We successfully started racing on Saturday 11 July, and due to the RYA’s clarification on the number of boats allowed on the water we no longer require members to sign up online.
The race programme through until the end of August is based on racing on Saturdays and Sundays around high tides – to alleviate the number of people required to manhandle the support boats. The programme can be viewed here but please note that start times vary.
The following changes to our racing format have been made to take into account the current restrictions;
- Race run from a support/race management boat manned by two people (following government guidelines)
- An additional support/patrol boat which can be manned by one person or two (following government guidelines)
- The role of the support boat is primarily to support and they will only intervene if there is a real problem
- The onus remains on the individual to do a risk assessment, please read our advice to sailors.
- We will use smaller buoys and fixed marks, and a windward leward course
- The format of racing will depend on current government guidance and will be designed to avoid congestion in the dinghy park, on the slipway and in the Port
- We will only race in favourable conditions (less than we would normally)
- Duties are entirely voluntary, but where possible those racing should be willing do them (parents can go out with juniors).
- On Dutyman ‘Support boat crew’ is currently listed as a Reserved duty – but a skipper can sign someone up by emailing dutyman@shorehamsailing.org
On race days we plan to sell sandwiches and drinks from the galley, but all orders will need to be placed before going afloat.
When there isn’t any racing scheduled, members continue to be encouraged to enjoy sailing from the club. Groups of members are welcome to request use of a safety boat outside of club racing times – for example Wednesday evenings and running fleet training events.