Volunteer Training
BLAIRGOWRIE YACHT SQUADRON
come join our friendly crew
Be part of the action as a volunteer.
Family, friendship, sailing. It’s what we’re all about at BYS and we’re proud to say that you’ll hear these three little words time and again, no matter how you choose to enjoy the Club. Perhaps it’s also why lots of members are happy to give their time as volunteers. Like any member organisation, we rely on our committed volunteers to take on the roles that make our sailing days so successful and so much fun.
Maybe you’d like to be out on the water in a safety boat or be part of the action in the Start Box. If you’ve ever wondered how you can get ‘up close’ on race days, why not check out some of the options on the links below. And don’t worry if you’ve never volunteered before or you feel you don’t have the required experience, we run a series of training courses that cover everything you need to know, and we’ll team you with an experienced member who can help show you the ropes. It’s easy to get involved and be part of the team.
We’re always looking to welcome new volunteers so we’d love to hear from you. To become part of our team, just email us here or call 03 5925 9620.
FIND THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU
Training courses
Feel free to get in touch with the Sailing Office for more information on any of the courses listed below.
UPCOMING COURSES
Become a Mark Layer
A Mark Layer works on patrol boats on the water during Club Racing, inflating marks and anchoring them in position to form a race course, as directed by the Race Officer. They are often out in different weather conditions and it can be a physical task. Mark layers work in a team, with two or three people on the patrol boat, so it isn’t essential to have a marine licence.
The Mark Layer plays an integral part in guaranteeing that the race course laid for the competitors is fair and as described in the Sailing Instructions. For short-course racing the Mark Layer’s efficiency may also have a large influence on the regularity and accuracy with which the course is altered.
A Mark Layer will also:
- Check and prepare the mark-laying boat and equipment
- Supply weather and course information to the Race Officer
- Lay or adjust the race course
- Monitor the course
- Collect marks and pack up equipment
This role is suitable for anyone who is keen to participate on the water during race days, you don’t need to be a sailor or have a racing background.
Training
The Mark Layer training is a mix of self-paced online learning and group training practising using marks on land and (time and weather permitting) on water.
Online training – takes approximately 3 hours, and should ideally be completed before attending group training.
Group training – 9.30 – 12.30 pm on Sunday 1 December.
During the group training sessions we will cover:
- An overview of the courses, marks and equipment used at BYS
- Learn to use BuoyZone, an app which shows where marks go on a race course
- Hands-on practice streaming, dropping and picking up marks
You will gain:
- Certification and Accreditation: Earn official recognition and certification from our national sailing authority, enhancing your credentials within the sailing community.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow sailing enthusiasts, race officials, and experienced volunteers, expanding your network within our club.
- Contribute to the Sport: Play a vital role in providing a quality, fair race course.
Cost: Free for BYS members
Requirements
- Willingness to learn about course geometry, weather and racing rules.
- Reasonable fitness level, able to spend three hours on the water and work with marks, anchors and weights up to 5 kg.
- Willingness to learn to use a smart phone app.
Become a Club Judge
In the sport of sailing, protesting is an accepted way to formally resolve racing issues and on-water disputes where it is believed that rules may have been broken. Club Judges participate in protest hearings as members of the protest committee, assisting in delivering protest decisions. Depending on experience, their skills may also extend to handling arbitration.
Volunteering under a Committee Chair, protest committee members are appointed to:
- Hear testimonies
- Receive evidence
- Identify which rules, if any, have been broken
- Establish the findings
- Deliberate and discuss the findings as a committee
- Contribute to delivering a hearing decision
Club Judges may be called upon when a protest is received on club racing days, with hearings scheduled at a mutually convenient time. During regattas, judges are often assigned as protest committee members and are typically onsite at the club during the event. While protests don’t occur frequently, they play a crucial role in maintaining fair racing.
This role is suitable for anyone who participates in racing and will help enhance your knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing and their application.
Training
Club Judge training will be delivered by National Judge and National Umpire Tim Dorning.
Training will run from 9 am until approximately 3 pm and includes a mix of theory, discussion, mock hearings and written Q&A. Lunch is included. If you are keen to join the training but have a scheduling conflict with your afternoon racing, please call the Sailing Office as we have some alternative options.
You will gain:
- Comprehensive Rules Knowledge: Gain an in-depth understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing, ensuring fair and consistent application during hearings.
- Hands-On Experience: Engage in real-world scenarios and mock hearings to practice decision-making and rule enforcement.
- Certification and Accreditation: Earn official recognition and certification from our national sailing authority, enhancing your credentials within the sailing community.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow sailing enthusiasts, race officials, and experienced judges, expanding your network within the sport.
- Contribute to the Sport: Play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of sailing competitions, ensuring a positive experience for all participants.
Cost: Free for BYS members, $30 for non-BYS members.
Requirements
- Good knowledge of the fundamental Racing Rules of Sailing and a willingness to learn more
- Ability to bring a device (laptop or iPad) to the training session. A phone is insufficient. (Inquire with the Sailing Office if this is an issue for you)
