Race Management for On Water Volunteers Timekeeper

General Roles & Duties of timekeeper Race documents Notice of Race (NOR) Sailing Instructions

Start boat roles Timekeeper focused, controls the sequence Sound may be timer Visual signals coordinate with sound & timer Recorder (a scribe) OCS & returns, UFD, BFD count starters, relay to course boats & finish – let top mark know how many boats to expect.

The Start Sequence Minutes to start Visual signal Sound signal Meaning 10 Orange flag One At least 5 min to warning 5 Class flag Warning signal 4 P, I, U or black Preparatory signal 1 Preparatory removed One longer One minute Class removed Starting signal

Start boat - Timekeeper Critical member of the team Controls the start sequence Clear understanding of the start process Needs single minded concentration & a good clear voice Count down to start (deadline) clearly for all on start boat aware Syncs the Clocks and Watches used to GPS time Before start sequence – call minutes to first signal During start sequence One minute to warning signal & one sound 30 seconds to warning signal & one sound 15 seconds 10; 9; 8; 7; 6; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; Now! Communicate over radio to pin boats and judges re: start sequence when used

And... A few extra things the Timekeeper needs to keep in mind Timer Has complete control of the race Wait for Instructions from Race officer or check with them before taking action. Can interpret information from: Notice of Race (NOR) - schedule Sailing Instructions (SI)   key times – first warning, time limits, target times, time after which we can’t start another race   sailing area   class flags Knowing timing variations for different events (individual, etc.)

More Timekeeper Duties May be required to keep lap timings ensure target times are met RO always knows where the boats are on the water

A bit more! Flag familiarity, use and sounds Knowledge of the class symbols Makes oneself aware of timing of regatta. Not all classes have the same timing in a multiple fleet regatta Create time table with Key warnings and signals. Communicate this to the flags person and other crew on board

And... Communicate to R.O. as key timings are coming up Communicates with Flags person to keep the focus Communicate sequence of races to Flags and other persons Ensures the course board is correct

The Timekeeper also... Knows how to use these tools: Clock/Stop watch Auto-Hoot Timing Sheets Lap timing tracking sheets Horn if needed Radio (If RO asks to call the start) Compass (maybe)

Thank you