There is a “strong need for safety considerations at dinghy events”, according to a Race Official Policy Group (ROPG) that has issued a new set of policy recommendations for those responsible for planning club or class events.
The national sailing authority says that its Race Official Policy Group (ROPG) has been “working very hard to build safety teams, qualifications and presence at events for a number of years and want to pass on this experience and learning to all clubs and classes.”
According to David Lovegrove, Chairman of the ROPG: “As part of its ongoing review of policies relating to the running of dinghy races, the Race Officials Policy Group (ROPG) has developed a number of recommendations relating to the running of dinghy events.
“While these recommendations are primarily aimed at larger multi-fleet events, the ROPG feels that there are many recommendations that can equally be applied to running any dinghy event.”
The recommendations are listed in ‘Recommendations for Dinghy Event Safety.” The document is published on and available from its website.
The Chairman says: “It is hoped that this document, along with other Irish Sailing guidelines, will be of assistance in promoting the running of safe dinghy events.”
“Overall greater consideration needs to be given to the strength of wind and the prevailing sea conditions before bringing junior dinghies afloat. While recommendations will assist, Race Committees should always err on the side of caution. It is not imperative that racing takes place,” say Irish Sailing.