Race Officers

The RSYC relies on volunteer race officers to organise and run its races. We are fortunate that as a club we have a large and experienced team, and do not have to press gang racers into performing race officer duties.

Running a club race normally requires a team of six Race Officers. The tasks required are varied, and include:

• Setting courses and laying any marks that are required
• Recording and timing the start and finish of the race
• Monitoring boats progress, and shortening courses if necessary
• Making announcements over the radio
• Flag and sound signals
• Collating results after the race and announcing the winners in the club house

Of course there's always time after the racers are away for a well-deserved cup of coffee before we are called upon to record the finish.

Many people, even experienced racing sailors, comment after their first time on the committee boat that they are surprised how much is involved in running a race and how valuable the experience is for their own racing.

For any race a team is chosen for their mix of skills and experience. Some of the tasks can be picked up easily, so first timers will find that they are contributing from the beginning.

Being a Race Officer is a rewarding experience. Anyone interested in joining the team should contact our racing secretary Cathy Crawley at the club.