Caribbean Sailing Week is a newly created event taking place in Antigua from October, 17 20, 2019 combining the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) Annual Conference with the CSA Caribbean Dinghy Championship in one new exciting format.

Additionally, the CSA is delighted to announce a World Sailing Race Management Clinic will precede the Conference over 3 days (October 15 17), 2019. This Clinic is open to all volunteers and employees of Member National Authorities, Sailing Events and Yacht Clubs through out the region. It will provide training for race committee roles with a specific focus on how to manage the conduct of a race and develop the associated practical skills including visual / sound signals, posting notices, time keeping, recording, coordinating the course laying team and Safety Officer roles. For those attending the course it presents the opportunity for them on successful completion, to be appointed as a National Race Officer by their Sailing Association. Appointment as a national race officer allows individuals the opportunity to gain the further experience required to work towards achieving their International Race Officer appointment.

World Sailing has appointed International Race Officer Fabian Bach as the tutor for the course. Fabian was appointed IRO in 2012 and is from Germany and will be working with the CSA Sailing Development committee over the coming weeks to design a clinic which meets the needs of the individual attendees.

CSA President Alison Sly-Adams is very positive about the clinic. During the 2018 CSA Annual Conference a big takeaway from delegates was the need for us to work together to build capacity across the region at all levels of the sport. As a region we need to train and develop the next generation of Race Officers who not only have the skills and professionalism to deliver world class racing, but also understand the uniqueness of the region from water to shore. We see the Race Management Clinic as the first in a number of initiatives to assist in training and developing our island nations to be able to autonomously manage our sport at all levels.

Current and potential race officials from around the region along with anyone who would like to develop a greater understanding of the skills required for effective race management are encouraged to attend the course and stay on for the CSA Annual General Meeting and Annual Conference. The Conference is an opportunity for the biggest influencers in the sport of sailing in the region to share ideas and challenge the long-term strategy of our island nations in supporting the growth of the sport.

Registration is now open for the Race Management Clinic and the CSA Annual Conference which includes the AGM, along with Regatta Organisers / Sailing Development Sessions and the Measurers meeting.

Photo credit Christophe Jouany/Les Voiles de Saintes Barths, 2019.