During the sailing season from mid-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 who controlled by the Race Officer. For races that start at the Club line, the Race Officer (RO) uses the race box 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 mariner 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, is helmed by the Club boatman ray Hurst, and crewed by a volunteer. The second support boat, Sceptre, is helmed and crewed by volunteers. If necessary, the Club's two small RIBs, Simon and JMT, are used. The RO and patrol boat crews communicate using VHF radios.

To ensure all are clear about course, conditions and responsibilties, a BRIEFING  is held at the Race Box with the RO and  all support boat crews  before going on the water.

For Outside C0mittee Boat starts, crews MUST arrive 1hr before start for the BRIEFING.

For Home starts, crews MUST arrive 30mins before start for the BRIEFING.

Would you like to help by helming or crewing a safety boat or undertaking Race Officer duties? This opportunity is open to ALL members - not just those who sail dinghies regularly. Apart from sailing, what better way to enjoy our fair breezes and glorious sunshine than out on the ocean in one of our safety boats. All sailors greatly appreciate those who assist in this way.

To helm a safety boat, the minimum qualification required is RYA Level 2 Power Boat, plus VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC).

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  To crew a safety boat, no formal qualifications are required, just enthusiasm and a reasonable level of fitness and agility.
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  If you would like to act as Race Officer, a good way to start is to share a few duties with one of our experienced
  members.

If you would like to volunteer for sailing support duties, please contact the Sailing Support Officer, John Carter for more information.