Overview

The CUYC racing programme consists of practical and theory training, casual (training) races, competitive inshore races (including Varsity and the BUSA Yachting Nationals) and competitive offshore races (such as the RORC Series). Race Teams for specific events are drawn from the Development Squad, the pool of CUYC members engaged with racing. The Selection Panel are responsible for selection and management of the Development Squad and Race Teams. The Selection Panel shall consist of the Vice-Commodore Racing, the Racing Officer(s), and the Racing Team Coach(es).

Development Squad

The Development Squad is created at the start of Michaelmas Term, with ongoing recruitment throughout the year. Members of the Development Squad are entitled to participate in practical training and casual racing trips, and become eligible to apply for a crew position on event Race Teams. Theory training is open to all CUYC members. Application to join the Development Squad is by completing a form detailing previous experience, which is scored according to the table below. Junior or Senior Members of CUYC with a total score of 5 or more are eligible for admission to the Development Squad.

Activity	Level of Experience
	None	Local/club races Competent Crew	University/National level regattas, Day Skipper	International level racing, Yachtmaster
Yacht Racing	0	3	5	5
Yacht Cruising	0	2	5	5
Keelboat Racing	0	2	3	4
Dinghy Racing	0	1	2	3

Continued membership in the Development Squad is subject to sufficient engagement with racing activities (guidance will be provided at start of season session) and abiding by the Code of Conduct. In the event of extenuating circumstances preventing participation, application for continued membership in the Development Squad should be made to the Vice Commodore Racing.

Race Teams

Prior to specific competitive inshore or offshore races (e.g. BUSA, Varsity, RORC races etc.), members of the Development Squad will be invited to apply for a position on the event Race Team. The criteria and process for team selection are:

Longlist: Applications are screened to ensure candidates comply with eligibility criteria.

1. Event-specific eligibility: availability, student status, qualifications, offshore miles

Shortlist: Candidates are independently scored on criteria 2 and 3 by members of Selection Panel. The total scores are ranked to compile a shortlist 1.5 times the number of crew positions available.

2. Participation in Development Squad activities:

a. Attendance record (5) and enthusiasm (3)
b. Assistance with event organisation, coaching or fundraising (3)
c. Demonstrated knowledge (3), sailing skills (5) and learning potential (3) (observed by Selection Panel and skippers)

d. Behaviour and character (5), and ability to work as part of team (5) (observed by Selection Panel and skippers)

3. Prior experience (information supplied in application form) (8)

Team Composition: The Selection Panel hold a meeting to formulate a team from the candidates on the shortlist by considering criteria 4 and 5.

4. Contribution to Team Composition:

a. Boat safety: the team must contain a suitably qualified skipper and first mate, and the overall level of experience on board must match the nature of the event
b. Event-specific criteria: mixed team gender composition (e.g. BUSA), age composition (e.g. RORC Peter Harrison Cup)
c. Skillset and attitude complementary to crew roles to be filled

5. Benefit to Club and Racing Squad:

a. Distribution of opportunities between similarly qualified sailors
b. Increase in opportunities (entering multiple boats) vs. single most competitive crew
c. Sustainability of club racing activities (future skipper and crew development)

 

Outcome: The Development Squad is informed of the selected Race Team and allocated crew roles.The remaining members of the shortlist shall be appointed as reserves.

Appeals:

Appeals are handled through the Club’s Grievance Policy (Section E of the CUYC Regulations). In the instance of a candidate appealing against the decision of the Selection Panel, this functions as
follows:
1. The candidate writes to the Club Welfare Officer (welfare@cuyc.org.uk) presenting the case for their appeal.
2. The Welfare Officer appoints one or one or more Committee Members to handle the complaint. In selecting Committee Members, they shall be mindful to ensure objectivity, scrutiny and familiarity with the aspects of the situation under consideration.
3. The selected Committee Members shall report to the Committee and the Complainant on their findings.
4. The Committee shall vote on the appropriate course of action.