- Lifelong resident of Wisconsin until recent move to Charleston, SC.
- US Sailing certified race officer for 20 years.
- Pewaukee Yacht Club Race Officer.
- Multiple time PRO for E Scow Blue Chip.
- ILYA Senior Race Officer.
- ILYA Invitationals Race Officer.
- Multiple time PRO for A Scow Nationals.
The basics of a wind stick and a hand-bearing compass are still the key tools used when setting courses. A portable GPS unit is the next most useful tool, particularly for getting course length right. In the last five years, there have been some great advances in apps as well as the advent of some more dynamic tools. Wind prediction, weather, and radar/lightning detection apps now provide reliable inputs for course planning and safety. Automated timer/sound systems have made the RC more precise with the starting sequence. Robotic marks are a great addition to solving the particular challenges of deep water, current, or limited RC staff. Buoy Zone is definitely one of my go-to tools for race course planning and execution. Not only does it allow me to model course location and configuration before I hit the water, but it also allows resources to be deployed more quickly and set courses more efficiently.
Mark DeGuire
