RNSYS RACE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Squadron needs you! Our club has one of the best keelboat racing programs around but in order to keep it going we need volunteers. Volunteers are the key needed for our staff and equipment to function and now we have a program to help achieve that.

VOLUNTEER REWARDS

Nothing comes for free and that includes volunteers. We recognize that time is valuable and we are working on a set of ideas to say thank you. Stay tuned for the details, we almost have it sorted!

VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

On the right are all the events for the 2025 season and the roles we need filled. The details on what’s involved for each role are further down. If you’d like to help out please click the button below. This will take you to our sign up site and allow you to sign up for exactly what you want. Don’t worry if it looks like an event is full or if your preferred role is already taken, sign up anyway, there’s always room for more and it pays to have backups.

You can also email Luke at racedirector@rnsys.com or call at (902) 414-3284 with any questions or if you’d like some help getting signed up.

Volunteer Sign Up

We're using SignUp (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click the link above to see our SignUp,

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Luke (above) who can sign you up manually.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

There are a number of roles on a race committee. Sometimes people fill multiple roles at once and sometimes multiple people fill the same role. The primary roles are:

Timer - keeps track of the time and makes sure people are ready to execute their actions at specific times. Frequently assigned to more experienced people and often assisted by specialized apps and devices. The abilities to focus and talk loudly are useful.

Recorder - writes down any information as directed by the race officer. Especially important during starts and finishes. Attention to detail and legible hand writing are key assets.

Flags - raises and lowers the flags under the direction of the timer and race officer. Also frequently assists in spotting and identifying boats. Timing is key here.

Sounds - in charge of the sound signals that accompany the flag movements. Also an assistant spotter. Again, timing is key.

Mark Boat (MB) Assistant - assists the mark boat driver in carrying out their tasks. This is a more physical role involving pulling ropes and anchors and working on a smaller boat.

Useful Information

The Monday races are run from land at the breakwater, for all other races the race committee roles are on the water. Volunteers should dress appropriately remembering that it’s always cooler on the water and the team is frequently exposed to the weather. We wear life jackets at all times on the water and while we do have extras on the boats, they’re not very comfortable. If you have one of your own you should bring it.

We like to be on the course at least an hour before the race starts and this means we leave the dock earlier than you might expect. For an evening race, with a start at 6:30pm, we like to be off the dock by 5pm. For a day race with a 1pm start, we leave at about 11:30am. For a full day we’re off the dock by 9am!