The Newport Bermuda Race 2010 is only a few months away and it is time to get yourself, your crew and your boat ready for the event.
Entry documents. The Notice of Race (NOR), Race Recommendations, and most race documents are complete and have been posted at www.BermudaRace.com.
Inspection Booklets and remaining forms will be available soon. A copy of all race documents and forms must be on board each boat during the race.
On-line Entry opens on January 18. The first step in entering the race is to complete the on-line Application For Entry (AFE) at www.BermudaRace.com. Our on-line system will guide you through the race entry process.
Changes have been made to the NOR, the ISAF OSR Regulations, other rules and the Race Recommendations. The Captain (the person in charge during the race) must know the 2010 requirements. I strongly recommend that the crew also read them carefully. If you have any questions, contact me at chairman@BermudaRace.com.
Send completed entry forms to documents@BermudaRace.com after your Application For Entry (AFE) has been accepted, and before March 30. Electronic submission is the much preferred method. We will accept faxed documents (401-537-9155). Use regular mail only as a last resort.
The Inspection Booklet must be filled out and initialed before your courtesy inspection. It must be onboard during the race. Please refer all questions to your inspector or to our Chief Inspector, Ian McCurdy, at inspections@BermudaRace.com. Arrange your inspection appointment as early as possible in order to avoid the spring rush. A list of inspectors is in the Inspection Booklet.
An extremely helpful source of information about the race is our Bermuda Race Safety Weekend in Newport on March 13-14. The race's Safety-at-Sea Seminar will be held on Saturday. There will be a Race Preparation Seminar and a First Aid/CPR course on Sunday. The speakers are experienced Bermuda Race hands. Learn more about these events and register at www.BermudaRace.com.
Prepare carefully, sail fast, be safe and have a good time. I'm looking forward to meeting each and every one of you either before the start or after the finish in Bermuda.
Best of luck,
Bjorn R. Johnson
Chairman