Race Officer Instruction at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club

Published 19:09 on 2 Mar 2026

Jonathan Greatorex writes: On Saturday 28th February Tom Porter, Mike Nicholls and I from ESC were lucky enough to attend a day of Race Officer Instruction led by International Race Official Peter Saxon at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club. In total there were 17 of us in attendance with representation from several other Chichester Harbour clubs. Peter is a highly regarded National Race Officer and Regional judge and works closely with the RYA - he has decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge. We all met at MRSC at 0930hrs with coffee hand made in Cafetieres, no instant coffee - what a treat! At 1000hrs it was down to business.

We each introduced ourselves and what each of us wanted to achieve from the day's instruction. It was clear that we had all been Assistant Race Officers but needed the encouragement to step up and take the lead! With his own first-hand experience Peter led us through many of the rules and regulations that we needed to be aware of. I didn't realise just how complicated a simple race and organisation is, from risk assessments, when to fly the correct flag, sound signals, lights, OCS, protests and results; the list was endless. Peter led us through the process from start to finish, with us arriving on race day 2 hours before the start just to set up OMG who knew that??

We looked at different racecourses and how to set the best course, so all competitors had equal chance whether in single handed, asymmetric or symmetrical spinnakers.

By lunch time my head was buzzing with knowledge, but I was feeling slightly more confident. MRSC gave us a wonderful lunch of fresh carrot and coriander soup, cheese and pate with baguettes and fresh fruit, followed by more coffee.

The afternoon session gave time for us to ask all the questions that were burning within, and Peter gave detailed and extremely clear responses.

By the time we were ready for departing I certainly felt more confident about the prospect of running a race, but I don't know if ESC is ready for me!!

I would highly recommend listening to Peter Saxon if you have the chance he was truly inspiring, encouraging and passionate about all things sailing.

If you haven't been to MRSC, you should. It is small, extremal friendly and after their flood they have had an extensive makeover on the ground floor with excellent facilities. They welcome visits from other Chichester Harbour sailing clubs and host the Chichester harbour race week quiz each year.