Page 25 - Yachter Spring/Summer 2022

website as soon as possible, together with photographs of the action. In a well-run race the race management team is almost invisible and we try to keep it that way!
In all that we do safety, both that of our own team and that of the racing boats, is
a primary concern. If it’s safe to race, our team will be there, whatever the conditions.
If you enjoy being part of a cohesive team, like a bit of a challenge and enjoy being out on the water then why not come out with us and see what we do? If you like driving a RIB and would like to try mark laying we would love to hear from you.We need you!
For Cowes Week we need two RIBs for mark laying - one near the start line and one at the windward end of the course. If you own a RIB and might be prepared to lend it to the Club for a few days please get in touch and we can tell you more about what’s involved.
Helping behind the scenes
There’s a lot more to running racing than the on-the-water activity.While our Sailing Secretary, Lisa Topley, is the focal point,
she relies on plenty of support from our volunteers. Races are planned a year ahead for times when the tides are suitable. Notices of Race and detailed Sailing Instructions
for each series of races must be written and published on our web-site. Racing is also publicised via posters, emails and social media.
We have to make sure that we have enough volunteers with the right mix of
skills to support each race - particularly challenging over the last two years when COVID regulations have restricted us.
When new boats enter a race our handicap committee has to spring into action, often at short notice. We need specialised IT tools to manage large numbers of entries and calculate and publish race results.As the racing season draws to a close there is the prize-giving event at Gins to organise, with dozens of trophies to collect back in, engrave, polish and present to the new winners.
Last but not least, we have to maintain our two committee boats and all the equipment we use. If you own a boat yourself you will know that maintenance and monitoring are key to reliability. Much of this work is done by our volunteers and we always need more.
Don’t wait to get involved
I hope this article has whetted your appetite to get involved either, competing in our races or helping to run them. If you would like to know more, you may find what you’re looking for in the Racing pages of our website, but otherwise please get in touch with Lisa, who will make sure we get you the information or advice you need.We hope to hear from you.
Dave Martin
Captain of Racing
Photos: Paul Wyeth (Cowes Week Racing), Natalie Hamilton and Dave Martin
RACING REPORTS 25