association and the Fort Walton  Yacht  Club, instructional program or host locations, US  Sailing, and their representatives harmless (including all costs of defense and attorneys’ fees) from any claim we might otherwise have for personal injuries, death, and/or property damage even when any such injury, death, or property damage results in whole or in part from any form or degree of negligence on the part of the parties being held harmless and any of their officers, members, instructors, employees, and volunteers or subcontractors and also when such injury, death, or property damage is caused or contributed to by a defect in the premises, vessel, appurtenance, and/or equipment of any kind, even a defect that pre-exists the signing of this agreement. The sailing camp you are about to begin is an exciting and demanding challenge, but you need to be aware of what will be involved and be willing to study and practice to achieve success.

I understand that in entering this sailing camp I agree to obey all program rules as set forth by the sailing director and the instructors, that I will use the utmost care in the use of the boats and equipment, that I will not engage in any horseplay or other disruptive behavior. I understand that failure to attend regularly, arrive promptly, or abide by the rules may result in my suspension from the program.  I agree to wear a buff or mask if an instructor asks.

I assume full responsibility for any loss or damage, excepting loss or damage covered by insurance, that may come to any person, boat, sailboard, equipment, pier, or other property used in conjunction with this course as a result of improper use, negligence, violation of the rules, and other acts of sailors, or other representatives of the school, instructional program or host location in connection herewith. I accept that the sport of sailing and the conduct of this course entails and are subject to certain inherent risks and assume all risks on land and the water of participation in this program. I further agree to hold the school, instructional program, or host location, US Sailing, and their representatives harmless for personal injuries and/or property damage.

I understand the contents of this statement and agree to see to it that my kid adheres to the program and COVID-19 rules and procedures if COVID is regulated again. I agree to assume the obligation for the expenses of repair and/or replacement of program equipment that is attributable to my kid’s reckless or irresponsible behavior. I agree to make an appointment for a parent-instructor conference if requested.

I hereby grant permission to the rights of my image, likeness, and sound of my voice recorded on audio or video without payment or any other consideration to Emerald Coast Sailing Association and Fort Walton Yacht Club. I understand that my image may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, or distributed, and waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive the right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of my image or recording.  I also understand that this material may be used in diverse settings within an unrestricted geographic area.