By the time people are watching the regattas at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, staff have been loading boats, testing race course conditions, setting up buoys, managing marina traffic and … you get the picture. 

Spectator boats don’t line themselves up and pick a vantage spot in an orderly fashion, someone, indeed many someones, have to organize everything they do and see.  With constantly shifting winds and changing currents, their work continues even as the races unfold. And afterward, it all has to happen in reverse. In other words, it’s tireless and fascinating work, and there is definitely a science behind it all. 

 

The Regatta Operations Centre is an essential stop for anyone wanting to learn about that science, and see the man power behind the madness.  There are displays set up there, explaining how everything works, from buoy placement to the technology of tracking conditions on the course and the 10 different types of boats that you might see inside the race diamond. With tons to see and learn at this activity, it is well worth the short trip to the giant white Regatta Operations tent located right past the maxi screen in the North Marina to take a look.