Upcoming Training Courses for you to be aware off...
Regional/National Race Officer Training
We will be running Regional/National Race Officer Training courses this autumn. This programme normally runs once every two years, so now is your opportunity for advancement. The courses will be in Dublin on Sat/Sun November the 8th and 9th and a week later in Cork on Sat/Sun November the 15th and 16th.
Dublin - BOOK HERE
Cork - BOOK HERE
Local Safety Lead
Safety is paramount in sailing. Race Officers feel this burden more than most volunteers. Even if you have no intention of being the safety lead it is vital to have informed conversations with the safety leads. We encourage ALL race officers to undertake this training so they will be more complete as race officers. We will be running Local Safety Lead courses in Dublin and Cork on November 8th and 15th respectively.
Dublin - BOOK HERE
Cork - BOOK HERE
Measurer and Equipment Inspector Training
We all want fair racing and making sure boats are what they say they are is big part of that! We are delighted to say that Barry Hayes of UK sails has agreed to deliver an Equipment Inspector and Sail Measurer training programme in Dun Laoghaire on Saturday the 8th November. Please let any class rep or measurer you know the training is happening – they should sign up.
BOOK HERE
Regional Mark Laying
Irish Sailing are one of the few Governing Bodies to recognise the contribution of mark layers to our sport. We will be running a Regional Mark Laying programme for mark layers with local mark laying experience. This will go through more complex situations to allow mark layers to set courses and start lines with confidence and accuracy as well as learning some valuable ‘tricks of the trade’. Race Officers might like their teams to complete this training. The training will take place in Dun Laoghaire on Sunday the 9th November.
BOOK HERE
National Umpire Training
Following on from their successful regional Umpire Training session in August, Chris Lindsay – International Umpire – World Sailing and Cxema Pico– International Umpire – World Sailing will be delivering National level training for all regional umpires looking to develop their skills.
This training session will be delivered over two days, November 1st and 2nd 10:00 to 17:00 in Person in the National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire. Attendance on both days is necessary.
BOOK HERE
Safety vs Safeguarding in Sailing
Understanding the Difference for a Safer, More Inclusive Sport.
Sailing is a sport that blends adventure, skill, and serenity—but it also comes with responsibilities. Two key concepts that every Race Official, Coach, and Club should understand are safety and safeguarding. Though often confused, they serve different purposes in creating a secure and welcoming environment on and off the water.
Safety: Protecting Physical Well-being
Safety refers to the practical steps taken to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies. For a race officials this includes:
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Filling out your Daily Risk Assessment Form before running racing.
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Appropriate use of the Y flag: Wearing life jackets.
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Monitoring weather conditions as racing continues.
Safeguarding: Protecting people, especially vulnerable people
Safeguarding is about protecting individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, or exploitation. It involves:
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Vetting and training staff and volunteers.
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Establishing codes of conduct.
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Creating clear reporting procedures.
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Promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.
Sport Ireland expects all affiliated NGBs to promote the need for Safeguarding within our Clubs and Training Centres. In order to achieve this objective, Irish Sailing has a resource to provide this training to interested parties via online training. Three separate courses are available– Safeguarding, Designated Liaison Person and Children’s Officer. The three courses do not follow consecutively as each looks at a different aspect of Safeguarding, but Clubs should promote this the Safeguarding course for their Club Officers and volunteers.
Why Both Matter
We all have safety front of mind when we go to sea. All Irish Sailing race officials will be obliged to complete a Sport Ireland Safeguarding level 1 (Basic Awareness) training programme before the end of 2026 as part of maintaining their race official status from 2027 onwards. This is coming so we encourage all Race Officials to be prepared. Book your Safeguarding training here.
BOOK HERE