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.
Medical Advisory Services
New for 2026, Medical Advice Services during the race will be provided by George Washington Maritime Medical Access (GWMMA) GWMMA have prepared a Communication and Protocols Manual to help crews manage trauma, seasickness, and sunburn and to prepare for critical emergencies like heart attacks, asthma, or severe allergic reactions. This manual is essential reading for any offshore crew.
It’s packed with advice, sample equipment lists, and information checklists to help you be ready when it matters most.
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.
New Keel and Rudder Inspection Added to Safety Requirements
The Newport Bermuda Race Safety Requirements (NBRSRs) now include a mandatory Keel and Rudder Inspection. With fall upon us, now is the time to prepare for this inspection in case […]
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 […]
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