Support boat procedures
The primary responsibilities of those helping out in the support boats are to assist in setting the course and monitor the racing so that assistance can be rendered to a boat in distress if needed. At the end of the day they also assist in retrieving the marks and the starting pin.
Setting and Retrieving Marks
When setting marks one should lower the anchor and the ground tackle off the bow of the support boat as the boat is driven in reverse away from the mark location. This will allow the anchor line to be let out in such a way that it doesn't get caught in the support boat's engine.
When retrieving marks, approach slowly from the leeward side. This way if you drift while pulling up the anchor you shouldn't drift over the line and get it caught in the propeller of the outboard motor. The boat hook comes in handy for grabbing the mark as you approach. Once the mark has been hooked and brought into the boat, put the engine in neutral or even a slow reverse to keep the line away from motor.
Assisting Boats in Distress
On breezy days, especially when the air and water temperature is low, those on the support boats need to remain vigilant as the safety of the competitors could be compromised if they end up in the water under these conditions.
When assisting a capsized boat keep an eye on all the sailors involved. Be prepared to hook up the swim ladder if they cannot self-rescue and pick up people from the water.
You may need to tow the boat back to the HSC dock. There should be a tow line on board. When towing have one of the crew of the distressed boat tie the line around the mast preferably using a bowline knot. While initiating the tow, hold the line so that some tension is maintained to prevent the line from becoming tangled in outboard motor's propeller. Once the towline is in place and clear, accelerate slowly. Have the crew of the distressed boat sit further aft than they normally would to keep the bow up. It is also advisable to raise the centerboard halfway.
Note that when people have been in the water for a long period of time or if the air temperature is cold, it may be necessary to take the sailors to the club so they can get warm as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia. Once the crew is safely ashore you can go back for the boat.