Volunteers are the key to Swiftsure's success. This year, we are looking for volunteers in the following roles. If you are interested in a position, and meet the necessary requirements, please register to volunteer.

Position Categories

Race Management Positions

Check-In

Reports to: Check-in Lead

Duties

  • 4 hour shifts on Thursday, May 25th & Friday, May 26th
  • Set up Check-in at Swiftsure Information Centre
  • Update competitor information, crew list, contact info, etc
  • Race related questions can be answered by the Duty Race Officer or Ratings Handicapper at Swiftsure Centre
  • Training session available for computer program
  • 1 evening session to fill skippers bags

Requirements

  • Prefer some sailing/racing knowledge
  • Pleasant, adaptable, good communicator
  • Attendance at event training session

Jury

Reports to: Chief Judge

Duties

  • On-call Post-race requirement for protest hearings

Requirements

  • Knowledge of the ISAF Racing Rules
  • Club Judge certification recommended or at the discretion of the Chief Judge

Finish Line

Reports to: Finish Line Lead

Duties

  • 6 hr shifts; from 6pm Saturday to Monday
  • Record sail numbers and finish time for competitors as they cross the finish line
  • 3 positions per shift (Line judge, Recorder & Timer); plus 1 radio operator supplied by Communications Team
  • Enter finish information into the Swiftsure Information System.
  • Member of the Race Committee

Requirements

  • Some racing experience is preferred but not necessary
  • Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate, Maritime (VHF) for at least one member of each shift
  • Attendance at event training session

Inspection Dock

Reports to: Inspection Team Lead

Duties

  • Inspection of all race boats after finishing to ensure their compliance with safety requirements defined in the Sailing Instructions.
  • Collect race cards from all competitors
  • Collect & record the return of transponders from race boats
  • 6 hour shifts with 3-4 volunteers per shift
  • 1800 hrs Saturday until all boats have finished or until 0600 Monday
  • Attendance at event training session

Requirements

  • Provide own personal foul weather gear; PFD may be necessary in windy conditions
  • Familiarity with sailing yachts and their safety equipment
  • Safe boat handling experience an asset
  • For at least one member of each team
  • Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate, Maritime (VHF)

Deputy Race Officer

Reports to: Principal Race Officer

Duties

  • Deputy Race Officer as directed by the PRO

Requirements

  • Previous experience.
  • Knowledge of the ISAF Racing Rules

Scoring

Reports to: Principal Race Officer

Duties

  • Tabulate scores for all Swiftsure races

Requirements

  • Must have experience with scoring yacht races
  • Experience with Swiftsure scoring system an advantage
  • Familiarity with Handicap systems such as PHRF & ORC
  • Familiarity with Appendix A of the Racing Rules of Sailing

Mark Rounding - Navy Vessel

Reports to: Race Officer

Duties

  • Work with Navy personnel to position vessel according to pre-determined coordinates
  • Mount orange flag and Yellow Flashing Light
  • Record boat roundings including sail numbers & GPS time
  • Communicate pertinent information to Swiftsure Communications as necessary (weather, sea state, safety concerns) or as directed by RO
  • Duty watch is to be maintained at all times until Sunday (noon @ Neah Bay or 2pm @ Swiftsure Bank)
  • Set up schedule for meals and rest breaks in cooperation with radio operators
  • Work cooperatively with (3) Swiftsure volunteer radio operators

Requirements

  • Racing or race management experience/knowledge is helpful
  • Provide own PFD, foul weather gear, binoculars and hand bearing compass
  • Attendance at event training session (TBA)

Mark Rounding - Private Vessel

Reports to: Race Officer

Duties

  • Anchor vessel according to pre-determined coordinates
  • Mount orange flag and Yellow Flashing Light
  • Record boat roundings including sail numbers & GPS time
  • Communicate pertinent information to Swiftsure Communications as necessary (weather, sea state, safety concerns) or as directed by RO
  • Duty watch is to be maintained at all times until designated time on Sunday
  • Set up schedule for meals and rest breaks in cooperation with radio operators
  • Work cooperatively with (2) Swiftsure volunteer radio operators

Requirements

  • Prior race management experience/knowledge
  • Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operator Certificate or experience with safe boat handling
  • Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate, Maritime (VHF) preferred
  • Provide own PFD, foul weather gear, binoculars, hand-bearing compass and hand-held marine VHF radio
  • Attendance at event training session

Starting Team for Pin, Spacer or Patrol Boats

Reports to: Race Officer

Duties

  • Set starting line pin boat if necessary
  • Set starting area corner marks as directed by RO
  • Set Spacer boat between Navy signal boat and the race fleet
  • Perform line judge duties as directed by RO
  • Patrol starting area to keep competitors not yet in their sequence aware of the boundaries

Requirements

  • Prior race management experience/knowledge
  • Experienced with the safe handling of small power boats
  • Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operator Certificate
  • Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate, Maritime (VHF)
  • Provide own PFD, foul weather gear and hand-held marine VHF radio
  • Attendance at event training session

Starting Team for Signal Vessel & Clover Pt

Reports to: Race Officer

Duties

  • Timer, flags, sounds, recorder, & spotters for both signal vessel & Clover Point
  • Time the start sequence
  • Raise and lower signal flags
  • Sound horns and gun via Navy personnel
  • Sight the starting line
  • Communicate with patrol vessels, pin boat and spacer boat

Requirements

  • Prior race management experience/knowledge
  • Race Management certification for some positions
  • Attendance at event training session

RVYC Info Desk

Reports to: RVYC Lead

Duties

  • Provides information about RVYC
  • Collects rounding documents from racers
  • Collects protest forms and provides to DRO at RVYC

Requirements

  • Knowledge about the Royal Victoria Yacht Club
  • A pleasant and engaging attitude.

Entertainment Positions

Bartending/Serving

Reports to: Entertainment Lead

Duties

  • Thursday, May 25; 3pm to 9pm
  • Set up bar
  • Bartending
  • Bar clean up

Requirements

  • Serving It Right course
  • Pleasant and positive attitude

Crowd Management

Reports to: Logistics

Duties

  • Monitor the area around Swiftsure Centre, Inner Harbour on Thursday & Friday (times TBA)
  • Eight volunteers per shift in the evening; 6 volunteers per shift during the day
  • Two at each entrance to bar area; 2 additional volunteers in the evening walking the periphery
  • Crowd management of bar area including accurate recording of patron quotas
  • Managing crowds if a wait line develops
  • May need to seek assistance with disruptive patrons

Requirements

  • Pleasant and positive attitude
  • Good communication & people skills
  • Cell phone if assistance is required

Traffic Management - Clover Point (2)

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Duties

  • Control Public parking access at Clover Point prior to the race start
  • Allow event individuals & groups access to Clover Point as necessary
  • Once racing is under way, Public can park on the Point
  • Engage the public who might not know what's going on.

Requirements

  • Pleasant and positive attitude
  • Good communication & people skills
  • Cell phone an asset

Media & Promotions Positions

Media Relations Coordinator

Reports to: Media & Promotions Lead

Duties

  • Define overall media relations program in collaboration with Marketing and Media, Sponsorship (media sponsors) and Media Spokesperson
  • Build strong relationships with the media network, both Swiftsure media sponsors and other media outlets, to ensure timely access to accurate Swiftsure communication material
  • Coordinate news and advertising opportunities between various media outlets and Swiftsure organizers, sponsors, partners and community organizations
  • Prepare and distribute media packages in advance of Race weekend
  • Ensure Race results are made available to racers, media and public as quickly as possible, including preliminary results through News Updates and the Info Centre during the Race weekend, and ensuring finalized official results are distributed immediately
  • Draft Swiftsure updates during Swiftsure weekend, provide to Website Lead
  • Support Media Spokesperson(s) by distributing News Updates and identifying and arranging for media interviews, particularly during Race weekend
  • Position starts January 1 to build Swiftsure media relations program
  • Available periodically as required January 1 to May 1
  • Available on-call during May leading into Race weekend
  • Available on-site as needed Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Requirements

  • Knowledge of, and preferably experience with, different media opportunities
  • Ability to strategize and design a program to optimize media involvement and Swiftsure exposure
  • Ability to collaborate with others including the Swiftsure Media team, Race officials, sponsor media relations staff and members of the media
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time, under pressure, to meet media deadlines
  • Familiarity with WordPress is an asset

Media Spokesperson

Reports to: Media & Promotions Lead

Duties

  • Primary spokesperson for Swiftsure Race Committee in support of Swiftsure Event Chair
  • Ensure competitors, media and the public receive accurate information about the Race, and promote Swiftsure visibility in the community
  • Provide information to the media and public through various outlets including News Updates, the Swiftsure Info Centre, until the race is officially complete and results have been finalized and posted
  • Available periodically as required for January 1 to May 15
  • Available on-call for 10 days leading into Race weekend
  • Available on-site for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Requirements

  • Experience and/or considerable confidence approaching and working with all levels of media; radio, television, newspapers, magazines, social media
  • Extensive knowledge of Swiftsure history, Race organization and on-the-water racing
  • Personable and articulate in a media interview setting
  • Considerable word processing knowledge

Media Writer

Reports to: Media & Promotions Lead

Duties

  • Draft original content for media materials - Swiftsure website, news releases, communication updates
  • Support other Media Team members in preparing appropriate communication content
  • Available periodically from January 1 to May 1 to prepare content as required for website, news release, media, social media
  • Send draft Swiftsure articles to Website Lead for editing, review

Requirements

  • Strong writing skills for media content
  • Passion for writing
  • Experience with, or understanding of, the requirements for different media formats (newspaper, magazine, social media, news releases, etc.)
  • Knowledge of Swiftsure history and organization, sailing and racing

News Team

Reports to: Media & Promotions Lead

Duties

  • Develop an overall Swiftsure News program to generate interesting and accurate stories related to Swiftsure history, organization, competitors, sponsors, partners, events, personalities
  • Research Swiftsure stories for use by the Swiftsure media team and the media (through various media channels including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, website, social media, RVYC and other club communication networks)
  • Support Media Spokesperson during Race weekend by identifying and arranging potential media interviews, both related to Swiftsure News and interesting emerging news stories (e.g. from racers and organizers)
  • Write News Updates over the Race weekend to keep website current, accurate and entertaining with breaking news
  • Support Media Spokesperson during Race weekend by providing News updates
  • 1 position (Team Leader) periodically from March 1 to May 15 to plan news program and undertake initial story research and writing
  • Available starting May 15 through to the end of Race weekend: 1 member per day up to Wednesday prior to Race Weekend, then all 3 on 6 hour shifts from Thursday through to Sunday to identify story opportunities, conduct research, arrange interviews, draft News Updates

Requirements

  • experience preparing written media stories
  • experience working with media
  • writing skills and competence with word processing
  • knowledge of Swiftsure history and sailboat racing

Swiftsure Info Centre Lead

Reports to: Media & Promotions Lead

Duties

  • Plan the operation of the Info Centre including equipment, supplies and staffing
  • Arrange staffing schedule
  • Oversee Info Centre setup and ongoing operations through Race weekend (Thursday to Saturday)
  • Deal with challenging information requests by referring to appropriate Race officials
  • On-site/on-call Thursday to Sunday to oversee Info Centre set-up and operation

Requirements

  • Organizational skills to plan, staff and operate a public service
  • Supervisory skills to train, organize and oversee volunteer staff on shifts
  • Basic knowledge of Swiftsure International Yacht Race
  • Basic computer skills including word processing

Swiftsure Info Centre Team

Reports to: Media & Promotions Lead

Duties

  • Supply information about the Race, weather, and events to the public and racers
  • Direct detailed requests for information to appropriate Race Officials
  • Direct media information requests to the Swiftsure Media Management Team
  • 6hr shifts (1100 - 6pm) Thursday, May 25th & Friday, May 26th
  • 4 hr shift (1100 - 3pm) Saturday, May 27th
  • Promote both Swiftsure & RVYC as the Race Event Host Club

Requirements

  • Pleasant and positive attitude
  • Prefer basic knowledge of Swiftsure
  • Prefer basic computer knowledge

Photographer

Reports to: Photographer Lead

Duties

  • Capture the action on land and water
  • Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday provide support to RVYC's club event photographer
  • Deliver selected images to the Media team for publication on the website
  • Member of the Media & Promotions team
  • Basic computer file management skill required
  • Reports to the RVYC Photographer

Requirements

  • Available throughout Thursday - Sunday
  • Provide own camera equipment, and if you have your own way to get out on the water, even better
  • Basic understanding of photography, digital files, file management and digital cameras
  • Physically nimble to go aboard boats and uneven environments
  • Attend an orientation session

Photographer's Assistant

Reports to: Photographer Lead

Duties

  • Thursday through Sunday provide support to event photographers
  • Transfer, label and sort images captured at the various venues of Swiftsure
  • Review pictures and post good ones on Swiftsure's website (keeps it live and interesting)

Requirements

  • Basic understanding of photography, digital files, file management
  • Basic computer file management skill an asset
  • Attend an orientation session

Website Lead

Reports to: Race Event Chair

Duties

  • Ensure content on Swiftsure's website appropriately portrays the Swiftsure brand
  • Review drafts from Media Team for Swiftsure website, edit and post
  • Ensure website content is comprehensive/complete in communicating to target audiences (racers, media, community, and volunteers)
  • Help promote Swiftsure's sponsors (e.g., sponsor logo, maintain sponsor's services page)
  • Monitor website content for accuracy, spelling, and grammar.
  • Identify topics/areas that need content and either write it or ask the responsible person on the Swiftsure Committee to generate the content

Requirements

  • Clear, concise editing and writing skills
  • Knowledge of the various aspects of Swiftsure and race host Royal Victoria Yacht Club
  • Knowledge of effective communication
  • Skillful in word processing and WordPress for posting content on the Swiftsure website

Marine Operations Positions

Docking - RVYC

Reports to: Docking Lead RVYC

Duties

  • 6 hour shift; Saturday only
  • Direct and assist boats returning from Inshore race who have not pre-arranged docking space
  • Work with RVYC foreshore staff to place boats in appropriate slips
  • Report issues to the Dockmaster as they arise

Requirements

  • Knowledge of handling of boats and lines helpful
  • Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate - Maritime (VHF) preferred

Docking - Victoria Inner Harbour

Reports to: Dockmaster Lead

Duties

  • 4-6 hour shifts; Wednesday (2 shifts), Thursday (3 shifts), Friday (3 shifts), Saturday (1 shift) Sunday (3 shifts)
  • Inner Harbour docks below the Empress
  • Direct and assist boats entered in the race as they arrive in the Inner Harbour
  • Act as coxswain or crew member in RVYC RHIB
  • Welcome boats & crew as they arrive
  • Offer advice on registration, schedules, code for the gate, location of the Swiftsure Info Centre
  • Each shift has a team lead who reports to the Dockmaster
  • Provide recommendations on local facilities & attractions (pamphlets available with helpful local information.
  • Available for shifts between 10am and 8pm Thurs/Fri; later start on Wed

Requirements

  • Knowledge of handling of boats and lines helpful
  • For one member of each on-the-water team, require: Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operator's Certificate, Canadian Lifesaving Society Boat Rescue Certificate, Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate - Maritime (VHF)
  • Good interpersonal skills & local knowledge an asset

Dockmaster Lead

Reports to: Race Event Chair

Duties

  • Work with Volunteer Coordinator to assemble Docking team (about 22 members).
  • Ensure team members are oriented to their duties.
  • Establish volunteer schedule coverage consistent with anticipated boat arrival rates.
  • Establish radio communications with related volunteer teams. These would typically include:
  • a. RHIB crew (Beeker)
  • b. Docking Team on docks
  • c. Host/Ambassador teams
  • d. Swiftsure Info Centre
  • Liaise with Information & Registration volunteers at Swiftsure Centre to help update boat location and arrival information board.
  • Liaise with Greater Victoria Harbour Authority staff on moorage issues.
  • Establish contact list among volunteers 'who to call', etc.

Requirements

  • Previous Swiftsure docking experience

Logistics Positions

Setup/Ticket Sales @ RVYC

Reports to: Logistics Coordinator RVYC

Duties

  • Setup area to sell BBQ tickets 1400 to 2000 hrs (post Inshore race)
  • Meet with RVYC staff member to review payment arrangements for tickets
  • Assist RVYC Site Manager in directing participants & avoiding lineups

Requirements

  • Pleasant manner; helpful attitude

Logistics Supervisor - Clover Point Start Line

Reports to: Logistics Lead

Duties

  • Start Line: On site at Clover Point on Saturday 730 AM
  • Supervise setup and takedown of equipment and provision of infrastructure/services at the Clover Point Start Line.
  • Identify and respond to unplanned logistic requirements arising from setup, operations and takedown.
  • Liaise with on-site Race Committee, Publicity, and Promotion volunteers as required.

Requirements

  • Good organizational & planning skills
  • General knowledge and experience as a "handyman" would be an asset

Logistics Supervisor - Swiftsure Centre

Reports to: Logistics Lead

Duties

  • Responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of all aspects of the Swiftsure Centre physical setup
  • Direct and supervise setup and removal of tents and trailers, installation of equipment and provision of infrastructure/services
  • Identify and respond to unplanned logistic requirements arising from Swiftsure Centre during setup, operations and takedown
  • Available on site 24/7 Wednesday through Monday

Requirements

  • Possess good organizational & planning skills
  • Intimately knowledgeable of the Swiftsure race, organization, personnel, procedures and requirements

Logistics Supervisor - Finish Line

Reports to: Race Event Chair

Duties

  • Finish Line: On site at Vic West on Friday PM for setup & Sunday PM or Monday AM for takedown
  • Supervise setup and takedown of R/V and equipment and provide infrastructure/services at the Vic West Finish Line.
  • Identify and respond to unplanned logistic requirements arising from setup, operations, takedown.
  • Liaise with onsite Race Committee during weekend if required.

Requirements

  • Good organizational & planning skills
  • General knowledge and experience as a "handyman" would be an asset

Setup/Takedown Crews

Reports to: Setup/Takedown Lead

Duties

  • Assist with movement, setup and takedown of equipment at applicable venues and/or RVYC Clubhouse.
  • May work at more than one venue and participate in setup, takedown or both as desired.
  • Required on any or all of Wednesday Afternoon/Thu Forenoon/Sat Evening/Sun Evening/Mon Morning.
  • Some specific assignments will include:
  • - IT Setup, including storage, movement and installation of computers and related network accessories under technical direction/supervision from Technology Support Committee member.
  • - Banner Setup, with direction from Sponsor Coordinator per commitments to sponsors.
  • - Bunting and flag installation and takedown.
  • - Transportation Coordinator, to plan and conduct transportation of equipment between venues.
  • - Sound Monitor, to work with the City of Victoria on start line and Social event sound monitoring.
  • - Parking coordination.

Requirements

  • Flexibile, takes initiative and willingness to take direction.
  • Able to follow direction in assembling staging, lighting, electrical extension cords, computer cabling, audio equipment, scaffolding, decorations, furniture, etc
  • General "handyman" type knowledge would be an asset
  • Some functions may require moderate physical strength and flexibility
  • Knowledge of computer operation, hardware & network cabling would be useful.
  • Available Wednesday/Thursday; Sunday/Monday scheduled before and after event start/finish times.

Soup Server

Reports to: Soup Server Lead

Duties

  • Offer a warm cup of soup to racers after they finish - while they're at the Inspection dock.
  • Coordinate defrosting & warming of soup (supplied)
  • 6 hr. shifts from 6pm Saturday, May 28th thru to midnight Sunday, or earlier if all boats are finished (6 - midnight, midnight - 6am, 6am - noon, etc.)
  • Needed through the night.

Requirements

  • Food Safe certificate is an asset but not required

Swiftsure Ambassador

Reports to: Yacht Host and Ambassador Lead

Duties

  • Greet arriving competitors, act as ambassador & local resource
  • Liaise with participants, volunteers and the public
  • Answer questions & provide local information
  • 6hr. shifts; 8am - 8pm Thursday & Friday
  • 6hr. shift 10am - 4pm Saturday

Requirements

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Be generally knowledgeable of Swiftsure race, organization, procedures and requirements.
  • Moderate computer skills are an asset

Yacht Hosts

Reports to: Yacht Host and Ambassador Lead

Duties

  • Welcome boats & crew as they arrive in the Inner Harbour & after they have secured a docking space.
  • Offer advice on registration, schedules, code for the gate, where to find Swiftsure Centre & provide local info on where to get "things" (anything from best pizza place to the local boat chandlery)
  • Greet the public as they walk the Inner Harbour Causeway & wander down the ramp to see the racing yachts
  • Explain what the event is about; hosted by RVYC.
  • Where & when the action will take place; where they can follow the progress of boats as they race
  • Flyer with basic information about Swiftsure will be available to hand out
  • Available for shifts Thursday & Friday (Inner Harbour docks 10am-8pm; 5hr shifts

Requirements

  • Good interpersonal skills & local knowledge an asset

Technology Support Positions

SPOT Coordinator

Reports to: Technology Lead

Duties

  • Saturday/Sunday provide support/guidance to SPOT team
  • Monitor SPOT data & Swiftsure website during race weekend to ensure transponder data appears to be correctly transmitting
  • Work to resolve any SPOT transmission issues through the race weekend
  • Work with the Technology Team if required to resolve SPOT data issues.
  • Member of the Technology Committee
  • Update SPOT registration website
  • Brief the racer on the use of SPOTs
  • Be responsible for managing the SPOT inventory, including distribution and collection of SPOTs, and returning failed units under warranty

Requirements

  • Considerable knowledge of SPOT transponder functions
  • Ability to understand SPOT data interface to Swiftsure website
  • Availability ahead of Swiftsure race to work with Technology Team

SPOT Support

Reports to: Technology Lead

Duties

  • Saturday/Sunday provide the public and other interested people with an overview of SPOT information and function
  • Monitor SPOT data & communicate to the public about individual Swiftsure yachts of interest in the race
  • Work with the Swiftsure Information Centre team to enlarge on items of interest in the Swiftsure race
  • Work with the Technology Team if required to resolve SPOT data issues
  • From time to time, assist SPOT coordinator in their duties

Requirements

  • Considerable knowledge of SPOT transponder functions
  • Ability to understand SPOT data interface to Swiftsure website
  • Availability ahead of Swiftsure race to work with Technology Team

Spot Technology Support

Reports to: Technology Lead

Duties

  • Maintenance of SPOT GPS transponder units
  • Administration, testing and deployment of SPOT units prior to and during Swiftsure

Requirements

  • Familiarity with different Web browsers
  • Understanding of how GPS works
  • Familiarity with Google Maps, Google Earth
  • Ability to enter data using online forms
  • Basic knowledge of ISAF Rules of Racing and Race Management practices
  • Good communication skills

Marine Operations & Communications Positions

Liaison Radio Operator

Reports to: Marine Operations and Radio Communications Officer

Duties

  • Responsible for amateur communications between the Duty Race Officer and the Radio Room.
  • Traffic passed will include hourly weather reports, vessel tracking, requests from outside agencies, etc.
  • Saturday/Sunday - Organized into 6 hour rotations starting at 0600 on Saturday, continuing through to midnight Sunday
  • Primarily stationed in and around the Inner Harbour.

Requirements

  • Industry Canada Amateur Radio Certificate required
  • Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Marine) (VHF) preferred
  • Familiar with yachting or yacht racing
  • A dual band handheld radio is ideal; equipment can be loaned if required.
  • This position will require walking around with the race officer to various locations around the Inner Harbour.

Radio Operator, Mark Rounding Vessels

Reports to: Marine Operations and Radio Communications Officer

Duties

  • Responsible for amateur communications with other Swiftsure stations and marine communications with racers
  • Collect rounding times for racers and relay them to Sombrio station
  • Setup and takedown of equipment on mark rounding vessels
  • Logging of communications
  • Operating at sea aboard Navy or private vessels in teams of up to four operators.
  • Depart from Victoria early Saturday morning, returning early Sunday evening. Some set-up may be required on Friday evening.

Requirements

  • Industry Canada Amateur Radio Certificate and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Marine) (VHF)
  • Familiar with yachting or yacht racing
  • Must have 'sea legs' as you will be on the water for the duration of the race no matter the sea conditions
  • May have some radio equipment supplied by other volunteers/organizations; operators are encouraged to have their own marine handheld & amateur equipment

Radio Operator, Sombrio Relay Station

Reports to: Marine Operations and Radio Communications Officer

Duties

  • Responsible for amateur communications with other Swiftsure stations and marine communications with racers if needed
  • Set-up and takedown of equipment on site
  • Logging of communications
  • Operating out of a field day type of station near Sombrio
  • Shifts will vary from Friday to Sunday and volunteers often camp on site

Requirements

  • Industry Canada Amateur Radio Certificate and/or Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Marine) (VHF)
  • Familiar with yachting or yacht racing
  • Position will have some radio equipment supplied by other volunteers and organizations; more details provided upon volunteer registration

Radio Room Operator or Supervisor

Reports to: Marine Operations and Radio Communications Officer

Duties

  • Responsible for marine communications with racers and amateur communications with other Swiftsure stations
  • Logs all communications with vessels, weather reports and information required by the race officer
  • Saturday/Sunday - Teams organized into 6 hour rotations starting at 0600 on Saturday, continuing through to midnight Sunday
  • Operating out of the CRD Building Radio Room
  • Will work in teams of up to six operators
  • Operator position is suitable for all levels of experience
  • Supervisors will be selected by experience in past Swiftsure events or local EOC involvement

Requirements

  • Industry Canada Amateur Radio Certificate and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Marine) (VHF)
  • Familiar with yachting or yacht racing
  • Radio equipment is supplied; you may wish to bring your own amateur or marine to monitor multiple frequencies
  • Basic ability to operate a Windows based computer system to monitor weather, email and packet (packet training can be provided)

Administration Positions

Logistics Administrator

Reports to: Swiftsure Administrator

Duties

  • Confirm requirements with Logistics Chair
  • Order tents - get 3 quotes
  • Port-o-potties - typically get 3 quotes
  • Trailer rental
  • RV usage - contact RVYC members to confirm availability
  • Dumpsters (garbage, cardboard)
  • Order buses for Oregon Offshore BBQ- get 3 quotes
  • Hours a week - maybe 2 here and there. Lots of sending emails and waiting to hear back.

Requirements

  • Flexibility, good organization skills
  • Able to work with word processing & spreadsheets
  • Available for about 2 hours/week in April & May

Support Services

Reports to: Swiftsure Administrator

Duties

  • Daytime or evening, during the weeks before the race
  • Stuff racers packs, help with photocopying, collating
  • Support various teams prior to start of race
  • Assist with preparing skipper and media packages
  • Assist with general office tasks, as needed
  • Those with vehicles, to help move office stuff to Ship Point on Thursday AM

Requirements

  • Willing, team attitude, promptness
  • Prepared to take direction from RVYC office staff
  • Available at short notice for varying lengths of time in the 2 weeks prior to Swiftsure

Swiftsure Committee

Reports to: Swiftsure Chair

Duties

  • Attend Swiftsure Committee meetings, various responsibilities as leads or chairs of sub-committees

Requirements

Volunteer Committee

Reports to: Swiftsure Committee

Duties

  • Assign volunteers to positions, help to ensure all positions are filled

Requirements

Finance Positions

Beer Garden Ticket Sellers

Reports to: Beer Garden Ticket Lead

Duties

  • Friday - up to 3 hour shifts
  • Sell liquor and beverage tickets

Requirements

  • Experience dealing securely with cash in an open setting
  • Ability to work quickly/accurately/pleasantly in a high-volume and noisy environment

Beer Garden Ticket Lead

Reports to: Finance Lead

Duties

  • Oversee ticket sales volunteers Friday PM
  • Communicate with prior ticket volunteers mid-April to confirm their participation & schedule
  • Fill ticket sales volunteer vacancies with assistance from the Swiftsure Volunteer Coordinator
  • Organize shift changeovers in concert with Finance Chair

Requirements

  • Ability to lead a group of volunteers
  • Experience dealing securely with cash in an open setting
  • Ability to work quickly/accurately/pleasantly in a high-volume and noisy environment

Awards Positions

Awards/Trophy Assistant

Reports to: Trophy Coordinator

Duties

  • Assist with loading trophies from RVYC and unloading at locatiion of Skipper's Meeting
  • Assist with unboxing trophies and setting them up in the order they will be presented in
  • Assist in the presentation of the trophies
  • Assist in re-boxing trophies and reloading them into a vehicle
  • Assist in moving trophies from vehicle back into storage at RVYC.

Requirements

  • Understanding of process and protocol for organization of awards
  • Available for the day of the awards (Friday before the race)
  • Willingness to deal with and adapt to last minute changes and help deliver a professional looking presentation

Polishing Services

Reports to: Trophy Coordinator

Duties

  • 1 evening or weekend approximately 2-3 hours, about 2 weeks before Swiftsure
  • Assist Trophy Coordinator to move trophy boxes, remove trophies, polish, and return to boxes to store.

Requirements

  • Willing to roll up sleeves and get it done

Sponsorship Positions

Silent Auction Administrator

Reports to: Sponsorship Lead

Duties

  • Contact potential silent auction sponsors and do follow-up calls
  • Ensure auction items are sent to winning bidders after the night of the silent auction
  • Work with Sponsorship Chair to organize and set up Online Auction and follow up with winning bidders
  • Provide letters of appreciation to donors of Silent Auction items

Requirements

  • Good communicator, organized
  • Available March through May/June for short periods

Silent Auction Team

Reports to: Sponsorship Lead

Duties

  • Price and create bid sheets for all the silent auction items; 2 weeks before Swiftsure silent auction for 2-3 hours
  • Arrange and check bid sheets 3 hours before silent auction
  • Setup the bid tables and displays; 3 hours before the silent auction
  • During the silent auction, answer questions from bidders and cease bidding at end of auction
  • Collect payment and distribute the items to the winners directly after the silent auction
  • Assist the Silent Auction Administrator, as needed

Requirements

  • Good communicator
  • Word processing and spreadsheet experience for creating bid sheets, emailing
  • Experience dealing with Cash, Visa and POS machine an asset
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Available in May,/June for 1 evening