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
- Jury
- Finish Line
- Inspection Dock
- Scoring
- Mark Rounding - Private Vessel
- Mark Rounding - Public Vessel
- Starting Team for Pin, Spacer or Patrol Boats
- Starting Team for Signal Vessel & Clover Pt
- RVYC Info Desk
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 Sunday
- 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 some race boats after finishing to ensure their compliance with safety requirements defined in the Sailing Instructions.
- Collect race cards from all competitors
- 6 hour shifts with 2 volunteers per shift
- 1800 hrs Saturday until all boats have finished or until midnight Sunday
- 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)
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 - 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
Mark Rounding - Public Vessel
Reports to: Race Officer
Duties
- Work with 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)
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 Race Officer
- Set Spacer boat between Navy signal boat and the race fleet
- Perform line judge duties as directed by Race Officer
- 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 Vessel Officer 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
Entertainment Positions
Bartending/Serving
Reports to: Entertainment Lead
Duties
- Friday, May 26; 3pm to 9:30pm
- 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 Friday (time 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 June 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 Race 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 June 1
- Available on-call for 10 days leading into Race weekend
- Available on-site for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
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
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 June 1 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 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 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
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
Duty Race Officer
Reports to: PRO
Duties
- Stand a 6 hour watch between 0600 and 2400 from 1200, Thursday until Sunday evening;
- Monitor/supervise logistics and operations activities at all venues
- Receive and action telephone, radio and personal queries from participants, volunteers, civil authority, support organizations and the public
- Respond to logistic requirements arising from committee chairs during the event
Requirements
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills
- Be intimately knowledgeable of the Swiftsure race, organization, personnel, procedures and requirements
- Requires moderate computer literacy and familiarity with marine radio communication. VHF ROC - M required
- May require additional training off site before event weekend
Logistics Positions
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 Sponsorship 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 27th 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 the Causeway Marina 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
Marine Operations & Communications Positions
- Liaison Radio Operator
- Marine Operations and Radio Communications Officer
- Race HQ
- Radio Operator
- Radio Operator onboard RC signals
Liaison Radio Operator
Reports to: PRO
Duties
- Responsible for amateur communications between fleet and the Radio Room.
- Saturday/Sunday - Organized into 6 hour rotations starting at 0600 on Saturday, continuing through to midnight Sunday
- Primarily stationed Esperanza docked at Ship Point 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.
Marine Operations and Radio Communications Officer
Reports to: PRO
Duties
- Responsible for the vessels, aircraft and other assets that support the race
- Responsible for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications throughout the race area
- Principal point of contact with US and Canadian emergency response agencies during incidents
Requirements
- A member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club
- Working knowledge of yacht racing and familiar with Swiftsure International Yacht Race
- Holds valid Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card, a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Marine), an Amateur Radio Operator (Basic) Licence
- Prefer a Registered Communicator in the BC Provincial Emergency Program
Race HQ
Reports to: PRO
Duties
- Work Shifts at Race HQ currently on board SV Esperanza. Record rounding and finish times on computer
Requirements
- Functional computer skills
Radio Operator
Reports to: PRO
Duties
- Responsible for race communications
- Logging of communications
- Shifts will vary from Friday to Sunday
Requirements
- Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Marine) (VHF)
- Familiar with yachting or yacht racing
- Position will have some radio equipment supplied. More details provided upon volunteer registration
Radio Operator onboard RC signals
Reports to: PRO
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
- Operator position is suitable for all levels of experience
- Supervisors will be selected by experience in past Swiftsure events
Requirements
- Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Marine) (VHF)
- Familiar with yachting or yacht racing
- Radio equipment is supplied
- Basic ability to operate a Windows based computer system to monitor weather and email
Administration Positions
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