Whether you race or not, as a members club we rely on all members to do duties – each member is required to do four duties. Without this contribution the club would not be there for you to store your boat, enjoy the lawn or just potter about on the water.
In the past we have threatened to allocate duties to those that don’t sign up, and this year we will be doing this as we have hit crisis point and are relying on the same people to fill spaces as and when they occur, which is unsustainable.
| There are races scheduled just weeks away which won’t go ahead unless members step up urgently. The roles of skippers and race officers (which both need experience to take on) are particularly required. |
Members have until 1 June to select their own duties and after that date you will be allocated them, which you will then have to swap amongst each other should you not be able to make it – this is the normal procedure in other clubs, and we plan to implement this for the rest of this season, and in the future.
On water duties
Regular racers are expected to do four on-water duties, and where they have experience and ability this should include a Race Officer.
On the water duties are briefly described below and if you aren’t feeling confident about getting involved then please get in touch with a member of the committee – there are lots of great opportunites to learn by being paired with someone more experienced and we offer a reduction on training if you want to develop your skills through an RYA course.
- Race Officer – Organising racing, including iaising with the Port, setting courses and a fair line, starting and finishing. Race officers have clear set of guidelines which will soon be available online as well as in hard format on the day.
- Assistant Race officer – Helps run the racing as above, with timing and flag pulling duties. This is a great way to train as a race officer and you get a grandstand view of the racing – when you’re not writing down times! Previous experience is not necessary
- Safety boat helm – Safety boat helms must be comfortable with manouvering a RIB for rescue, mark laying, and towing. We don’t ask for RYA Powerboat Level 2, but it does help. At least one member of the safety boat must go prepared to get in the water if necessary.
- Safety boat crew – There’s some lifting and dropping of marks so a degree of strength helps, but your helm should always be able to lend a hand. Also requires a keen pair of eyes to keep track of the racers. At least one member of the safety boat must go prepared to get in the water if necessary. Previous experience is not necessary.
Shore-based duties
Those that feel they can not do water duties are still able to contribute by helping out with shore-based duties including working parties and;
- At open meetings we look for members to help with;
- Taking entries and inputting results
- Car and boat parking
- Launch and recovery
- Running the bar and helping in the galley
- Liaison with Sussex YC for their races
- If you can help in other ways then please feel free to offer your services
We are of course sympathetic to those with injuries or illnesses that mean they can not do duties but please let Richard know.
If you don’t have a login for dutyman then please email Richard Bramley who has the thankless task of making sure the duties are filled and we get to go on the water!