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Notice of Race Posted
The Notice of Race (.pdf) for the 2014 Newport Bermuda Race® has been posted in the race web site document area. It contains many changes for the 2014 race, so a careful reading by even the most experienced Newport Bermuda racers is encouraged.
Safety Requirements
The Newport Bermuda Race Safety Equipment Requirements (.pdf) ("NBRSR") for the 2014 Newport Bermuda Race® has been posted in the race web site document area. We believe sailors will find the NBRSRs easy to understand and work with. Sailors may also wish to review the summary "What's New in 2014."
Trackers For 2014
Yellowbrick trackers will be provided to the fleet for race tracking once again in 2014. Pantaenius American Yacht Insurance will serve as a primary sponsor of the trackers. However, in a change from 2012, the Yellowbrick trackers will be required to be returned in Bermuda and will not be available for subsequent passages from Bermuda to yachts' home ports or other destinations. Captains are advised that AIS-B transponders, satellite telephones, personal beacons and other devices may be used to track yachts for subsequent passages on the high seas. Read our resource guide to Tracking and Communications on the Return Delivery.
Race Communications
BROC is taking several steps to enhance communications on the 2014 race course. One document recently posted on the race web site, entitled "Satellite Phones 101 - a primer" addresses issues sailors have found problematic when using their phones. That document also addresses methods for sending and receiving email at sea, a capability that BROC recommends, but does not require, entrants have aboard. Another document recently posted announces the race's "Virtual Notice Board", where the race's Fleet Communications Office expects to communicate weather and other routine race-related information. Both documents may be found in the Communications at Sea section.
Medical & Boat Preparation Seminars
On Sunday, March 16, 2014, following the US Sailing-sanctioned Safety at Sea Seminar in Newport RI on March 15th, are two optional offerings of interest.
A Medical Seminar, organized by Dr. Jeffery S. Wisch, the race's medical chair, and Dr. Barbara Masser, an emergency medicine physician and race physician for the past two races. The seminar will cover a wide range of topics including the responsibilities of the vessel's medical officer, preparing for and prevention of medical emergencies, treatment of emergencies and illnesses, and instruction in how to evaluate and communicate medical problems at sea. Examples of real cases will be presented for discussion and problem solving. There will also be a review of some lessons learned from previous races. The BROC strongly encourages all designated on-board "medical officers" and interested crew (racing to and returning from Bermuda) to attend what promises to be a very interesting and valuable session.
A second seminar on that day, moderated by BROC's Kenyon Kellogg, will provide skippers and crew with much valuable advice on preparing yachts for the 2014 Newport Bermuda Race® adventure. We suggest that sailors take advantage of these opportunities on the CCA/Bermuda Race safety weekend.
Offshore Racing Opportunities
Upon return from the 2014 Newport Bermuda Race®, blue water sailors who wish to extend their offshore racing season should consider the Corinthians' Stonington to Boothbay Harbor Race, starting July 25, 2014 at Stonington, CT.
Blue water sailors may also wish to consider the Transatlantic Race coming up in the summer of 2015. This race is open to suitably equipped and crewed yachts of 40' or more. For further information visit their website.
NEW 4-Handed Prize in Cruiser Division
We're offering a new prize for top boat sailing with just four crewmembers in the Cruiser Division, whose rules allow power-driven winches and furlers and mechanical and electro-mechanical steering devices, restrict spinnakers and other light sails, limit the number of professional sailors, and prohibit professionals from steering. Read more.
