Sailing Support Information

Dinghy Race Support

During the sailing season from the middle of March to the end of December, our Club staffs nearly 150 series & special races plus the Regatta in August plus the Cadet Regatta, plus numerous training events and Sail Training Week. This is a busy club.

Our races are controlled by the Race Officer. For races that start at the Club line, the Race Officer (RO) uses the Jubilee Sailing Centre just to the east of the clubhouse to start and finish the competitors.

For races which start outside the harbour (generally because of congestion around the marina and in the harbour entrance during the summer months), the RO uses the Club Committee Boat Goshawk 2 to set a start /finish line.

Support to the racers (mark laying, and assistance when required) is provided by two or more of the Club RIBs. The lead support boat, Mitre (illustrated), is helmed by the Club boatman Richard Bishop, and crewed by a volunteer. The second support boat, Sceptre, is helmed and crewed by volunteers. If necessary, the Club's small RIB JMT, is also used. The RO and patrol boat crews communicate using VHF radios.

Our comprehensive dinghy racing program can only take place if we have the necessary officials and support crews. For this we depend on volunteers. We already have a dedicated group of approximately ninety volunteers but we always need more so that those who race don't have an unfair number of duties.