Race Committee

The San Diego Yacht Club Race Committee is dedicated to running top quality sailing events while providing a fair and safe race environment for the competing sailors. Without the help of Race Committee volunteers, our 45+ sailing events each year would not be possible. In 2024 we expect to have over 95 days on the water.

Who can volunteer for Race Committee?

Anyone can volunteer-- member, non-member, young, old, sailor, or non-sailor. Many volunteers are racers, former racers, friends and family of competitors, and anyone who enjoys the camaraderie of the yacht racing community. Racing experience is not necessary, but we are looking for committed and organized team players interested in racing and race management.

When and how often do I have to volunteer?

You can volunteer at any time during the year. We provide an online sign-up process and you can volunteer for as few as one event per year, but we encourage you to come out at least a few times a year. When you sign up for an event, you do not have to volunteer your entire weekend; you can sign up for one day only of a regatta.

I have never volunteered for Race Committee before. How will I know what to do?

We welcome all levels of experience. The Race Committee's work on the water involves setting up the race courses, starting races, and recording the finishes. There are many positions available, from boat drivers to marksetters, timers, flag signalers, and recorders. The best way to learn is hands-on. Come on out to an event and one of our experienced Race Committee members will be happy to teach you the ropes.

What should I expect during a typical race day?

A regular race day starts around 8:30am with check in for the RC volunteers, generally at Corinthian in SDYC slip C-71. You’ll pick up your lunch, meet with your teammates, and help prepare for your day on the water. Prior to leaving the docks, you’ll be briefed about what to expect that day in terms of weather, responsibilities, and any other pertinent information.  

How long you are out and where racing takes place is determined by the event. Most events take place just offshore from Coronado, and some events occur in San Diego Bay. Generally speaking, you will arrive back to the dock sometime around 5pm. Then it is time to put all the toys away and enjoy some food, drinks, and socializing with fellow RC members and competitors. You’ll be rewarded with a few drink tickets for use during post-race socializing!

What do I need to bring or wear?

All volunteers are provided with lunch each race day; if you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to let your PRO know prior to the event. Bring your personal water bottle and be sure to dress in plenty of layers. We recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen too. If you are going to be on a markset boat bring a PFD (personal floatation device), and you may want water resistant outwear (jacket, pants and shoes).

Housekeeping:

A few reminders about our volunteer food and beverage perks...

• Drink tickets (we all LOVE drink tickets!) are for:
  • house wines
  • draft beer
  • mixed drinks or simple cocktails using well spirits including Mount Gay! 
• Drink tickets are intended for RC volunteers; there’s no such thing as a free… drink.
• Food and beverages provided by the club should be enjoyed while volunteering or while socializing after racing at the club; not for take-home.

Race Committee Positions

	Principal Race Officer (PRO) The overall on water management of the regatta is the responsibility of the PRO. The PRO keeps an overview of all courses and is the ultimate decision maker on the overall conduct of the event. The PRO also supervises the onshore aspects of race management, ensuring that signals are displayed correctly, notices are placed on the official notice board etc.
	Scorer In charge of entering race finishes, and protest results into a program that figures results, and responsible for posting those results as pre-arranged.
	Timer In charge of keeping time during starts, recording leg times, and finish times if required.
	Start Recorder Assists PRO during start, making notes as the PRO calls the start line. Also assists Results recorder.
	Results Recorder Writes sail numbers/finish times as dictated by the PRO or line sighter.
	Flags This may be one to three people. Jobs include post the race information prior to the start sequence (course #, leg length and bearing to first mark), will also hoist start signal flags as required, and recall flags after the start if necessary. Also track requirements of other timed flags (orange line flags up or down, etc.)
	Crew Person who is generally available to do various tasks on the boat like help anchor the boat, assist if other boats come along side (fenders, lines, etc.), move tow lines, inflate marks, etc. These jobs can also be spread among other people, but helpful to have an extra strong pair of hands.
	Markset Boat Helm Person in charge of driving the markset boat, navigating as required to place the marks, and communications with the signal boat.
	Markset Boat Crew Person on markset boat in charge of rigging anchors, road, and marks for deployment.
	Support Boat Driver This is a person in charge of operation of a support boat designated for various purposes like safety, medical, press, photo or spectator boats.

SDYC Race Committee Boats

	Corinthian Signal Boat DeFever 43
	Roseville Markset Steiger 23
	Bessemer Markset Steiger 23
	Pista Markset Intrepid 26
	No Sails Markset Intrepid 26
	Home Office Regatta Support Novuraina 22
	Corner Office Regatta Support Apex 24