Safety at Sea Preparation
Resources for sailors to safely plan for offshore
Prevention and preparedness are best ways to avoid injury and stay safe during any offshore experience. These resources are to help in that process. The more crewman trained via Safety at Sea courses, CPR/First Aid, and more is always the best way to prepare.
Fleet Surgeon’s Memorandum
From the CCA Fleet Surgeon, Jeffrey S. Wisch, M.D. Updated 2025
All sailors should read the Fleet Surgeon’s Memorandum for Offshore Passages. From managing trauma, seasickness, and sunburn to preparing for critical emergencies like heart attacks, asthma, or severe allergic reactions, this guide is essential reading for any offshore crew.
It’s packed with advice, downloadable sample equipment lists, and medical checklists to help you be ready when it matters most.
This memorandum is informational only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Safety at Sea Courses
At least 30% but not fewer than two members of the crew including the Person-In-Charge (PIC) must hold a World Sailing Approved Offshore Personal Survival Course Certificate. All are encouraged to take these courses prior to the Race.
Life Jackets and Harnesses
In 2022, US Sailing, the national governing body for sailing in the U.S, released the report requested by the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee regarding the tragedy that occurred during the running of the 52nd Newport Bermuda Race. We hope all sailors will learn the importance of life jackets and clipping from this tragic incident. Review the presentation and report below.
Seasickness
"Perhaps no malady to which mankind is subject is productive of so much real suffering with so low a percentage of mortality, as the peculiar affliction known as seasickness.” (Scientific American, 1912).
In reviewing the 2012 Newport to Bermuda Race medical reports, there were 54 cases of self-reported seasickness on board vessels. I suspect, however, that the number of reported cases of seasickness significantly underestimates the actual incidence of this illness that may present in a full range of stages ranging from slight queasiness to severe nausea and vomiting. Anecdotally, I suspect that mild cases were not formally logged and some of the cases occurred without any thought toward preventative measures.
All crew should read more from Jeffrey S. Wisch, M.D.
Bermuda Race Collaborates with US Sailing for Review of Safety Incidents
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC), in collaboration with the Cruising Club of America and US Sailing, is actively reviewing the safety incidents that occurred during the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race and return passages.
The Loss of Solution on Return Delivery
On July 2nd, during the return delivery from the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race, the crew of Solution abandoned their 50-foot sloop, 200 miles south of Cape Cod, and were safely […]
In Their Own Words: Alliance Skippers Details Rescue
Mary Martin and Eric Irwin sit down upon arrival to share their story along with Jim Coggeshall, owner of the rescuing vessel. Includes footage of the rescue and the welcome […]
US Sailing Releases Report for Crew-Overboard Incident
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee encourages our sailing community to fully read US Sailing's report and find ways to realize the recommendations in all of our boating activities.
2022 Newport Bermuda Race Welcomes Life Raft + Survival Equipment (LRSE) as an Official Sponsor
A long-time supporter of Bermuda racers, LRSE offers new safety gear and inspection services, plus an expanding library of training content.
Competitor Bulletin #6—Plans and Protocols
In coordination with the Bermuda government, we have a plan to run a safe 2022 race, based on updated Covid protocols and restrictions.
Competitor Bulletin #5—Supply & Demand for Safety Gear/Training
With 153 boats already entered, competitors are urged to register early for crew safety-at-sea training and to acquire/inspect safety equipment
Competitor Bulletin #4—Register for Safety Courses ASAP
Registration is open for Safety at Sea courses required for a number of crewmembers on each boat. Get the details.
Competitor Bulletin #3 – Safety at Sea Training Requirements Update
Safety training requirements for 2022 are the same as for 2020. However, there are changes that affect all Safety at Sea training in the U.S.
Recap: Bermuda Race Yacht & Safety Race-Prep Webinar
Webinar #3, "To Finish First, You First Must Finish" drew more than 100 sailors to focus on yacht preparation and crew training for the 2022 Bermuda Race
Yacht & Safety Race-Prep Webinar, Apr. 13
"To Finish First, You First Must Finish" - Register now for a free race-prep webinar on yacht preparation and crew training for the 2022 Bermuda Race, Tuesday at 7pm EDT
March Seminar Scheduled for 2020 Race Medical Officers
CCA fleet surgeon and colleague, both experienced sailing doctors, will teach designated medical officers how to fill their roles during the race. First Aid and CPR training also available. Register early.
Bermuda Race Prep: A Safety Ethos First
Crew safety training is vital to preparing for an offshore race, and for the captain, it starts with building a safety ethos.
Safety Training Requirements Increase for 2020 Race
Newport Bermuda Race competitors will see upgraded and simplified safety requirements in 2020 and will have additional options to receive hands-on training. By Mark Lenci Major East Coast races are […]
Jury-Rigged Rudder Steers Bailiwick for Last 100 Miles to Bermuda
A broken rudder left Bailiwick's crew out of the race and with an even bigger challenge, to steer the 40-foot sloop to safety in Bermuda. Photos & video included. By […]
Three Emergency Steering Solutions
A veteran offshore sailor offers a multilayered defense for avoiding rudder failure—and for coping with it when it does occur.
Preparing for the Thrash: Safety Training, Complacency Eradication
"Was I ready for all this?" asks Chris Museler in his account of a busy "gut check" of a day at a hands-on safety at sea seminar. This is the […]
A Guide to Steering without a Rudder
This guide is the result of multiple tests conducted in the fall of 2013 off Newport, RI in a Swan 44.
All Possible Assistance: A Classic Escorts a Competitor to Safety
By John Rousmaniere and Chris Museler Hamilton, Bermuda, June 25. With their big fleets, Newport Bermuda Races usually have a few retirements. This year is no exception, with 10 […]
A permanently rigged preventer is always operational and does not require detachment and reattachment in order to jibe. It prevents an accidental jibe and allows control of the boom throughout a jibe.
Newport Bermuda Race Adopts New US Safety Equipment Requirements
By John Rousmaniere [twocol_one] Newport RI, October 25, 2013— The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee has adopted US Sailing’s new Safety Equipment Requirements for the 2014 Newport Bermuda Race, with […]
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