Downs SC Duty Rotas

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 4 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 usually 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 will be put up online and reminders emailed to members, 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 members’ sailing. 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 at least 1 hour before the scheduled race start time when you are on duty.

A brief explanation of the duties is given below:

Executive Officer:	Takes overall charge of the day’s racing. Makes decisions on whether to sail and sets the course with members of the sailing committee. This duty may be combined with either OOD or Rescue Boat duty. If not involved in any other duties the Exec Officer may sail in the race.
OOD: (2 people)	The Officers of the Day staff the “Bridge” on top of the clubhouse and start / finish the races and calculate the results using the computer.
Rescue Boat: (2 people)	The rescue boat is ALWAYS afloat for club racing. As well as laying the course marks, the boat’s prime concern is the safety of the competitors on the water.
Canteen: (1 / 2 people)	The Canteen is provided for the member’s benefit when they come ashore at the end of the race. It supplies hot drinks and quick snacks such as toasted sandwiches and hot dogs.
	(Feb 2011)