The Galway Regatta is run on an annual basis on the River Corrib. The event is based on a three lane race down a course of 1200 metres. There are a large number of crews entering the water whilst others are leaving at the finish of their event. Sensible traffic control at the slips prevented accidents and also ensured that there are not too many crews located in the one area at any time- a recipe for disaster if tempers fray. The event is run to strict time schedule which means that all areas have to be clued in and updated regularly to ensure smooth running. Any delays result in total congestion which can result in accidents.
Tom, EI2GP, was located at the start line of the race and would advise when crews are leaving and heading down the course. At this point the operator on the slips ensures that boats do not row onto the course and also prevents the area becoming too congested at the same time. Steve, EI5DD was located at the finish line which is where the organisation and logistics of the event took place. Message handling involved 1) Passing information about crews who would not be taking part and therefore not taking to the water, 2) Crews who would be participating at a later stage as a result of winning their race and therefore entering a semi-final or final (information required to determine what time the boats would be going back on the water), 3) calling for crews to row towards the start as quickly as possible, 4) Advising of any river traffic heading up the course, and 5) logging of accidents during the event and deployment of safety crews.
From 9 am there was a constant flow of information as crews were co-ordinated to a strict schedule in order to accommodate the number of races during the day. There were stiff breezes which affected some of the less experienced crews often blowing them off course and into reeds. Rescue crews were quite busy under the circumstances. The water level of the Corrib was also lower than usual, due to the recent dry spells. A couple of crews ran aground and had to be towed off the rocks whilst another actually capsized. The slip area was constantly busy under the auspices of Enda, EI3IS. Enda was updated with changes to the schedule and thereby able to call crews to the water as required. Messages regarding crews encountering difficulty with equipment were passed enabling their event to be re-scheduled.
One major emergency that occurred during the event was the destruction of the beer tent which was blown over in the wind. Spirits and morale were crushed at this point but the day was saved as the decision to run an “Al-Fresco” bar was taken. Perhaps a mistake as it poured rain towards the end of the event and the bar was closed!
The operators on this event have assisted with the Regatta for many years and it has become second nature at this point. Preparation for the event is just a case of bringing the portable rig on site and being deployed to the operating position. The orders for the day can only be determined at the start of the event. Within 5 minutes of the commencement of the Regatta, the schedules of crews participating were confirmed and altered accordingly and adjusted as the day progressed. This is possible with experienced operators but the new operators are expected to monitor the activity and observe the implications as the event progresses before taking part the following year.
