How safe to you feel at sea?
The snow is starting to melt, the rains have arrived and many sailors are starting to develop their spring checklist for boat projects, gear updates and training. As you get up to speed and focus on the boat, you might take a moment to take a Safety at Sea course. These courses are often offered in two parts - an online course and then an in person practice session. We encourage all sailors participating in Monhegan to take a look at these courses and participate if you can.
Here are some thoughts from Pat Dionne, skipper of the winning boat in the 2024 Doublehanded Division and recent SAS participant:
The US Offshore SAS online training is essential for anyone planning to spend extended periods at sea. It covers all major aspects and provides a solid foundation to build upon. The training is well-structured and easy to complete online.
The hands-on SAS training is invaluable for applying the concepts acquired in the online training and experimenting with important aspects of SAS in a controlled environment. The workshops include water ingress mitigation, cutting rig, fire control, and pool exercises with PFD and life rafts. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the real-life challenges. It was also super interesting to listen to two of the Bermuda skippers who lost their vessel last year. All-in-all it was well worth it.
'We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.' Archilochus
The online course provides information on boat preparation, safety protocols, communications and other important aspects of dealing with emergencies at sea. The in person element is a great chance to practice some of the items you have learned. Jumping into the pool in your gear with an inflatable PFD is an experience that will quickly demonstrate the reasoning behind leg straps, PFD sizing, and other safety protocols that many dismiss as onerous or uncomfortable. Have you ever fired off a flare? Used a fire extinguisher? Many of these elements are understood in theory, but the chance to practice them provides a tactile experience that lodges in the brain. Here is a video that shows one example of a course.
On the theme of safety and preparation - consider joining the Northeast Ocean Race Symposium on March 22 in Waltham, Mass. This one day seminar is hosted by the Marion - Bermuda, Bermuda 1-2 and Newport - Bermuda races. It offers panels gear choices, safety, sail repairs, energy generation and more, all aimed at boats heading offshore. While Monhegan is a shorter coastal race, all of these subjects are relevant to any boater looking to improve their knowledge base.
Need to get some safety gear for this season? Check out offerings from our partner - Afloat and let them know we sent you!
