The ever-changing need for compliance has forced Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) to position seven high-tech marks, and some changes in colour requested by members have meant that the familiar old chart of the bay needs a refresh.
To identify the “Guard Marks”, which are easier for shipping to see and have radar reflectors and lights built in, their shape and colours now feature on a new chart published in the 2024 yearbook ahead of this week's first races of the AIB-sponsored 140th DBSC season.
"Delan Curtin, who has the unenviable task of managing the maintenance, deployment and lift out of the marks each year, produced a new chart which better represents the marks in the bay", DBSC Commodore Eddie Totterdell said.
DBSC's Declan Curtin double-checked mark locations on Monday, April 22nd prior to the first races of the 2024 DBSC summer season
“Members suggested that we update the chart and also change the colours used. For example, some black marks were directly in line when approached, making it harder to know which one to aim for", Totterdell said.
For example, Saoirse is now Green to differentiate it from Seapoint, and East, one of the “guard” marks, has a green band to make it easier to identify.
Saoirse is one of seven high-tech marks and is now green in colour to differentiate it from Seapoint for the 2024 DBSC summer season Photo: Afloat
DBSC is now also making more use of the West Pier start marks, with black and green appearing on more courses on Thursdays.
"As ever DBSC continues to refine its race documents and make it easier for competitors to understand", Totterdell told Afloat.
Molly (N) is one of seven high-tech marks for the 2024 DBSC summer season Photo: Afloat
