Anyone considering sailing in the 2014 Newport Bermuda Race, or otherwise sailing offshore, should know about upcoming seminars sponsored by Brewer Yacht Yard Group, the Official Boat Preparation Resource of the Newport Bermuda Race.  This seminar will be held Saturday, September 7, at the Brewer Pilots Point Marina at Westbrook, CT.  Speakers will include Rives Potts, owner-skipper of the 2010 and 2012 St. David’s Lighthouse Trophy winner Carina, and meteorologist and ocean racer Bill Biewenga. Among the topics are: entering the race, preparing for mandatory boat inspection, optimizing your boat for performance, winning strategies on the race course, and guidance on navigation, weather, and crew management.

The day-long seminar is geared both to sailors who want to improve their performance, and to those considering entering their first Newport Bermuda Race or making their first offshore passage. A special 8:00 am session for “first-timers” (but open to all) will cover all aspects of planning the race-from selecting crew to where to stay on the island.  “Race-ready” boats such as Carina will be available to tour and presenters and Brewer staff members will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions.  The cost is $100 per boat and entitles all crew members to attend.

The proceeds will be donated to the Bonnell Cove Foundation to further safety at sea research and education. For more information on the seminar and to register, please visit www.byy.com/NBR  or contact Lynn Oliver at [email protected] .

The 2014 Newport Bermuda Race will start on June 20, 2014, off Castle Hill, Newport R.I. For more information about the race, visit www.BermudaRace.com.