“Rex’s captains will work with each member to determine the required training
to help them step in to the cruising world quickly and confidently.”

Do I need experience for the Cruiser Program?

An experienced boater can qualify in about 4 hours, but if you are new to boating, there will be substantial training to build competencies. A well-trained boater is a safe boater! Cruising requires an active interest in, and hands-on capability for seamanship, navigation, weather conditions, marine electronics, understanding the boat and its many features, as well as the “Rules of the Road”.  Acquiring this knowledge and associated skills are just some of the engaging, enjoyable, and rewarding pleasures of big boat cruising.

How do I acquire these skills and experience?

RBC has developed dock-side and on-water training programs for current and new members who want to “step up” to the 300 Sundancer tailored to your boating experience. Your Sport Cruiser Program membership package includes the first four hours of captain’s time for basic orientation aboard the 300 Sundancer.

Do I need a license?

Yes -- Connecticut State law requires that you have earned a Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate (SBC). The Rex Boating Club offers state-approved boating safety classes for all members to obtain their lifetime SBC.

Do I need special gear or equipment?

No, since each boat is equipped with a GPS plotter, a depth finder, a ship-to-shore radio, and all safety and convenience equipment required by State and Federal laws.

Is insurance coverage included?

Yes. Our policy is through a division of international insurer AIG (American International Group) and covers both the value of the boat, less the $4,000 deductible, and also provides members with limited liability coverage. For the period you have the boat, as the captain, you are responsible for damage to the boat or its systems resulting from negligence or misuse incurred during use. A copy of our insurance policy is available should you have a question regarding the Club policy.

Are there additional costs or fees?

You only pay for the fuel you use! The boat will depart with a full fuel tank, and unless refueled by member, RBC will refill the fuel tanks and process payment using member charge card info on-file. Boat instrumentation is used to determine fuel usage, saving you a visit to the fuel dock!

How far can I go?

All of Long Island Sound, Newport, Montauk, Sag Harbor, Essex, and Block Island are part of your cruising area — and once experienced locally you will be able to cruise as far east as Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket!  For those seeking a historic river excursion full of breath-taking water views, members can cruise the Hudson River as far as Albany, passing the unforgettable landmarks of New York City, West Point and the Catskills area.

Do you need to know where I am going?

Yes. You are obliged to file an initial float plan and update it with the RBC if your cruise plans change after leaving Rex. This is for your safety. The RBC will be happy to assist you with your planning if you like, as we often have first-hand experience with many popular destinations.

Can I sleep on board during overnights ? How many people can comfortably stay on board?

Yes. The 300 Sundancer boasts dockside air conditioning, a full galley, two Flatscreen LCD TVs with DVD players, deluxe stereo/CD entertainment system, and a roomy bathroom to enjoy a hot shower.  Truly a “home away from home”, the boat can comfortably sleep 4 adults or two adults plus 3 smaller children.

Who cleans the boat before and after use?

Members do the boating, and RBC staffers do the rest — cleaning, empty the waste holding tank prior to each use period, preventative maintenance and repairs, seasonal decommissioning and commissioning, winter storage, waxing and painting (etc). The member is only required only to keep boat reasonably clean inside and outside while it is in his/her care.

Are there limitations due to weather and sea conditions on when I can operate the boat?

Yes. For your safety, underway-operations are prohibited between sunset and sunrise, or during daylight hours whenever visibility is less than two miles. Operations also are prohibited in seas greater than three feet or steady-state winds in excess of 25 mph, conditions normally posted as a Small Craft Advisory that members prefer to avoid anyway.

What if my plans change? Can I sell or ‘swap’ my pre-paid uses?

Yes. Cruiser Program (“SCP”) members are free to sell or swap days with other SCP members. Members should consult an RBC manager if there are any policy questions, and record resulting schedule changes on the Club’s online scheduling system. Because SCP-level members in many cases will want to take the boat away from Norwalk for various lengths of time, most plan members will select their use days well in advance of the season just as they would for a vacation home lease. And, like a time-share arrangement, Cruiser Program members are entitled to “trade” or “sell” their scheduled blocks or days with other Cruiser Program members. RBC staff will help members market any surplus days to other RBC members.