One of the peculiar things about race management is that each event comes around only once a year. This means you get all year to think about it, a few short months or weeks to work up to it, then it is all over to next year. If you don't make improvements, its another year before you can try again.
This year I learnt quite a lot from volunteering to help with timing for other Head races.
Yellow on Black numbers are much more readable than white on black.
Marine binoculars really help when it comes to spotting bow numbers.
The role of Spotter needs to be a bit different than before. Instead of identifying crews up the course, it needs to focus on identifying them for the timers at the Finish.
We need better shelter when it rains. Anyone know of a portable bus shelter?
Technique, technique, technique. It doesn't matter what equipment you use, it can only work with the right technique.
We all rely on a corps of volunteers. Pairs Head, Quintin Head, Vesta Vets Head and Scullers Head all rely heavily on their respective clubs. Fours Head and HoRR have a corps of long-time helpers, perhaps aided by the fact that veterans and coaches are not competing in the event. Women's Head have a keen and able group many of whom come from Cambridge. It's a challenge to attract the volunteers, and without experienced volunteers it really cannot work. So thanks to all of them!