Volunteering at a Regatta

We rely on the support of members to run our events. There are many different volunteering opportunities available, many of which do not require any experience or technical knowledge.

Please take some time to consider the volunteer duties below, and let us know what you are able to assist with by volunteering on the duty roster when Regattas are being organised.

Please note, if you are interested in a particular role but are concerned about lack of experience, we are able to offer assistant/training positions by pairing you with an experienced volunteer whilst you learn the role.

ON SHORE VOLUNTEER ROLES:

Registration

An indoor role for several volunteers on Saturday morning (usually 08:45 10:00). Collect registration packs before the official start. Follow instructions on prepared packs to register all competitors, hand out flight ribbons and then help sort entry forms in championship number order. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

Race Office

An indoor role for the whole day, or morning/afternoon slots, helping with general admin. Answering queries and phoning parents of sailors who retire early etc. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

Results

Are you experienced with the Results system? If so, take the lead inputting results data and producing results for the event, answering scoring queries.

Results Support

Assist with reading out results sheets for input to the system. Suits someone who likes a calm, quiet task and pays attention to detail. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

Prizes Support

A Sunday afternoon role, assisting the prizes co-ordinator to lay out trophies/prizes in preparation for the prize-giving. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

Sponsorship Banners

Assist in putting up all sponsor banners on arrival & taking down again after prize-giving (this can be different people for different slots). (No experience or technical knowledge required)

First Aid Shore

Needs First Aid Certificate as recognised by the RYA (not medical training).

Bridge

An indoor role for the whole day, or morning/afternoon slots. Using a VHF radio, monitor & record all radio communication, recording all relevant information. Liaise between PRO / CSL / Tally / Beachmaster and Race Office. Have a calm voice at all times.

Tally (if being used)

Several volunteers required. Check all tally bands are in place once registration is closed. Hand out tally bands to all sailors, report to bridge any tallies still on board immediately after launch. One person to stay with the Tally board all day to record retirees etc (this can be split into shifts and does not need to be the same volunteer all day). All tally volunteers to help collect tallies at the end of sailing. Report to bridge when all tallies accounted for. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

Beachmaster

Wear a high vis jacket, carry a radio and megaphone (or have a loud voice!). Co-ordinate the safe launch & recovery of sailors. Liaise with tally board / bridge about launch times / missing tallies / retirees. This task requires someone that is confident using a vhf radio, talking to others and communicating instructions.

Launch & Recovery

Numerous volunteers required. Assist the Beachmaster to launch & recover all boats. Wear relevant clothing / footwear to go in the water. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

Rib Launch & Recovery

Several volunteers required to assist with the launch & recovery of the club and volunteer ribs. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

Photography

You do not need to be a professional, just someone who enjoys taking pictures! Using your own camera or phone to take photos / videos of all the action either ashore and/or whilst on the water. Multiple photographers are always welcome. Any photos can be sent via WhatsApp or email to the Race Office at the end of the day. (No experience or technical knowledge required)

ON THE WATER VOLUNTEER ROLES:

Committee Boat

Recording start & finish information / managing flags / sound signals etc under the direction of the PRO. This is a good way to get out on the water and see the racing up close (and more comfortable than a RIB). There is a variety of tasks on board to suit all, from those with no experience to those with lots.

Pin Boat

Checking who is across the line at the start of the race and recording a backup set of finishing results. A pair of people to call/record numbers and someone strong to lift the anchor when the boat needs moving!

Safety Fleet

You will need to hold PB2 to helm a Class / Club RIB. Rib crews do not need experience or qualifications. A variety of tasks to help with the safety of the sailors at all times. Rib helms/crew will need to attend the daily safety briefing.

First Aid Rib

On the water all day as part of the Safety Fleet. Needs First Aid Certificate as recognised by the RYA (not medical training).

PS - many thanks to the Topper International Class Association for allow us to copy their text! https://www.itca-gbr.co.uk/get-involved/volunteering-at-events/