OFFICER OF THE DAY
CODE OF PRACTICE
INTRODUCTION
This Code of Practice has been developed due to the need to standardise race practice, in particular in view of increased numbers of members undertaking the OOD role. OODs should familiarise themselves with the Club’s Racing Instructions and Rules. This COP is intended to compliment those rules and instructions. The OOD should aim to ensure that there is a result for each class of boat, accept in exceptional cases, such as deteriorating weather. Clear instructions will ensure few disputes.
Course Selection
Select the course to be raced based on the following considerations:
- Weather – Consider actual conditions (wind strength and direction, visibility etc) at the time and the forecast conditions for the duration of the race.
- Tides – Consider whether the tide is a spring or neap, especially in the case of channel races and access to and from moorings.
- Make a course long enough, you can always shorten it for slower classes, so as to give faster boats a decent race. The very earliest a race should finish in normal conditions is an hour after HW.
- Close hauled start – Set the start of the course with a beat to windward where possible.
- Make the course varied and interesting – where possible include a beat, reach and run.
- Avoid a beat to windward finish, particularly with a foul tide in ‘B’ series events. Aim for a homeward leg with the wind is abeam or behind. Remember that slower boats participating (where possible) should be able to finish and get back to their moorings safely.
Race Boards
Display “race boards” – on the Clubhouse a minimum of 1 hour before the start and leave them in place until 1 hour after the first boat crosses the finish line.
Starting, Finishing And Running Events
Follow the protocols detailed in the “Racing Instructions” in WBYC Sailing Program or the special rules which apply to the Regatta.
Shortening Course
Observe the fleet’s progress in each class, if the course needs to be shortened to obtain a result, do so. If the course needs to be shortened for a second time, shorten again. There is no point racing with no results.
Decision to Race
The responsibility for a boats decision to participate in a race or to continue a racing is hers alone. ISAF Part 1 rule 4.
Results
Complete the race result spread sheet, save a copy in the space allocated on the Club PC and email copies to the Sailing Secretary and Race Officer. A paragraph detailing the cut and thrust of the event for the press would also be helpful.