Being Race Officer for club races does not require god-like qualities, just some confidence and common sense! Sailors are not looking for perfection, just some Sunday afternoon fun.

Before Racing

• Ensure the Officer of the Day (OOD) knows you are present.
• Put out an entry sheet and encourage sailors to fill it in – this will make your job easier.
• Work out which classes are going to be racing.
• Decide on courses for each class:
  • Try to aim for races 45-60 minutes long.
  • For Enterprises and Mirrors, aim to set courses involving a beat, a reach and a run; RS200s prefer windward-leeward courses.
  • If different fleets are using the same mark, make sure they go the same way round it.
  • Ask the sailors for help – they’ll probably give it anyway.
• Get all your flags, hooters, watches, crib sheets etc ready … and acquire a tame helper!
• Think through the start sequence.

The Start

• Follow the crib sheet carefully.
• If you make a mistake or lose the place, use the postponement flag.

During the Race

• Enjoy the view.
• Think how long the slowest boat is going to take to finish and consider shortening the race.
• Give each boat a hoot as they finish and record the result.

After the Race

• Enter the results on the notice board.
• Tidy up and lock up the starter’s box.

Many thanks for helping to make the racing enjoyable!