It is important that the duties below are carried out each Sunday when there is racing at the Club. A rota of members to carry out the duties will be drawn up. If a member is unable to take their turn on the rota it is their responsibility to arrange a replacement and to inform the Sailing Secretary.

The Rescue Boat Cox is responsible for ensuring that a properly manned rescue boat is available at all times during Sunday racing. The Rescue Boat Cox is not expected to carry out all the duties noted by themselves and may enlist help as appropriate.

The Rescue Boat Cox is expected to give up a day’s racing to carry out the duties: they (and their crew) will be credited as having sailed all races on that day and will be given the average of their points for the other races to count in the series, rounded down to the nearest quarter.

Before Racing

• Be present at the Club at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start (typically 10.30 for an 11.00 start)
• Ensure that the Officer of the Day (OOD) knows you are present and has briefed you.
• Ensure that the rescue boat is available and is adequately crewed for the conditions.
• Ensure that you know the course to be sailed by each fleet.
• Ensure that you know the number of starters for each fleet.

During Racing

• Carry out rescue duties as required.
• After each race ensure that all participants are accounted for.

After Racing

• Ensure that all participants are accounted for.
• Ensure that the rescue boat and tender are properly put away and all faults reported.
• Refill the fuel tank (including the oil supply) and put it away.
• Ensure that the fuel locker is locked.
• Arrange for the replenishment of fuel and oil if required.

The Officer of the Day (OOD) is responsible for ensuring that all the activities associated with Sunday racing for the Enterprise, Mirror, Solo and Laser or handicap fleets run smoothly.  The OOD is not expected to carry out all the duties noted by themselves and may enlist help as appropriate.

The OOD is expected to give up a day’s racing to carry out the duties: they will be credited as having sailed all races on that day and will be given the average of their points for the other races to count in the series, rounded down to the nearest quarter.

Before Racing

• Be present at the Club at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start (ie by 1030 for the Commodore’s Cup, Vice-Commodore’s Cup and Knock Out Cup; by 1100 on other occasions).
• Ensure that the urn is filled and switched on.
• Ensure that the rescue boat is available, is coxed by an authorised person and is adequately crewed for the conditions.
• Ensure that the rescue boat cox knows what is required of them.
• Decide on courses appropriate to the conditions and the participants. Post the courses on the board. (Chalk can normally be found either in the drawer of the table under the race results sheets, in or on top of the key cabinet or in one of the drawers in the starter’s box.)
• Post entry sheets for each fleet sailing.

During Racing

• Carry out or assist with the duties of Race Officer.

After Racing

• Ensure that all participants are accounted for.
• Ensure that the rescue boat and tender have been properly put away and all faults reported.
• Post the results on the notice board.
• Ensure that the clubhouse is left in a clean and tidy state.
• Ensure that the urn is switched off.

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!