This practical hands-on seminar will cover life-rafts, flares, fire-fighting, repacking your inflatable PFD, safety and rescue tips. It is appropriate and recommended for everyone who ventures out on the water, be you a power or sail enthusiast, day tripper, coastal cruiser or ocean voyager.
The seminar will make more sense if the student has taken the online course first, but it is not required.
To receive an official USSAILING Coastal or International Offshore certification, participants need to complete the Online portion from US Sailing within one year. For those needing a certificate for the 2024 Newport-Bermuda race, you must complete the international on-line course BEFORE May 30th.
Participant Requirements:
The tuition for the Hands on Training is $185 and includes a certificate from US Sailing for those who complete the on-line training units 1-15.
Bring your PFD and a safety harness fitted to you in full clothing and foul weather gear. Wear full clothing (long pants, shirts, fleece, etc.) plus full foul weather gear, boots or boat shoes, plus your PFD when you are in the pool. No exceptions.
One current handheld flare. You may also bring expired “out-of-flares” which if “light-able” will pass for your certification and/or for disposal.
One powder or CO2 fire extinguisher of any date as long it indicates pressure on the gauge.
Highly Recommended:
Purchase in advance and bring to the seminar a copy of Safety at Sea: A Guide to Safety Under Sail and Personal Survival from Safety at Sea: A Guide to Safety Under Sail and Personal Survival - US Sailing Store for taking notes.
It is recommended that participants review the Safety at Sea videos from Storm Trysail Club. (1) Storm Trysail Club - YouTube
Meet in the Raquets Center adjacent to the drysailing area of the Eastern Yacht Club. Instruction will also occur in the pool and on the rocky beach. This is a rain or shine event, so dress appropriately and plan on being outdoors all day. The pool is heated, but sea water temps will be in the 50’s. Be prepared.
Locker rooms will be available for post pool activities. In a large duffle bag, bring dry clothes and multiple towels. If the temps are below 70F, a hat for warmth is suggested. Make sure you have enough room in your bags to take out your wet gear!
Priority for registrations goes to EYC Power and Sail Members and to those participating in the Bermuda ocean race.
Life rafts will be provided, but if you have an out of date life raft that cannot be repacked we will accept it and dispose of it after use in the practical.
No refunds will be granted after May 1st unless there's event cancellation.
Bring your own coffee and water in reuse-able mugs and bottles. This seminar operates as a “Clean Regatta” and as such no disposable plastic bottles or coffee cups will be allowed. Water refill stations are available.
A chili and hot dog lunch will be served.