Downs is very much a “Members” club and nearly all activities rely on the good will of some members giving up their time for the benefit of others. Whilst this help is often on an informal basis, the club’s racing programme is supported by a formal duty rota system.

All members are expected to perform a minimum of 3 duties over the whole sailing season. These are not onerous and are a good way of getting to know other members and learning more about race & club organisation. Regular racers will not be disadvantaged by carrying out their duty. Firstly you will not be expected to do more than one duty in any race series, and secondly, you will be awarded average points for the race that you miss, provided you ensure the Race Officer on the Bridge records your name on the race sheets for the day.

The full duty rota is circulated to members early in the season, and whilst every effort is made to avoid dates that you may have said were unsuitable, sometimes these are unavoidable. If you are unable to do your duty on a particular date please try to arrange a swap with another member. If you are unable to do this then you must contact the Executive Officer for that particular date. If you don’t turn up or don’t give notice you are potentially spoiling other member’s sailing. Suitable penalties are being considered for those who do not turn up for their duties and do not inform the Executive Officer in advance. Do not worry if you have not performed a duty before – inexperienced members are always paired with an experienced member. Please arrive at the club about 1 hour before the scheduled race start time when you are on duty.

A brief explanation of the duties is given below: