Preventing requisition of club land by local authorities

This guidance was drafted by representatives from Kongelig Norsk Båtforbund (KBF), Svenska Båtunionen (SBU) and Dansk Sejlunion (DS) and has been edited for publication on the EBA website.

The guidance suggests tactics that EBA members can share with clubs who are working to prevent local authorities taking control of land or water that they currently use. The EBA takes no responsibility for any consequences of implementing these suggestions.

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the  EBA position statement which provides useful background information.

If you have suggestions or experiences that you would like to share, please use the comments field below.

Methods used by local authorities

Local authorities may use the following methods to take control of land:

• Terminating lease contracts and ordering clubs to move away, likely forcing clubs to close
• Increasing club’s annual fees for the lease of land to a such a level that members can no longer afford the fees
• Shortening the length of leases and making it impossible to run the club

Tactics for clubs to consider

This is not an exhaustive list but focuses on some key tactics for clubs and their members to consider:

• Maintain regular contact with the land owner, even if you have a long-term lease; things can change quickly
• Try, if possible, to purchase the freehold of the land (and water). It can be a large upfront cost, but provides stability for the future and removes the threat of requisition.
• Ensure your lease contract has at least 10 years’ left
• Be aware of any planned changes for land and water use and appeal against any plans that will negatively affect the club. Even small changes could eventually lead to other activities that will threaten the club area
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from local politicians, and people who support the club’s activities, to prevent planned changes
• Work to ensure local communities see the club as open to all and an important local facility for recreational activity
• If the above tactics aren’t successful, contact your regional yachting/boating association or seek legal help
• Act before it is too late