What You Need for a RIB Race

A RIB race needs more than boats and fuel. You need enough safety equipment for every person on the water, clear race markers, reliable communication and a shore setup that works in changing weather. Use the participant list and race schedule to calculate quantities before shopping. Reserve specialist equipment early, then buy consumables and print materials close to race day so numbers and instructions are up to date.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

RIB boatsqty 6
Lifeboat
Life jacketsqty 30
Water sports helmetsqty 24
Competition buoysqty 12
Anchorsqty 12
Anchor linesqty 12
Paddlesqty 8
Tow linesqty 4
Swim safety linesqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Water sports whistlesqty 12

Equipment

Walkie-Talkiesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Megaphone
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
High tablesqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Waste binsqty 6
Bar matsqty 2

Decorations

Start flagsqty 6
Finish flag
Warning signsqty 8
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Bib numbersqty 30
Wristbandsqty 40

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Pliersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 30
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Honey - 2 jars
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Bread rolls - 100 pieces
- Multigrain bread - 8 loaves
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Spice mix - 2 jars
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Garbage bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Gas for cooking appliances - 2 gas cylinders
- Boat fuel - 200 liters
- Motor oil - 5 liters
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Paper wristbands - 40 pieces
- Tape - 8 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Work gloves - 12 pairs
- Rain ponchos - 30 pieces
- Sunscreen - 8 bottles
- Disposable rain covers - 30 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Plan one correctly sized life jacket and one water sports helmet for every person on a RIB, including crew and officials. Keep spare sizes available rather than relying on last-minute borrowing.
Prepare at least one dedicated communication device for race control and each safety or rescue team. Charge all walkie-talkies and power banks the day before, and pack spare batteries if the models use them.
Count competition buoys, anchors and anchor lines from the sailing route, not just the number of boats. Add extra marking equipment for the start, finish and any turn points so a lost buoy does not stop the race.
Pack one visible start flag, one finish flag and warning signs for every access point that competitors or spectators might use. Put the signs in place before registration opens, when the shore is still quiet.
Order catering from the confirmed registration numbers and keep dietary requirements separate from the general shopping list. Provide coolers, waste bins and enough tables for registration, race control and food service rather than using one table for everything.

Frequently asked questions

How many life jackets do I need for a RIB race?: Plan one suitable life jacket for every person who may board a RIB, rescue boat or support vessel. Add at least 10% spare jackets in commonly used sizes, and check that every item is approved for the conditions of the race.
When should I reserve RIB boats and a lifeboat?: Reserve the RIB boats and lifeboat as soon as the venue, route and competition date are confirmed, preferably several weeks before the event. Confirm the booking again after the registration deadline, when the number of boats and rescue requirements are known.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a RIB race?: Provide one walkie-talkie for race control, one for each rescue or safety team and one for the start or finish team. Test the range on the actual route at least one day before the race and keep two charged units as spares.
What should I buy for the shore setup?: Allow separate tables for registration, race control and catering, plus enough chairs for officials and participants waiting on shore. Bring extension cords, power strips, power banks, coolers, waste bins and weather cover, and set everything up at least 2 hours before registration.

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