COMMITTEE BOAT
KK “That is the boat on the start line where the Principal Race Officer makes the decisions.”
FM “It is the boat on the start line. Don’t hit it when you are trying to start.”
BVDS “That’s the start boat where the guy with the flags and the timer work from.”
FR “That is where the race starts from. That is where Mark Hosegood runs the show (Sparky).”
PRO PRINCIPAL RACE OFFICER
KK “He is the guy who runs the start procedure, does the countdown and calls the over earlie’s.”
FM “He is the guy running the start and the flags. He is the one who gives you the DSQ’s and the PMS!”
FR “He runs all the sequences, making sure the wind is ok at the start and calling the line!”
RACE DIRECTOR
KK “The guy who calls all the shots. He will be in contact with his crew during the racing. He sometimes makes brilliant decisions and sometimes he makes calls that are less than popular; then he is a hunted man.”
FM “Somebody very important! He can dictate how you finish in an event sometimes. His job is to essentially set a good course but these days because we race in a lot of light winds, his main job is to decide if conditions are suitable or not. If it is a windy event then it comes down to setting decent courses as the job of dealing with the wind is non-existent. When the wind is fluky he has to make the judgement call. It’s a tough job!”
BVDS “That is Thijs Van der Meer’s job right now. He makes all the decisions. Sometimes bad, sometimes good! He sets the course, checks the wind and tells us how many races we will do in a day and the heat order. It has been a tough job this year and it can be harsh.”
FR “He takes all the decisions. It is a tough job and not many of the crew want to do it! You have to deal with so many grumpy sailors. The wind never does what it is supposed to and that makes the job extra tough, it is easier on a windy day. He has to take the decisions, when to start, how to set the course and when to cancel a race. It is a very important role and I don’t want to do it!”