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At the National or International Regatta level we all know there is a great deal of organization that goes into ensuring that the event runs like clockwork from initial registration, to the presentation of trophies at the end of two or more days of the regatta.

But even at the club level, there are still a few activities that have to be done to run even a fairly informal regatta. For some reason this relatively simple organizational procedure seems to baffle some people to the extent they never get involved. Skippers come to race week after week throughout the season, maybe win a race or two, perhaps even win the day, and then pack their boat away and go home happy with the day's sailing, but quite oblivious to the fact that marks appeared on the water plus someone was keeping the scores and making sure that the day ran smoothly.

Believe me, there is nothing complicated about being the Regatta Director (RD) for the day. It's even fun most of the time, plus you get to know your fellow skippers a bit better. So, if it is fear of the unknown that prevents those that have not so far offered their services as designated R.D., try this guide to running a one day regatta. Say your club usually starts sailing at 10 am. The first thing, of course, is to be at the sailing site before everyone else arrives, about 8:30 am, along with a few bits of personal equipment, e.g. clipboard and pad, frequency card, rain gear, etc. Some clubs keep the marks, regatta scheduling sheets, chase boat and starting tapes, etc., conveniently all in one place but if not, make sure that they get to the site on the scheduled day. Getting there early gives you time to look over everything, note the wind direction, where the start and control area will be. It's also a chance to start setting out the race course. Some people have difficulty with this, but the first thing is to figured out is where is the wind coming from. Trees or flags in the area are always a good marker and some clubs actually have a small portable wind vane. But I find that a duck or goose feather (and there's always plenty of them around!) thrown up in the air and allowed to drift, is as good as any wind indicator. If the wind is almost non-existent first thing in the morning, even this may not work and a calculated guess is probably the best bet. Once you have figured out the wind direction, the windward mark should be placed at a predetermined distance up the course in the direction that the wind is coming from. The start line should be as close as possible to being at a right angle to the wind and preferably adjacent to the on shore control area for convenience. A good rule thumb for the length of the start line is one boat length for every boat in the regatta. These three marks, the windward and start marks should loosely form an equilateral triangle. Then set the leeward mark directly downwind from the windward mark. If you are planning on setting a reaching or wing mark, the simplest way is to place it directly out from and in line with the start line.

By about 9 am, having set out the marks, and or had a volunteer help, it's time to check the skippers as they arrive, write down their sail number and their frequency on the race schedule sheet. Even at the club regatta this should be done, as radios get changed from time to time. It's also good to know who has an alternate set of crystals. Knowing that you want the first race to start at about 10 am., announce that there will be a skippers meeting at about 15 or 20 minutes before the first race. It's a good time now to check the sound system and start tape. 9:45 am., skippers meeting. This can be as formal or informal as you wish to make it. I look at it as kind of social gathering and a good way to get to know some of the skippers you don't see too often. Assuming that they know at least the basic rules, and this is also a fun day, remind them that you want them to abide by them, e.g., port and starboard, windward / leeward and room at the mark, etc. Outline the course you want them to sail-perhaps just a windward / leeward or once around the triangle, this will be lengthened as the wind comes up or settles in. Inform them that they only have one 5 minute hold per boat. Let them know approximately the finishing time as some people have far to drive, when lunch will be and how many breaks you plan to have during the day, plus any other information you feel is pertinent.

After running down all the notes that you have made, don't forget to ask if there are any questions. If there are, don't be alarmed, it's a fun day and someone will have an answer - they always do! Announce that the first race is at 10 am. 10 am call for boats in the water and then when they are, start the tape. Watch the line and call any boats that are over early. (make sure they go around the end of the line to restart). If you have a volunteer to help with this it's a plus. Mark down the finishing order and after the last boat finishes, at your discretion, repeat the process.

At the end of the day, give out the ribbons to the winners if that is the club practice. Put the regatta stuff away and go home knowing that you helped make the day for everyone. Now wasn't that easy.!