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Race Organization Guide

Whether it is a major international event, or a club race in your community, a race committee is imperative. Small community races may easily be managed by two or three capable persons, but national and international races require a minimum amount of knowledgeable staff, helpers and utensils. In this section we are going through the complete International Race Management Manual from the establishment of a race committee, to equipment requirements and finally to post regatta tasks such as transport assistance to competitors, return of equipment and balancing of the books. A comprehensive guide as to what is needed to organize a race sanctioned by a national or international authority.

Throughout the organizing and running of a regatta, the Regatta Organizing Committee should remember that its prime objectives are to:

(a) provide fair competition for all competitors;

(b) ensure the regatta is run in accordance with the Racing Rules and rules of other relevant authorities, when they apply;

(c) ensure that all competitors can and do conform to the rules of the regatta;

(d) as far as possible give satisfaction to all competitors.

(e) ensure that sailing instructions are produced which follow the ISAF Appendix.

The safety of all competitors (see RRS 1) is a prime responsibility. It is the Regatta Organizing Committee's task to ensure that every person involved in the regatta is aware of the fact that safety comes first at all times. To ensure fair competition (see RRS 2), the Race Committee must set fair starting lines, courses, and finishing lines, conscientiously observe all rules and follow good race management practice.

Ensuring that clear, unambiguous and comprehensive Sailing Instructions are written must be considered a major responsibility of the Regatta Organizing Committee, although this task would normally be delegated to the Race Committee.

Satisfaction to all competitors is perhaps the most difficult objective to achieve. It is in this area that considerable judgment and experience is required. The vagaries of wind and weather will usually cause difficulties for the Race Officer, and frustrate competitors. However, the effect of these can be reduced with foresight and by following the detailed planning and procedures advocated in this Manual