Greetings!
It's here! Our new favorite year! We've got a lot to do and only a few months to do it. If you haven't registered for the race, now is the time to do so. We're thrilled to announce 22 registrations already, with 8 of those planning to sail using celestial navigation!
Stay tuned for exciting announcements from our partners in Bermuda about plans for both 2015 and 2017. Yes, you read that right, we're already planning ahead for 2017- and yes, the race will go on with the America's Cup in Bermuda. Keep an eye on your inbox for more exciting announcements about upcoming events.
In the meantime, make sure to double check your list of preparations for the 2015 race. If you have any questions or concerns, we're here to help!
Save the Date: June 19, 2015!
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Preparing for the 2015 Marion to Bermuda Race
With just 6 months to go before the Marion to Bermuda Race, the challenge of getting your boat race-ready can seem daunting. The race committee and our team are here to help! Besides attending the Safety at Sea Symposium (more details below), first time and returning racers are invited to take part in our mentorship program. We will pair you up with an experienced offshore racer in your area who can provide tips, advice and answer any questions you may have, from Epirbs to first aid kits and everything in between. Send an e-mail to mentoring@marionbermuda.com and we will match you up with your own mentor.
The Marion to Bermuda Race requires that all participating boats complete a safety inspection before they race. Please review the Safety Inspection Checklist to ensure you have all of the required equipment and resources. Your offshore safety is our top priority. We have a number of inspectors across the east coast of the US as well as in Bermuda ready to check your boat. Consult our list for more information on contacting one of them.
The Hinckley company is the Marion to Bermuda Race Official Race Preparation Resource for 2015.
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The Celestial Advantage
The celestial class is a long-standing tradition not only for the Marion to Bermuda race, but also the United States Naval Academy offshore sailing program, which has entered multiple boats in the past to not only allow the midshipmen to practice their offshore seamanship, but also sail by the stars and moon.
"In the spirit of a true Corinthian event for ocean sailors, the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race is the only race that has a seperate celestial navigation class," says navigator Ron Wisner, who placed first in the celestial class in 2013. "If you have ever thought about one challenge that you have not engaged as a sailor, one skill above all others that makes you a real salt, you know in your heart what it is. Celestial navigation is a skill that gets to the very meaning of the term "sailor". It is like knowing how to drive a stick shift."
In order to make the process as accessible as possible, a number of experienced celestial navigators have agreed to make themselves available for coaching as you learn celestial navigation. Learn more here, and contact one of the mentors through the information provided at the bottom of the web page.
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Safety at Sea Symposium
Our largest safety event of the 2015 Marion to Bermuda Race will be held in March at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. The Notice of Race requires that at least 30% of your crew, but not fewer than two, unless racing single-handed, shall have attended a one-day or two-day US Sailing Safety at Sea Seminar within the last 5 years, or other courses as accepted by US Sailing. We additionally recommend that all participating race and return crew meet these needs. Safety is just as important cruising home from Bermuda as it is racing to Bermuda.
The two-day symposium will cover a number of topics including medical emergencies, in-water emergencies, preventative safety, gulf stream and weather safety, and many more. Read our February eNews to discover more about our presenters.
To learn more about the course and to register, click here.
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Marion-Bermuda Race Crew Finder
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Crew Finder!
Previously hosted by NING, the new Crew Finder allows both skippers in search of crew, and crew in search of a ride, to access a database of all other race participants with spaces to fill. The Crew Finder is also an excellent way to find a few sets of hands for the return trip from Bermuda.
"In 2013 I picked up a crew member at the site," says skipper Rob McAlpine. "He ended up stepping in as skipper for the race when I was waylaid by business concerns. I also found return crew through the crew match."
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