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Bulletin #7: Applications Rise to 160

February 23, 2018

By John Burnham


 

In this Bulletin: Chairman's update on rising entries; safety at sea weekend; inspections update, recalls, reminders and much more.


Hello sailors, friends and fans of the Newport Bermuda Race,

I’m pleased to report that entry applications this winter are running at a healthy rate, comparable to 2016, with 160 applications filed to date. All divisions are represented, ranging from St. David’s Lighthouse (80), Finisterre (formerly Cruiser) (40), Gibbs Hill Lighthouse (26), Double-Handed (16), Multihull (4), Open (2), and last week we had our second Superyacht entry, the 112’ Sparkman & Stephens Kawil.

Pre-race crew training and boat preparation are critical to sailing a successful and safe Newport Bermuda Race, and we have updates for you in this Bulletin ranging from the upcoming CCA Safety at Sea Weekend in Newport, March 10-11, to guidance on planning for your race inspection and a reminder on making reservations for a berth on arrival in Bermuda.

Jonathan Brewin
2018 Newport Bermuda Race Chairman
[email protected]


Safety Seminars Filling Up

The CCA's Safety at Sea weekendMarch 10-11, has generated a great deal of interest in hands-on training sessions, now fully subscribed with significant waitlists. The classroom session on Saturday, March 10th remains open to those wishing an Offshore SAS certificate, and it can be combined within a year with hands-on training for an International Offshore SAS with hands-on training (formerly ISAF, now World Sailing).

Both the Storm Trysail seminarMay 19, and the MTAM seminar at the US Naval Academy (March 24-25) offer hands-on training components. Other seminars across the U.S. are listed on US Sailing and CCA websites.

Sailors, especially those new to the Race, might also consider the Sunday sessions, which run 0800 to 1200:

Race Preparation seminar: Hear from experts discussing the race structure, prizes, rating rules, tactics, boat preparation, Gulf Stream weather, and sail selection in an interactive forum. Speakers include Bjorn Johnson, Nick Nicholson, James Phyfe, Ralph Naranjo, and Butch Ulmer.

Medical seminar: Held at the same time, this session includes an interactive discussion of scenarios the ship's medical officer is likely to encounter offshore. CCA's fleet surgeon Dr.Jeffrey Wisch and Dr. Jon Burstein, a former USCG physician and medical advisor to the race, will lead the discussion. Both sessions start with a short review of emergency medical protocol that provides a background for later discussion of medical treatment in the offshore environment. While neither seminar offers any certification, both offer valuable information for NBR participants.


Race Inspections Update

Competitors can now find the Newport Bermuda Race Inspections Proceduresand Inspector Roster on the Official Notice Board. A notable change from 2016 is the elimination of the Deferred Inspection Checklist, made possible due to the continuing simplification of the safety requirements and the transition to the online entry system provided by Sailgate. Competitors will also find the 2018 OnBoard Training Certificate in the same location and are reminded that the Captain and at least 80% of the racing crew are required to have participated in onboard training prior to the start, as further described in Newport Bermuda Race Safety Requirements (NBRSR) Section 5.3. Also available on the Official Notice Board are the checklist versions of the NBRSR for Monohulls and Multihulls, as well as the Inspection Preparation Cards for each.  As a reminder, it is highly recommended that every Skipper conduct a mock inspection with a member of the racing crew prior to the Inspector’s visit.


Recall: Kidde Fire Extinguisher

Owners should check their fire extinguishers. Certain Kidde-brand products have been recalled. Our inspectors will have knowledge of this, but essentially, if the pin tabs on your Kidde fire extinguisher are horizontal, it’s no problem. If the pin tabs are vertical or you have a push button model, or a straight handle, check it out by Model and serial #. Details here.


Briefs

Dock reservations in Bermuda

Space is limited; please contact Royal Bermuda Yacht Club or Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club early. RBYC: Marina Manager Reggie Horseman [email protected] or RHADC: [email protected]  (441) 236-2250 or [email protected] (441) 538-0050

Nic Douglass Sailor Girl

Sailor-Girl-Nic-Douglass
Watch a quick video from Nic Douglass as she gets set to join the Newport Bermuda fleet.

Before the start in Newport and post-race in Bermuda, look for Media Team member Nic Douglass, aka Sailor Girl, video camera and microphone in hand.


Planning to participate? We'd like to share a photo of your boat and a brief quote or info about you and your boat in a future "Competitors Spotlight"  Please email [email protected]


Thank you to our Sponsors

Bermuda Tourism
Goslings
Pantaenius Insurance
HellyHansen
Hinckley Yachts
Safe Harbor Marinas / Brewer Yacht Yards
Newport Shipyard
North Sails

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