(May 9, 2016) – For local boaters, one sure sign that spring has arrived in Newport is the population of moorings in Newport Harbor with vessels that have been launched for the impending season, many of which are making ready for one of the City By The Sea’s most notable sailing events: the biennial Newport Bermuda Race, set for June 17. Among the requirements each competing vessel must meet is participation by members of the crew in a Safety At Sea seminar.
The Cruising Club of America will sponsor a “Make-Up Seminar” at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Newport campus on June 15 from 0800-1700. A US Sailing-sanctioned seminar, this one-day program typically draws crews who have been out of the country and unable to attend a seminar in their local area. It also serves captains, navigators and watch captains of racing yachts who may not be in full compliance of the Newport Bermuda Race Safety Requirement (NBRSR 5.2) that states “At least 30%, but not fewer than two members of the crew, including the Captain and Navigator or a Watch Captain, shall have attended a one-day or two-day US Sailing Offshore Safety at Sea Seminar within the last five (5) years, or other courses approved by US Sailing.”
Not Racing to Bermuda? No Problem!
The Cruising Club of America, a co-organizer of the race with Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, is making the seminar available to local sailing (or power boating) enthusiasts, whether racing to Bermuda or not. Cruising sailors are also welcome to attend, as their specific challenges will be addressed in an overview of the CCA’s Safety for Cruising Couples curriculum in the final session of the day.
During the seminar, subjects covered will include: offshore communications, medical seamanship, abandoning ship, man overboard prevention and recovery, and weather analysis. Personal safety gear and life raft operations will also be demonstrated. To register, please visit: https://sas.cruisingclub.org/june16
“The realities of offshore racing and cruising are that any number of problems can arise to test a sailor’s mettle,” said Newport Bermuda Race Safety Officer Ron Trossbach. “The solution lies in being prepared; and the goal of the CCA’s Safety At Sea Seminars is to impart knowledge, and instill confidence, which the offshore boater can draw upon to manage the outcome.”
