Preparation is everything

Published 20:21 on 28 Mar 2021

With less than 24 hours until we can go sailing and a week to go until we start racing again lots of preparation has been undertaken in readiness for a return to sailing and racing. Here is a summary of some of the key activities that have been undertaken in readiness for 29th March. If you have any questions or queries please contact a member of the sailing committee

1. The Sailing Committee has been busy during Lockdown o reviewing and revising our existing Sailing Instructions (SIs), Notice of Race (NoR) and associated documentation for sailing at the club.
2. The SIs have been updated to reflect latest version of World Sailing's Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2021-24 and the Lake 16 map enhanced to show locations of 'obstructions', i.e. fishing banks, lodge jetties, etc.
3. The NoR has been updated updated in line with SIs. Also as a consequence of Covid we recognise that some members may not wish to visit the club as soon as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. All duties are therefore on a voluntary basis until August 2021; BUT if you wish to qualify for a series in the interim period then you are required to volunteer for either a Race Officer or Safety Boat duty. Average Points (AP) will be awarded for these duties (see SIs and NoR for details).
4. Some 'Handy Help' crib sheets for Race Officers have been added to the race officer box . Jonny Stevenson has made a pair of useful A4- sized two-sided cards showing racing start sequences, flags, finishing, and other useful stuff.
5. The Handicap Sub-committee have reviewed the RYA's updated Portsmouth Number (PN) published list for 2021 and have revised the 'Club PNs' which are assigned to each class of boat raced at the club, making changes to a number of classes. You can see the full Club PN list for 2021 on the club website:- home> on the water > racing > racing documentation. There is an Appeals process for any competitor who wishes to dispute the Club PN for their class.
6. The Handicap fleet has been 'reorganised' so that there are now two Fleet Captains. Kean Gunton is your representative for all single-handers (except the Solo fleet) and Al Sim is the man for all double-handed dinghies (except Flying Fifteens). Jonny Stevenson has remodelled the club noticeboards so that every fleet now has a home for general information, results and anything else of interest.
7. The dinghy park has been re-organised so that all of the club training boats are located nearer to the Topper container for logistical reasons and there is now a footpath across the dinghy park half way along the dinghy park. All of the changes were undertaken with agreement of a few affected berth holders.
8. Race Timer - A new race timer has been specifically developed for running class and handicap races at the club including a rolling 3 start sequence for Sunday mornings. It's a USB powered, touch screen device, that not only manages the start sequence it also displays the race duration as well. It's very easy to use with clear user prompts on the touch screen. The timer is stored in the race officer box along with some brief instructions for use, and a 240V mains USB adapter. The instructions are also available on the web site Home > on the water > racing > racing documentation. Our committee boat. Pelican has been fitted with a dual USB socket so that you can not only use the timer but also keep your mobile devices charged. Ideal if you want to use your phone or tablet as your backup timer or to take photos or video. If you have any questions or queries please contact Paul Kimmens, 07788 299788, pkdj@sky.com

Last updated 07:37 on 15 April 2024