Volunteers are essential to SYC. Volunteers fulfill a wide range of roles both on and off the water at SYC to help make the sport fun, safe, accessible and affordable for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. Without the tremendous contribution from people generously donating their time, from General Committee, to any of our nine sub-committees, to the extended race management and support teams throughout the boating community at SYC, to social event volunteers, to the entourages of ‘tour guides’ welcoming our new [and potential] members around and to the never-ending list of members who continue to assist the Club…whether it be on a boat, in the garden, with our history, our recent Club Marine SYC Centenary Trophy Regatta and upcoming Opening Day our or countless honorary advisory capacities – we could not function without volunteers.
People volunteer for many different reasons, but overwhelmingly the reward comes through making a positive difference in the community, facing new challenges, meeting new people and finding broader horizons. Whether you be a current member, looking to become a member or a non-member, please contact us to discuss your interest in volunteering at this great Club of ours.
Most sailing clubs are run by volunteers, who fulfil a wide range of roles both on and off the water to help make the sport fun, safe, accessible, and affordable for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
There are many duties associated with running an event. Whether you are relatively in-experienced or fully qualified, we would very much like to hear from you. Race Management opportunities exist with both our keelboat and OTB fleets. We also offer training in the following areas;
RIB Driver
RIB Drivers must hold Powerboat licence; ideally we’d like people with safety boat qualifications or experience as well. If you are not yet in a position to be a RIB Driver, the best way to get involved as a member of the RIB team is to volunteer as a crew. If you have experience or a qualification that’s great, if not you’ll learn a lot on the job which can be backed up by training available through the Club.
Course Layer
A good course (mark) layer is as good as an additional ARO, providing the RO with wind information at various points on the course. Mark layers must be able to measure the wind strength and angle at any time and report this to the RO, working from a boat which should be a fast power boat equipped with a GPS. Many ROs prefer more than one mark laying boat. This facilitates the fast adjustment of the course to a new wind. Should the equipment and personnel be available, one mark laying boat per mark is desirable. Between starting and finishing, the mark layers may also be used as a safety boat, although its main task is to stand by for alterations to the course in the event of a wind change.
Race Officer
We aim to give our volunteers the confidence to run the Club racing and give you a good knowledge of the procedures and duties of a Race Officer. Whether you wish to become a Club, State, National and International Race Official, Sandringham Yacht Club has a pathway for you.