The main functions that SA Sailing performs are as follows:
1. Liaison with International Bodies. SAS is a member of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and represents South Africa at the organisations meetings that decide on venues for international regattas such as World Championships, the choice of yachts for the Olympic Games, changes to the Racing Rules of Racing and a myriad of other matters with a view to promoting sailing in South Africa. As such it is the guardian of the Rules of Racing in the RSA. SAS is also represented on the ISAF Medical / Anti-doping committee and liases with the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) over the selection and funding of South African sailors to participate in the Olympics.
2. Authorised Agency. SAS has been appointed as the Authorised Agency to SAMSA for sailing pleasure vessels and enjoys a close working relationship with SAMSA in formulating policy to comply with government regulations. Through this liaison SAS has been able to influence a number of changes in policy for the benefit of sailors.
3. Liaison with Government Departments. Through working with SAMSA, SAS has negotiated the facility to obtain clearance for our cruising and racing yachts to leave South Africa for international voyages. SAS is now able to assist the boat building industry in the same way. SAS is also involved with SASCOC in its efforts to promote sailing and of course the South African Navy continues to provide assistance. It is generally not known that formal South African participation in international events both as a host in RSA or overseas requires approval from SASCOC via SAS.
4. Fund Raising. SAS is actively involved in fund raising to support sailing and the biggest source of funds is the government via the recently formed SASCOC whose predecessors have made generous contributions to individuals and teams representing our country. ISAF have also provided financial assistance and SAS is always grateful to the many private sector companies that assist in making events a reality.
5. Maintain a database of registered Class Yachts and Dinghies. one design sailing yachts and dinghies are required to be inspected to ensure that they conform to class rules. A certificate of conformance or Measurement Certificate is issued to those boats meeting requirements. SA Sailing maintains the database for most RSA classes and this results in close contact with the classes and their measurers.
6. Maintain a register of Offshore Yachts. SA Sailing holds a register of South African and some international yachts. The yacht register used to be voluntary but under the new regulations, SAS is required to maintain a register of all pleasure sailing vessels in RSA. Vessels voyaging abroad require additionally to be registered on the SA Register of Ships. This is temporary for vessels racing to foreign destinations and returning to RSA after the race, but permanent for vessels remaining abroad for longer periods. SAS will be able to assist with such registration.
7. Maintenance of Offshore Safety Standards and Skipper Certification. The Safety regulations that SAS complies with are regularly compared with and updated to international standards to ensure that the highest levels of safety are maintained. These will in future incorporate ISAF and SAMSA regulations so that SA yachtsmen will have a single reference. SA Sailing’s Skipper certificates are recognised internationally and are regularly sought after by visitors to South Africa. SA Sailing’s system of the award of a Skipper’s Ticket after successful completion of an examination has been in place since 1981.
8. Development of Sailing. one of SAS main concerns is the future of our sport and we are embarking on a new National Training Scheme to bring sailing as a sport or interest to the wider public in South Africa. SAS has had a Training Policy approved by SASCOC and is taking steps to implement it. SA Sailing produces and regularly updates a number of training and safety manuals that are available for purchase.
9. Management and Standing Committees. SA Sailing is managed by a Council chaired by the Chairman of the organisation with each councillor responsible for a permanent Standing Committee to attend to the many aspects of sailing such as Race Management, Finance and Administration, Technical aspects through Inland and Offshore including safety and competency, High Performance managing international participation, Community Sailing, and Marketing and Communication. These standing committees are responsible for policy and the drafting of regulations. In addition there are Regional Committees responsible for the administration of the sport through functional committees providing guidance and assistance to Yacht Clubs and Class associations. The committees at each level are comprised of experienced sailors who are all volunteers who give their time to the management of the sport.
10. Management of Sailing Events. SAS is responsible for the approval of any sailing event at International, National or Provincial level and for the awards of National colours as well as the approval of selections of National teams in liaison with SASCOC. SAS sanctions these events and approves notices of race as well as being able to offer assistance in the management of events.
11. Worldwide Web. SAS is establishing a new user-friendlier website to assist in extending its service to members. The site will have information about the SAS Constitution, byelaws and policy as well as details of members of the various committees. Bulletins, Safety checklists and other regulatory information together with Information Leaflets and Newsletters on matters of general interest to Yachtsmen will be available, and members will be able to download information that includes standard SAS forms; Regatta entries and payments will be possible on line in future. The SAS website will have links to ISAF and to other International websites. Further developments will allow Clubs and Classes to use the SAS server for their own websites, for which the service will be free of charge. In this way it is hoped that Clubs, Classes and individual yachtsmen will use the website for their own interests and promote the sport through participation on www.sailing.org.za.
12. General. SA Sailing has offices in Germiston, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town that exist to promote sailing as a sport and provide assistance to yachtsmen.
