Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Ellen Catherall. Ellen is a member of the Sailing Committee and will be stepping up into the newly formed ‘Race Volunteer Coordinator’ role. You will be able to contact her via racevolunteering@royal-southern.co.uk.
The Royal Southern Yacht Club run one of the largest racing programmes in the UK with multiple national, and even international, level regattas plus plenty of other smaller racing activity.
In order to deliver these events, we run an ambitious Race Management programme – which gives members the opportunity to get involved in the delivery of regattas, and develop their own Race Management skills. Our RM team range from beginners, to internationally qualified Officials running events around the world up to, and including, the Olympic Games!
We run regular training, and mentorship programmes which has resulted in our Race Management development being well regarded nationally. We offer all members the opportunity to develop and to gain the qualifications, experience, and references they may want or need.
This year, we are focusing on growing our pool of mark layers, and are hoping to run some training this winter. If you are interested in getting involved in mark laying, please get in touch with either Ellen or myself.
We are also trying to find people who would be interested in being trained up to become a qualified Umpire, to support our League and Match racing calendar. No previous Race Management experience is required, but would suit an experienced racing sailor who doesn’t mind getting a bit wet in a RIB! If this sounds of interest, please get in touch with either Ellen or myself.
On the flip side, most people get involved in Race Management for the enjoyable experience it provides. There is no need to gain any particular qualifications and most volunteers participate for the enjoyment. There are roles for anyone, with any level of experience, including non-sailors.
To deliver our racing events, we also need to borrow member’s boats. We need yachts and motorboats to act as Committee, and other official, vessels, and RIBs for mark laying and other roles. Due to the diverse range of events we run, lots of different boats are suitable for use – from smaller motorboats, up to larger yachts. There is a role for almost every boat. As well as all the other benefits of volunteering with the Club, in the past boats that have been used to run our racing events have been eligible for the preferential group for the following year’s berthing ballot – a perk that is expected to continue this year. If you have not volunteered your boat before and you would like to find out more, please get in touch.
If you are interested in volunteering yourself, or your boat, to help deliver our racing programme in 2025, please let us know your availability by filling out the survey using the link below.
There are also lots of opportunities to volunteer to help deliver our other on-the-water activities – including our cruising, motorboating, and our new integrated youth pathway.
James Ripley-Giles
Sailing Manager
E: sailing@royal-southern.co.uk