Race Duties

Published 20:08 on 29 Apr 2026

Race Duties

Like every club Shotwick Lake Sailing relies totally on its members to volunteer for a range of activities to keep the club going. One of the most challenging areas is that of race duties. The club has a very active racing programme and each day or evening of racing requires an Officer of the Day (OOD) or race officer, an Assistant OOD, plus a safety boat helm and crew. We need more active volunteers to keep the racing going!

What is involved?

The OOD is responsible for managing the racing; setting the course, organising the starts, monitoring the racers for penalties etc. This role requires a competent person who is comfortable running races. If unsure have a chat with Dave Thomas.

The Assistant OOD supports the OOD, often recording lap times and similar activities. It is a great role to learn about racing and the main OOD role and is also often a super learning role as you often get an insight into race tactics for free! There are no qualifying requirements for the Assistant OOD role.

Safety boat helm. Pretty much what it says… but it includes decision responsibilities in bad weather, as well as setting the start gate into the position decided by the OOD and assisting racers should they get into difficulties. This role requires the Power Boat 2 RYA Certificate plus an add-on Shotwick Lake qualification, before someone can carry out the role. We have 35 suitably qualified members currently.

Safety boat crew is the second part of the safety boat team and provides the support to the helm, including physically assisting to recover racers when required. No qualifications are required to carry out this role, but be aware it can be physically demanding. Again you often get a great insight into racing tactics and sailing tips from the experienced helm!

All duties can be found on the club website www.shotwicksailing.org you need to log-in to access but you can click on the icon on the home page to get direct access. Simply go into the duty roster and select a duty. You will not be able to accept Safety boat helm duties unless suitably qualified.

As a minimum all racers are encouraged to sign-up for at least five duties each season, but you can do more! Without the volunteers the racing simply cannot take place. Racers are not disadvantaged when volunteering as they are awarded race points based on their average scores in races completed in a series. Of course non-racers can also do race duties! Again a great way of getting sailing experience and meeting other members.

If you have any questions on the duty roster then contact Dave Thomas through the racing WhatsApp group.

Please note racing duties are only one of the many ways that members can contribute to the life of the club. Work parties, galley duties, training, youth event support, ongoing maintenance and projects, grounds maintenance, social media, grants applications, electrical/IT work are all things members are currently doing.

The best way of getting involved is to complete the club skills survey: https://bit.ly/4lDXeil

Or simply email comms@shotwicksailing.org to learn more.

Last updated 20:20 on 29 April 2026