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Race Volunteers

The Richmond Yacht Club race program would not be successful if it weren’t for the enthusiastic volunteers who run the events on our program. There are three major areas of event race committee activities, all overseen by the Regatta Chairperson and/or the Principal Race Officer (PRO):

  1. Race Committee Signal Boat – Races are run and managed from the signal boat, normally RYC’s Pelican. Headed by the Principal Race Officer, this team includes the timer, signals, sounds, and recorders. This team oversees the set-up of the course, the schedule of races, communications with the racers, and recording the starts and finishes.
  2. Support Boats – The support boat teams are responsible for setting up the marks of the course and adjusting these as necessary for changing wind conditions. They are also important to the safe running of races, responding to assist any racers that may have an issue on the water.
  3. On Shore – Land-based responsibilities typically include setting up race equipment, competitor check-in, and helping with lunches for the volunteers and scoring. At large regattas volunteers also oversee such activities as regatta meals, entertainment, and regatta merchandise.

Participating on a Race Committee is a great way to meet other members and to learn and expand your knowledge of sailboat racing.

The easiest way to volunteer for a specific event is to click on the volunteer link on the particular racing calendar page.  This will inform the Regatta Chair or PRO of your interest. You don’t have to be a member of RYC to volunteer for race committee.  The PRO will reach out to you in advance of the race. The Race Calendar is available as a list on the Racing page and you can get to any race calendar event from there.

You are also encouraged to create and maintain a volunteer profile so we can search the database and find you when we have a need.  Please go to the Volunteer Portal to create your volunteer profile, sign up for events or ask for your upcoming regatta to be added to the calendar.

We appreciate your help and look forward to working with you.