Preamble
The purpose of the Great Lakes J/120 Class Association is to provide a framework within which owners of J/120's sailing the waters of the Great Lakes will:
(a) maximize the pleasurable use of their boats,
(b) develop and maintain a camaraderie with other J/120 owners and their families,
(c) encourage others to become active participants in the Association.

A.     Affiliation with the National J/120 Association
The Great Lakes J/120 Class Association shall be an affiliate of, and comply with the National J/120 Class Association Rules. Any changes to the National Rules will be accepted as changes to the Great Lakes J/120 Class Association By-Laws except that members may, by majority vote at an Annual Meeting, choose to not accept changes. Sections 5.3, 5.4 and 7.1 of the National Rules may be temporarily waived for local club races.

B.     Membership
An active voting member of the Great Lakes J/l20 Class Association shall be a legal owner of J/120 (as defined by the National J/120 Class Association Rules) who regularly sails his/her J/120 on the Great Lakes and whose US$25 annual dues have been paid by April 1 of each year for each co-owner. The dues shall be used exclusively to cover the general administrative expenses of the organization. Each boat shall have only one vote.
 

C.     Annual Championship Regatta
The Great Lakes J/120 Class Association shall sponsor an Annual Championship Regatta to be held in Port Sanilac, Michigan, on the weekend following the Bayview - Port Huron to Mackinac Island Race. The Regatta shall consist of 5 races over 3 days. All races shall utilize an Olympic-style triangle course not to exceed 10 nautical miles in total length, except that one or two of the races may be of a longer distance and may be a straight line or "down and back" type course. The fee for this Regatta shall not exceed US$50 and the proceeds shall be used to cover administrative costs of the Regatta including awards. Sponsorship of the Regatta will not be prohibited.
 

D.     Board of Directors
There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer. All officers must be current active voting members of the Great Lakes J/120 Class Association. The duties of the President shall be to chair meetings of the Board and the Annual Membership Meeting. The President shall facilitate communications and resolve disputes between members and act as the liaison between the Great Lakes J/120 Class Association and the National J/120 Class Association. The Vice-President shall serve as Race Chairman. The Vice-President shall also assume the duties of the President in his/her absence. The Secretary/Treasurer shall record all official functions of the Association and maintain proper accounts and records of all money. The Secretary/Treasurer shall produce a financial statement to the members at least annually. In the event of a vacancy on the board of Directors the President shall appoint someone to fill the remaining term. The term of office for each of the three officers shall be one year. A person shall be limited to three consecutive terms for any one office but may serve again after a year’s hiatus. Elections shall take place annually at the Annual Membership Meeting. Nominations shall be taken from the members at the meeting and if seconded that member shall be a candidate. The candidate receiving the most votes of those members present shall be elected.
 

E     Authority
The Board shall meet at least semi-annually and shall make recommendations for changes to these by-laws and make suggestions for new activities, events or other business to further the goals of the Association. Authority to spend the Association’s money, to change these by-laws, or add, delete or modify sponsored events shall come only by a majority vote of the members at the Annual Membership Meeting.