As a members club we rely on all members to do duties – whether you’re a casual cruiser or regular racer. Members of SSC are required to complete four duties a year.
There is a volunteer window at the beginning of the season which allows members to pick the weekends that work for them initially, however once the season is underway remaining duties will be allocated.
Without this contribution the club would not be there to store your boat, enjoy the lawn, use the slipway or just potter about on the water. Duties are also a fantastic way to meet fellow sailors, watch some exciting racing and learn more about sailing from others.
We use Sailing Club Manager to log and organise our duties – if you don’t have a login for dutyman then please email dutyman@shorehamsailing.org.
On water duties
On the water duties are briefly described below. Those who have the experience and ability or prerequisite certificates can volunteer as Race Officer or Safety boat helm, however there are plenty of Assistant Race Officer and Safety boat crew duties for those with less experience or ability. There are lots of great opportunities 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 liaising with the Port, setting courses and a fair line, starting and finishing. Race officers have clear set of guidelines which are 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
We are of course sympathetic to those with injuries, illnesses or other mitigating circumstances that mean they cannot do duties but please let us know – it will be treated in the strictest confidence.Those who are unable to do water-based duties are still able to contribute by helping out with shore-based duties, including;
- Open meetings are organised by the fleet captain so please contact them 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