The Racing Rules of Sailing

Part 1: The Racing Rules of Sailing that will help you understand Race management

Part 2: 2021 – 2024 Racing Rules of Sailing | A review of the new rules and changes to the old rules

No cost to attend | Donations appreciated | See Registration Form   

HOST: Fields Gunsett

I began sailing at the age of 12 on a small board boat purchased because my parents thought it would be a good family activity.  I was never involved in youth sailing; it was merely a recreational activity.  I began sailing competitively after graduating from graduate school in the mid-1980s.  First sailing a Portsmouth Handicap boat and then becoming involved with the Flying Scot class in North Carolina.  I am a middle-of-the-pack sailor - competent but not excellent.  I sail for the pleasure and the passion of the sport.  Shortly after starting to sail competitively, I recognized that this is a pay-to-play sport for most of us - we all need to give back, and I began working in race management.  I was a Club Race officer during the days of USYRA, before the current certification system offered by US Sailing.  I then became certified under the current system and am a US Sailing certified Regional Race Officer.  I am also certified to teach the basic race management class.  I became a US Sailing certified Judge in 2006 and a National Judge in 2016.  I am also certified as a Club Judge instructor.  I have had the good fortune to serve as a judge at many events in the Chicago area and serve as the principal race officer for events hosted by Chicago Corinthian and Columbia yacht clubs.