Guidance for Race Officers
RACE OFFICER GUIDANCE NOTES
Most members only undertake 2 or 3 duties in a season so these notes are intended as a prompt to help with the smooth running of the racing programme.
| 1. Preparation Before you set-off: Check the forecast wind direction and strength and note any changes expected during the day. Check the sailing programme so you know what races need to be run. Bring a spare pen. A compass and binoculars could also be useful. At the club Forms are kept in a folder in the door of the Course Board cabinet. Put out Signing On sheets and make sure that you record the names of Race Officer, Safety Boat Crew and Assistants. Prepare Race Timing Sheets Put the mast on the Starters Trolley (kept in garage) and check the timer. There is information on the trolley on which flags to use and when. | |
| 2. Safety Discuss proposals for the day with the Safety Boat crew. Check the operation of the radios and make sure you know how to use them. | |
| 3. The Course Check wind direction (club weather station or compass). Check the West Kirby Windguru wind forecast and using this information, display the Green, Amber or Red wind day sign. Particularly on Red wind days be aware of junior and inexperienced sailors taking part and provide advice to them as appropriate. Look in the Course File and choose an appropriate course. - If very windy then consider a No Gybe course. - If very light then select a short course on just part of the lake. - If back-to-back races then consider the conditions and try not to make the laps too long otherwise there could be a lot of waiting around between races. - If in doubt then ask one of the more experienced sailors. Draw the chosen course on the white-board and check carefully. Discuss the location of start line with Safety Boat crew and ask them to set it. | |
| 4. The Start Move Starting Trolley to the start-line and align with inner/outer marks. Remember to take the Race Timing Sheets, pens, course details and radio. Flip switch to turn-on timing device 5421 should appear on the display. Try to start at the scheduled time. Give 2/3 hoots (red button) to warn sailors of approaching start sequence. After a suitable pause (~20s), begin the start sequence by pressing the white button and raising the 5-minute flag (red/white). The count down is automatic with a series of short bleeps to warn you of the next signal. At the 4-minute signal raise the Blue Peter (blue with inner white rectangle). At the 1-minute signal lower the Blue Peter. At the starting signal lower the Red/White flag. Check that all boats are behind the line at the start signal. | |
| Individual Recalls Individual Recalls are needed when there are boat(s) over the line and you can identify them. Sound one extra signal (red button) and raise flag X (white with blue cross). Try to shout to the boat(s) that were over (but not obligatory). When all offending boats have returned (around the ends) and started properly then lower the flag X if not then leave it flying. If somebody doesnt return then make a note on the Race Sheet and tell them afterwards but keep a note of their times just in case. | |
| General Recalls A General Recall is required when there are so many boats over the start line that they cant be identified individually. Thankfully, this is quite rare. Sound 2 extra signals (red button) and raise the Recall pennant (blue triangle with yellow centre) Consider re-setting the start-line. When ready for starting again, sound one signal and lower the Recall pennant. 1 minute later, begin the 5-minute starting sequence again. | |
| Black Flag If the fleet is unruly, or you find that you need a second General Recall, then consider hoisting the Black flag before the starting sequence. This means that any boat that is in front of the starting line in the last minute is automatically disqualified. This is a good deterrent! | |
| 5. Race Sheets After the first lap, record class, sail number and time for each boat. At this stage it is useful to estimate how many laps that boats are likely to complete. Most races are about 50 minutes but Club back-to-back races are should be about 35 minutes. Record times on every subsequent lap for all boats. | |
| 6. The Finish Towards the end of the race, decide which boat you are going to finish first this is often one of the slower boats. As this boat approaches the last mark, give 2 hoots (red button) and raise the Shorten Course flag (white with inner blue rectangle). Give one hoot (red button) as it crosses the finish line and record the time. Finish all other boats as they cross the line giving each a hoot and recording their time. | |
| 7. After Racing Check all the information is on the Race Sheet and that it is legible! Put Race Sheets and Signing On sheets in the post-box next to the course board. Return the Starters Trolley to the garage and PLUG IT IN to recharge. Return radios to clubhouse to recharge. Check that there is somebody to lock the clubhouse before you leave. Job well done!! |
Video’s
Here are some videos showing how races are run at Shotwick Lake.
Start Sequence
OCS
Lap Timings
Shortening Course / Finishing Boats
Last updated 14:12 on 2 August 2024
