Marion Bermuda Yacht Race 2011

OCEAN YACHT RACE

JUNE 2011

MARION-BERMUDA A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BERMUDA SUN

■

JUNE 17, 2011

■

PAGE 1

Safety top priority for crews as race gets underway

Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial B. Candace Ray Layout Jack Garstang Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (Deputy Advertising Manager), Olga French, Diane Gilbert, Claire James Creative Services Gerri Saltus, Christina White, Colby Medeiros, Shay Ford Circulation & Distribution Nick Tavares

Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda by Island Press Limited.

Inside this supplement Creating a great experience for visiting crews Page 2 The late Geoffrey ‘Dickie’ Bird Page 2 Commodore wants a fast and safe passage Page 3 The reality of the virtual yacht club Page 4 On the sailing of Black Mallard Page 5 Photographing the race Pages 6-7

Patchwork closest thing to a mistress Page 8 Secretary enjoys race planning Page 9 Checks, spares and repairs for Marion Race Page 10

Lilla makes her race debut Page 11 Vigilant monitoring to ensure safety Pages 14-15 Threat of terrorism at Bermuda’s ports Page 15

The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm

■ PHOTO BY FRANCIS GRENON/SPECTRUM PHOTO

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS: Cetacea was ranked second in ORR standings for Marion-Bermuda 2009.

Welcome! Bermuda host and sponsor, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) extends the island’s virtual pink carpet for this 18th biennial MarionBermuda Cruising Yacht B. CANDACE Race.

RAY RHADC Feature Writer/ and Photographer co-sponsors the Beverly Yacht Club (BYC) and Blue Water Sailing Club (BWSC) saluted 51 contenders at the Buzzard’s Bay start off Marion, Massachusetts, on June 17.

Most entries were American. Five were Canadian, British Virgin Islander, German, English or St Vincentian. This is the first time in the race’s history that Bermuda has not challenged — a disappointment for retired Marion Race trustee Tommy Dickinson.

Mr Dickinson said: “The recession has hit every part of our lives, and the

Marion-Bermuda Race too hasn’t escaped the financial fallout of these very trying times.

“However, the friendships created by Bermudian sailors with their American counterparts over the years since the first Marion-Bermuda Race in 1977 almost guarantees there will be some Bermudians crewing on the US yachts.”

Graham Quinn, executive director of the Marion Race organizing committee said: “As I understand it, there are actually fewer boats in Bermuda suitable for the race, and the number of Bermudians participating in offshore racing has been dropping across the board.”

In 2009, Bermuda’s Bermuda Oyster could not start and Big Bear and Pond Prowler retired mid-race. Pond Prowler registered this year, but pulled out due to structural difficulties.

Half the entries are new.

Seeadler and Silhouette are among the repeats. All sail for the competition and camaraderie among

amateurs — 43 electronically and nine celestially, including all-female Etoile, three double-handed, 10 short-handed and three family boats. Two Voyagers vie for prizes in different classes — a 40-foot yacht skippered by Clifford Kurz and a 67-footer skippered

by Geraldo Rivera.

Of the 2009 ORR top three, first-to-finish Crescendo and number two Cetacea are not sailing in 2011, but US Naval Academy entry, number three Defiance has returned to sail celestially under skipper, Dillon Rossiter.

The 2009 IRC standings placed Crescendo first, Defiance second and Whisper third. Whisper is also not racing.

This year’s new, Dedicated Safety Officer Hotline joins the Maritime Medical Access and iBoat Tracking already established for the race.

The trio of services numbers among the highest standards and seriousabout-safety issues that the Marion-Bermuda Race upholds.

Featured in this issue

of the Bermuda Sun’s 2011 Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race supplement are comments by the sponsoring club’s commodores — Robert Mason at RHADC, David ‘Chip’ Johns at BYC and Mark DeVine at BWSC. We offer profiles of three yachts — Tracy Day McRoberts’ Black Mallard, Robert Mitchell’s Patchwork and Nancy De Pietro’s Lilla.

A sketch of the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre and coordinator Scott Simmons delves into emergency situations and includes an associated article on terrorism.

We learn the plotline, mechanics and exhilaration of official race photographer, Francis Grenon of Spectrum Photo.

We talk to RHADC’s assistant club secretary, Sandy Gascoigne, who inserts a chuckle into the numerous race-related duties she performs.

And in a ‘pocket-sized’ reminder of boat checks, repairs and spares, we review boat preparation for racing or cruising.

Safe landfalls! ■

2

■

JUNE 17, 2011

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

■ PHOTO BY FRANCIS GRENON/SPECTRUM PHOTO

FINISHING LINE: The first-to-finish yacht in the 2009 Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race was Martin Jacobson’s Swan 44 Mk11. Crescendo (sail no. IVB51244) hits the line fast in the Class B start.

Task is to create a great experience for visiting sailors sole Bermuda entry, had pulled out due to structural problems.

“I think numbers have Commodore Robert been down over the last Mason is the public face race and this one due pureof the Royal Hamilton ly to the economics Amateur Dinghy and [in 2009]… to Club (RHADC). weather withdrawHe accepted the als,” Mr. Mason responsibility in said. “As things get April of 2010 and better, we’ll see the this year, on behalf numbers go back of the club, gets to up. welcome RHADC’s “It’s a great race, Marion-Bermuda MASON and the race orgaRace co-hosts the nization does a great job of Beverly Yacht Club (BYC) keeping the event relevant. and Blue Water Sailing “Everyone involved is Club (BWSC), members always looking at ways to of the Race Organizing enhance the experience Committee and families and friends of the sailors.

Mr Mason will join with senior club officers to extend that Bermuda welcome to competitors as they make landfall following their Gulf Stream challenge.

RHADC officials waive race participation, according to the commodore, who said: “We feel that our senior officers need to be present on island in preparation for the arrival of the race boats.”

BY B. CANDACE RAY In pre-commodore years 1997 and 2009, Mr Mason bcray@bermudasun.bm participated in the Marion The Royal Hamilton race as crew on Moondance Amateur Dinghy Club and then on Pond Prowler. mourned the passing, at the He competes locally in the end of March, of RHADC Bermuda Ocean Cruising Past Commodore Association (BOCA) races.

Geoffrey ‘Dickie’ Bird.

The Marion-Bermuda That the late Marionwebsite, www.marionberBermuda Race founder, muda.com, on June 5 listed participant and trustee 51 boats. Pond Prowler, the

BY B. CANDACE RAY

bcray@bermudasun.bm

and to position the race as an attractive opportunity for yachts looking for offshore experience and a great destination.”

Charles Dunstan, local race coordinator, noted the smaller number of larger boats in Bermuda and said: “A lot of people have moved towards one design and class racing.”

“Charles chairs our RHADC Marion Race Committee, which focuses on the club’s responsibilities as host venue in Bermuda,” Mr. Mason said.

“As such, he has overall operational control of much of our event organi-

zation on the Bermuda end.

We work closely in this effort.

“The commodore’s role is to represent the club publically and to provide leadership where necessary.”

Great experience And the commodore continued: “Our role focuses on providing a great experience for our visiting yachtsmen.

“Our organizing committee and volunteers always do a great job at hospitality during the race week.

“We will continue this time both with opening up the club to our guests and

helping them enjoy their time in Bermuda to its fullest.”

RHADC has a membership of around 575, according to Mr. Mason.

Of that number, 10 serve on the organizing committee.

Numerous others volunteer their services during race week for an average of two four-hour shifts each.

They will work the duty desk to help with enquiries, do shop sales of race logo clothing and sell food, beverages and event tickets.

Some will host visitors in their homes, while others

provide transportation.

Mr Mason said: “I may be the face of the club for now, but there’s a ton of people behind the scenes, both our staff and volunteers, who make the Bermuda end of the event happen.

“It’s an important event for Bermuda both from the point of view of Bermuda’s nautical heritage and the race’s long history, and from the fit that it provides with modern tourism.

“People will travel to places for events like this, and we hope to make longterm repeat Bermuda visitors from these new friends.” ■

Race co-founder Geoffrey ‘Dickie’ Bird believed that racing was more important than winning ‘crossed the bar’ during a Marion Race year is especially poignant, according to Commodore Robert Mason.

“Without the vision of Dickie and a few others, the race would have never got started and Bermuda would be the lesser for it,” Mr Mason said.

According to Mr Bird in

2009, the Marion-Bermuda Race is a gentlemen’s cruising race where racing is more important than winning.

This was the charter he and co-founder, the late David Kingery, envisioned. “[The numbers have] gone up and down, but we’ve always had a very good race,” he said. ■

■ FILE PHOTO

MAN OF VISION: The late Geoffrey ‘Dickie’ Bird was one of the founders of the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race.

THE BERMUDA SUN

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JUNE 17, 2011

■

3

BYC’s commodore looking for a fast and safe passage

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

Commodore of the Beverly Yacht Club (BYC), David ‘Chip’ Johns is looking forward to this year’s Marion-Bermuda Race, for which, he claims, he has no real responsibility.

Mr Johns said: “There is a very capable committee made up of members from the three hosting clubs.

“I have normal commodore responsibilities during the year — oversee the Council (Board), oversee the GM and staff, keep focused on strategy and long-term issues, and enjoy being commodore.

“My goals from a club perspective for the race are to have it be a strong and vibrant event that reflects well upon the hosting clubs.”

He will step down as commodore in the fall of this year. Meanwhile, he leads an organization consisting of some 500 individual and family memberships.

“I have focused my efforts on creating a management team that can take on more operating responsibilities and free up the volunteer leadership to focus on longer term and programmatic issues — like Marion-Bermuda races — and getting more members of the BYC to participate and enjoy their time on the water.”

The commodore enjoys his time on the water. Just look at the photograph he supplied of himself off the coast of Northern California. The seas building

behind his boat make a striking backdrop to the wind and wave-swept sailor at its helm.

Mr Johns has sailed as navigator and watch captain in multiple Marion years on White Caps and Vivaldi. He’s done nine Newport-Bermuda Races on Arcadia and two Annapolis-Newport on Arcadia and Tonic.

“This will be my first ocean race aboard my own boat,” Mr Johns said.

The skipper’s 48-foot DP, Margalo sails under number 51010 out of homeport, Mattapoisett.

His personal goals for the race are a safe, fast passage in which he and his crew do as well as the boat can, according to the conditions experienced. He will attend to his duties as commodore at the different pre-race events, while also managing to prep his boat for the crossing.

Many Beverly Yacht Club members comprise the 100 volunteers that contribute hours of their time to the race committee, or participate in social event organization and management, shirt sales, safety inspections and jurying.

“There are always several repeats. They like it. They have the equipment and crew available, and it is fun… This is one of the three-to-four events we host on a regular basis, and we are very proud of our involvement in this race.”

“It is no secret that the number of participants in the race have dwindled in the past few years. I think that the clubs and the race

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

HEAVY WEATHER: David ‘Chip’ Johns at the helm as the seas build behind him off the coast of Northern California. organizers need to put our heads together to rebuild the participation numbers.

“How we do this is open, but certainly we need to do something to make it more

attractive. We are looking forward to working with the Marion-Bermuda Race

organization to increase participation in the race.” ■

4

■

JUNE 17, 2011

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

Virtual yacht club is, in reality, co-sponsoring race

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

The story begins, ‘Once upon a time’… but that’s for fantasies. The onceupon-a-time virtual club, Blue Water Sailing, is not a fantasy.

You think because it has no clubhouse, it lacks solidity of function and services.

In fact, the BWSC is one of three sponsoring clubs of the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race. And that continues with Marion’s 18th running this year.

Mark DeVine, commodore of the Blue Water Sailing Club, said: “Along with the normal club activities, sponsorship of the Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race is a key and important element to the club.”

Mr DeVine has never experienced the chapter on ocean racing. But this time around in the story, he’ll crew the Marion Race with five others, through the Gulf Stream and on a heading to the St David’s finish.

The existence of a nonclubhouse club and rookie blue water sailor signal the extent of support the club’s volunteerism provides.

According to Mr DeVine, volunteerism is BWSC’s lifeblood. It sustains the organization and provides opportunities for promoting and pursuing safe boating — even in a rugged inshore sailor, but first time ocean racer.

Among the club’s activities are its educational seminars. It presents such topics for discussion as the fundamentals of sailing

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

OCEAN BOUND: Mark DeVine, Blue Water Sailing Club commodore, is looking forward to his first ocean race. and sailing safety, latest sailing gear and newest techniques. Spring dinners, regattas, cruises, weekend and holiday events, and annual meetings and awards dinners ensure that BWSC is more than just a figment of some writer’s imagination. “The Blue

Water Sailing Club has many volunteers that help coordinate the race and associated activities.”

Those volunteers, according to the commodore, come from a membership of owners of more than 175 boats based in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine,

New York, Connecticut, Chesapeake Bay and Florida.

“We have members that are on the race board of trustees, other members that serve in executive and operating committee chair positions that are responsible for media, marketing,

public relations, safety at sea symposium, advertising, corporate sales, boat inspections, development and publishing of the race book, and so on.”

Marion attracted 130 boats when it first ran in 1977. In 2009, the ‘did not starts’ and ‘retired’ yachts

came to 14, with 34 boats on the course mid-race.

The fleet would otherwise have totalled 48. By June 5 of this year, 51 entries were listed on the official Marion Bermuda website.

Mr DeVine said: “[Race] registration will vary from year to year. As an example, in 2009 BWSC did not have any boats compete in the race. So far in 2011, we have at least three boats registered to date, with other members crewing on other boats.

The race is a big commitment, and involvement will vary depending upon each sailor’s current situation.

Factors such as time availability, family responsibilities, career demands, etc., all weigh on the decision to participate in the race at any given year.”

While he waits for race start day, the commodore will concentrate on providing leadership to his virtual club and its very real membership.

His job, according to Mr DeVine, is to offer support, as he works with other club officers and the board of governors in setting priorities for each new chapter of BWSC’s story.

The book includes the commodore’s part in the annual budget process, appointing and facilitating the work of the nominating committee, presiding over the board of governor’s monthly meetings, and further representing the club at events, conferences and funerals.

“We are a virtual club,” he said. ■

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

JUNE 17, 2011

■

5

Tracy Day McRoberts on the sailing of Black Mallard

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

Her own junior sailing programmes and a spouse’s family history of sailing established early that the sport would be interwoven throughout Tracy Day McRoberts’ life.

Tracy met her husband, Lansdell, in 1992 when he introduced her to cruising.

The two would sail cruiserracer sloop, Black Mallard along the US eastern seaboard to points north.

Solidly built and comfortable, Black Mallard always handled well, even when they encountered challenging squalls, according to Ms McRoberts.

“It is not hard to fall in love with the Black Mallard,” she said.

Mr McRoberts was responsible for his wife’s racing, but is not doing this Marion Race — her second — with her.

She said: “My husband was diagnosed with MS in 2002. Sailing became increasingly difficult as his mobility failed.”

The boat was dry-docked for three years, and they considered selling her.

“During one discussion, my husband turned to me and emphatically stated, ‘We’re not selling; you are going to race.’”

“My husband is my greatest champion, and the team that help assist him while I am off sailing are critical to our success, acting as shore support.”

By 2008, Ms McRoberts had for eight-years been racing 23-ft Sonar onedesign keelboats and that same year become a racing instructor.

She said: “Transitioning to racing [Black Mallard] was a bit of a process, but I have always had confidence.”

She took that confidence and in 2009 convinced both the Marion organizing committee and insurance agent that she and her offshore neophyte crew were up to the challenge of an ocean race.

Recruiting had been difficult and a full crew roster eluded this first time blue water skipper until a fortnight before the sailing.

“Jerome (navigator) and I conducted telephone interviews, reviewed sailing resumes and signed on.

We didn’t get the opportunity to meet until we arrived in Marion.”

Rookie mistakes, according to Ms McRoberts, resulted in a frustrating finish that year.

“We spent 96 minutes fussing with a ripped jib lashed on deck that was washing overboard in a pop-up squall, keeping us from collecting any silver.”

Black Mallard and her four male, two female crew crossed the line at a corrected time of five days, zero hours, six minutes and seven seconds. She ranked 16th overall and fourth in Class C. “I’ve come to learn that being a captain/skipper is an all-consuming activity addressing all considerations, details, safety, coordination, etc… Being a female in this role is quite distinctive.”

Black Mallard Cardinal 46 Sail No. 40866 Owners Lansdell and Tracy McRoberts Skipper Tracy Day McRoberts Alan Warwick design Commissioned 1986 Chesapeake Islands Corporation Hampton, VA Home port Oyster Bay, NY White Fibreglass Hull Teak Deck 46-ft 5-in LOA 38ft 1in LWL 13-ft 2-in Beam 67-ft Mast 7-ft Draft 24,478lbs Displacement

“My philosophy onboard is simple. I’m open to all opinions, actions to keep us sailing fast. When the weather is up, all decisions are mine… I take extreme care and responsibility for those onboard.”

“During a particularly stormy overnight, I had one crew challenge, and it began while I was off watch. I woke to a heated discussion. I stopped the discussion, removed any question, made the decision and was done. I came to realize that his challenge was rooted in fear; the conditions added to his anxiety.”

Black Mallard is this year carrying an all New England-based crew.

T. D. McRoberts is the skipper, helmsman and watch captain. Jerome Rush is the navigator and watch captain. Joining them are Dylan Callahan, Bernard Bowers, Barbara Makowski, Hayden Vassallo and Barbara Dornau.

“My philosophy this time around is to create a mix.

Four of us have done the race before, three are new to the experience. Of those three, two are seasoned cruiser/buoy racers, and the last has only been sailing for two years.”

“I advise the crew from the initial interview that if you don’t know something, be honest; don’t hedge. I’d much rather know, definitively, what knowledge I am crossing the starting line with, than have discovery over four days.”

Black Mallard is heavy and stiff, according to Ms McRoberts, but the boat thrives in 30 knots and has an unmatchable ability to beat upwind.

She said: “I’m very safety conscious. My rule is, if any crew has one foot on the step of the companionway, they better be reaching to clip on. It is nonnegotiable.”

“When there is a need for a deck survey or any work on deck, one crew will be assigned to watch the deck activity. The helm will back off a bit while work is underway.”

“We do POB (person overboard) drills as required, and I have each crew rotate responsibilities so each will know what it takes to turn [the boat] around.”

MCROBERTS

■ PHOTO BY FRANCIS GRENON/SPECTRUM PHOTO

FRUSTRATING FINISH: Black Mallard sailing in the Marion-Bermuda Race 2009.

A sense of order is important, according to Ms McRoberts — gear properly stowed for those rummaging in the dark, and tools,

blocks and parts immediate to hand.

“Sailing out of sight of land is a very humbling experience for me. Our

lives get so filled with selfimportance by e-mail, text, and so on.

“Out on the ocean, you regain perspective and

respect for the centuries of sailors who took previous risk.”

The Black Mallard crew are racing to win. ■

6

■

JUNE 17, 2011

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

KEEP HER STEADY: The photographer behind the lens is Francis Grenon of Spectrum Photo.

Up close and personal photographing the race

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

WELCOME

YACHTSMEN WE OFFER: • 24 NEW Synthetic Lanes • Automated Scoring System • Bar & Restaurant • Party Bookings • 24 Lanes of Bumber System guarantees children will knock down pins and score!

HAVE A BALL AT

WARWICK LANES 47 Middle Road, Warwick • Tel: 236-5290 Summer Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00pm-11:00pm•Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm•Sunday 2:00pm-11:00pm

Francis Grenon is the official photographer for the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race. When the photo on the right, his favourite, appeared on the cover of the Bermuda Sun’s 2007 race supplement, it was inadvertently credited to another photographer.

But Mr Grenon, a gentleman, accepted our apology, and has since provided us with photos of a number of race starts and finishes.

The photographer, who is a full time construction engineer, is also the sole owner of Spectrum Photo.

He works alone and for 32 years has been photographing a variety of settings and situations.

Mr Grenon started out shooting weddings and portraits, and with the advent of digital photography, Marion, Massachusetts-area regattas. He took on the Marion-Bermuda Race in 2003 and NewportBermuda in 2008.

An avid sailor, racer and volunteer on the Marion Bermuda marketing

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

RACE PHOTOGRAPHER: Francis Grenon, camera in hand, is looking forward to his task as official photographer of the MarionBermuda Race. committee, he gets on top of the action.

Mr Grenon said: “I shoot from a chase boat that is given permission to enter the start area. This allows me to get the up-close crew photos that I enjoy photographing.”

THE BERMUDA SUN He would be less thrilled shooting the race from a helicopter.

“Aerials are nice, but I just don’t think they convey the sense of the racing.”

Mr Grenon’s knowledge of the sport allows him to take vicarious pleasure in the pursuit of the boats. He is a ‘phantom’ racer in the guise of a photographer.

“I get excited preparing for the start of the race, checking the wind, which end of the line is favoured and where the competition is.

“During the countdown to the start, I have my watch going also, and I get just as anxious as the sailors as they head to the starting line, while myself, in the photo boat, try to time my approach to get the photos that I want.”

“As we sail upwind, I tend to be a sideline coach, trying to figure when they are going to tack, and getting aggravated when they don’t tack when they should.

“The adrenaline starts going as I tell the (photo boat) driver to speed up, slow down, move left, right, etc.”

“With the crews on the rail or to leeward grinding, I feel their excitement also.

“Then as they move out of the bay towards Bermuda, we turn around, head back to the line and wait for the next group to start and get to do it all over again.”

Mr Grenon’s equipment includes a Canon camera with a wide to medium zoom lens and a second Canon with a telephoto zoom lens. He typically shoots digital stills, but is this year adding videography to the mix.

“I cover all pre-race events in Marion and shoot everything up to and including the awards and wrap-up dinner [in Bermuda].”

He photographs the St David’s Light Line Setting Ceremony, and on call, anytime, any weather, the RHADC Commodore welcoming the first-tofinish boat.

Mr Grenon captures other boats as they cross the line and records all post-race events.

“I think I have it pretty well covered, shooting 10 days over two-weeks of activities… MarionBermuda is always a highlight in my schedule.”

Still, there’s a photo that eludes him.

“One that would be exciting would be to see the first boat to finish come into view with the sun rising.

“That would take some incredible timing.”

Mr Grenon’s MarionBermuda Race photos can be ordered from his website at http://www.spectrumphotofg.com Colour stencils, sepia tones and watercolours are also available by e-mailing spectrumphotofg@aol.com or calling (508) 717-7997. ■

■ PHOTO BY FRANCIS GRENON/ SPECTRUM PHOTO

ON THEIR WAY: The photographer said of this previous Marion-Bermuda Race photo showing Babe (background left) at the start with Early Light: “To me, it portrays the essence of the race, cruising boats racing, the wind and waves, heading out to Bermuda.”

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JUNE 17, 2011

■

7

8

■

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JUNE 17, 2011

THE BERMUDA SUN

Mitchell’s Patchwork closest thing to a mistress

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

The love affair began in 1996, the same year Robert Mitchell got married. He purchased Patchwork, a Westsail - 32 and began the now ‘15-year voyage’, in which at weekends and vacations he cruises the waters of Long Island Sound and New England from New York to Maine.

“I am very fond of Patchwork. She is like an old friend; indeed, she is the closest thing I have ever had to a mistress,” Mr Mitchell said.

The skipper, who has faithlessly sailed on other boats to or from Bermuda or the Caribbean, will this year for the first time introduce his cutter-rigged paramour to the MarionBermuda Race.

Patchwork should have run the 2009 event, but a lengthy summer trial precluded her owner, a lawyer from participating.

According to Mr Mitchell, the race offers him an opportunity to go to sea with a larger group, appreciate the camaraderie, and visit a destination both he and his wife Lois enjoy.

He said: “We have found Bermuda to be the friendliest and one of the most beautiful places to visit anywhere in or outside of the United States.”

Four male crew will join Skipper Mitchell in vying for his Patchwork’s affections.

“Patchwork is a very ‘physical’ boat. She requires attention, care and management to get the best out of her… We want to push her, and she is a bit resistant sometimes. She is built very much like her owner… a bit dumpy, but strong as an ox.”

Patchwork’s crew are all Americans and all from Connecticut.

Dentist, Dr Randy Baldwin will navigate, cook and act as boat’s physician. He will not stand watch, but will assist as needed. Mr Mitchell’s son, Reese, a US Merchant Marine licensed second mate and Gregg Dancho, a long-time sailor and director of the Beardsley Zoological Gardens in Bridgeport, Connecticut, will do deck-watch. John Nowak, US Merchant Marine licenced master, will see to the mechanics, in addition to deck-watch.

Despite the credentials of his crew, Mr Mitchell doesn’t expect his decisions to be challenged.

“I take the same approach to ‘captaining’ a boat that I take to managing a lawsuit.

“I solicit all opinions, discuss options and then make a final decision. That final decision is mine, as is the responsibility for its result.”

The skipper would like to win silver, but doubts his boat’s ability to do so.

“I fear that Patchwork is not a prize winner. She is like a turtle in a run of hares…. They call them ‘wetsnails’ for a reason, although I think it is an unfair slur.”

The yacht is solidly constructed, however.

“Patchwork is a full-

■ PHOTO BY MICHAEL SIMKO/DIGITAL BY ROGER SALLS PHOTOGRAPHY

FATHER AND SON: Reese Mitchell will stand deck-watch for his father, skipper Robert Mitchell, left, as they race Patchwork to the owner’s preferred Bermuda destination.

Patchwork Westsail - 32 Sail No. 43450 Owner/skipper Robert Mitchell William Crealock design Built 1974 Westsail Corp.

USA Home port Stratford, CT Off-white Hull with Red and Black Trim 40-ft LOA 32-ft Deck Length 11.5-ft Beam 46-ft Mast 5-ft Draft 19,500lbs empty 13 Tons Net Displacement 15 Tons Gross Displacement keeled, very traditional ocean going cutter. She was built to sail around the world in any sea, but very slowly…. She is a moderate wind, beam reach vessel.

Her weight and hull shape (full displacement) dictate that.”

Mr Mitchell’s disloyalty sailing on 53-ft Amel Super Maramu, Huntress and the difficulty they encountered could be interpreted as revenge for the skipper’s spurning his own Patchwork. He’d signed on for the West Marine Caribbean 1500, but not for the remnants of Hurricane Mitch, which they hit off the Atlantic coast.

Mr Mitchell described the experience as very unpleasant.

“I was not happy. We had recorded seas (we later learned) of 35 to 40 feet.

The winds hit hurricane strength, or very close to it,

and we all were concerned about the boat’s survivability at the beginning… Our concerns about the boat were completely unfounded. She did fine once she was squared away for that kind of a storm.”

“We hit the storm in the middle of the night and hove-to until after dawn.

The sea was profoundly beautiful the next morning in its rage. When we rose to the top of one wave, we could see for a long ways, and the ocean all around roared and tossed with those huge waves crashing into one another.”

“It was truly a beautiful and magnificent sight, which I never want to see again… It was not a ‘fun’ sail.”

The skipper likely prefers that Patchwork miss such excitement, while still welcoming a Marion Race win of some kind.

The fact that his boat can be very forgiving and easy going during delivery cruises, however, may not make up for his earlier rejections. But never mind.

“I have told the crew that the first consideration is getting to Bermuda safe and in good condition. We have not only got a life raft, [but also] we have a Man Overboard module and will carry individual AIS transponders that will communicate directly with our chart-plotter in the event of a man overboard event.

That is my most primal fear, losing someone overboard.”

So, safety is Mr Mitchell’s first consideration and the winning of a prize the third. His second wish?

“I want the crew to have a good time.” ■

■ PHOTO BY MICHAEL SIMKO/DIGITAL BY ROGER SALLS PHOTOGRAPHY

READY FOR ACTION: The skipper’s almost-mistress, 32-ft Patchwork awaits her owner’s pleasure at the dock.

THE BERMUDA SUN

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JUNE 17, 2011

■

9

Secretary enjoys race planning for appreciative crews

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

Sandy Gascoigne is the assistant club secretary for Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race host club, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC).

She’s held the position almost four years, has ‘survived’ two Newport Races, and has been working on this, her second Marion Race, since November of last year.

Ms Gascoigne said: “The committee comes down from Marion for a meeting, and I make all their accommodation arrangements, meeting arrangements and other activities, and then the local committee starts having regular planning sessions right up until the race in June.”

Last minute organizing for the prize giving and gala dinner at Dockyard’s Commissioner’s House almost piggybacked her selling tickets on the dock at the club in Paget with the 30-minute ride to the West end to arrange tables for over 300 guests.

Noting that she could have done with a helicopter, Ms Gascoigne instead drove her own car so that she could give a lift home to some of Bermuda’s visitors.

In addition to arranging berths for Marion boats, Customs and Immigration forms, Customs Officers at the club, and Marion Trustee and Committee accommodations, Ms Gascoigne is responsible for local dignitary invitations to events in Marion

■ PHOTO BY B. CANDACE RAY

BUSY WEEK: Sandy Gascoigne, assistant secretary at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, Bermuda host club for the Marion Race, attends to the business at hand. and Bermuda and Finish Line party invitations and catering.

In addition to arranging berths for Marion boats, customs and immigration forms, customs officers at the club, and Marion trustee and committee accommodation, Ms Gascoigne is responsible for local dignitary invitations to events in Marion and Bermuda and Finish Line party invitations and catering.

Her work continues with accountability for the daily gunner, bagpipes and bugler flag lowering ceremonies, laundry service, ice, rental cycles and weather briefings. She also schedules dock security, taxis and more.

The RHADC assistant secretary liaises with race administrator Nan Johnson in Marion and local officials, including Customs’ Gary Bremar,

and Tourism’s Terri Greenslade and Adam Barbosa.

She ensures that commodores David ‘Chip’ Johns of the Beverly Yacht Club, Mark DeVine of the Blue Water Sailing Club and Robert Mason of the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club’, flag officers and race committee are kept informed.

“My workload pretty well doubles during the week

of the race and the week before.

“When the duty desk is running, I am here from 7am until the cows come home each day.”

She noted: “The Newport race is much less work for us than Marion as all the activities are at the RBYC (Royal Bermuda Yacht Club), and most of the visitors head down there to participate.

“A lot of boats prefer to

stay here though, away from the crowds, and we look after them very well.”

The skippers and crews that she meets are happy to be on the island, according to Ms Gascoigne, and it’s this aspect she enjoys most.

“They love Bermuda and are so thankful for anything we are able to do for them. It’s also fun to work with our members, who are willing to give up their time to help the sailors and their families that fly down to meet them.

“My involvement with the sailors is mostly receiving their reservation forms for berths, helping out on the duty desk and the gala dinner. I am very much behind the scenes.”

“I think the Marion Race is an opportunity for our members to get to know each other better, meet new people and give back to the community, as it brings in a lot of visitors.

“The race organizing committee conducts a survey after each race and results show that the Marion race brings in an average of 25 people per boat.

“When you add up the sailors and their families, committee members and their spouses who come by airplane then stay the whole week, [that] could mean as many as 1,600 visitors to Bermuda.”

Ms Gascoigne’s busy days generally preclude her attending the evening festivities attached to Marion. Once the event is lodged in memory, however, she’ll take a day off and go to the beach. ■

10

■

JUNE 17, 2011

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

Checks, repairs and spares for blue water challenge

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

A trio of EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) tops one sailor’s list of ‘critical spares,’ which in an emergency get a boat to its Bermuda destination — or its crew to safety. Other reserves also factor into a yacht’s inventory.

Preparation checks, re-stocking spares and attending to repairs prerace are familiar to all who compete in blue water challenges.

The Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Category 1 race. The Notice of Race for this event reads: “Yachts must be completely self-sufficient for extended periods of time, capable of withstanding heavy storms and prepared to meet serious emergencies without the expectation of outside assistance.”

Ed Stott’s article, Be Prepared — in Cruising World’s October 27, 2010 online edition and reprinted in the 2011 race book — itemizes the spares dictated by each piece of equipment on a boat.

He addresses: rig, rudder, steering, engine, head rebuilding, windlass waterproofing and safety gear, as well as general spares, tools and other nuts and bolts.

He notes, for example, that a knowledgeable rigger should do the rig and mast inspections, and that rigging and fittings that are cracked, broken or worn

should be replaced.

He suggests that a qualified marine surveyor take core samples of suspect rudders to detect water intrusion and prevent rudder failure.

His steering category suggestions include cable and sheave checks, light lubrication and steering cable duplication.

Mr Stott would have boat owners check their engine’s raw-water intake, heat-exchange and exhaust hoses, as well as the muffler system. They should look for any leaking, cracking, drying out, soft spots or salt calcification.

They should attend to any oil or water leaks, learn how to change tension belts, replace impellers and check for contaminated fuel. Spare fuel filters are a must, according to Mr Stott.

Under ‘spares’, the wellstocked boat — among numerous other items — should have in its lockers, fuel injector and return line copper washers, two thermostats and an extra set of hatchboards.

Mr Stott’s ‘tools, and nuts and bolts’ sections complement each other with a critically diverse selection without which no yacht should sail.

In his last category, ‘safety gear’, Mr Stott lists the required emergency equipment and reminds sailors of the rule that an abandoned yacht should stay abandoned.

He includes the caution that even prior to slip-

■ ISTOCK PHOTO

PREPARATION: When heavy seas take their toll on yachts, having the right spares becomes essential. ping the lines, specific crewmembers should be assigned individual responsibility for life raft deployment, ditch bag, Mayday call and medical kit.

Parallel to Mr Stott’s suggestions, sailor Robert Mitchell categorized and prioritized as he went along.

He re-rigged his boat, Patchwork about seven years ago, redid the exhaust system last year and purchased new sails for this race.

The yacht’s engine is a

30-plus-years Perkins 4-108 diesel of English manufacture that he had rebuilt a couple of years ago and which may also have been rebuilt some time in the past.

Mr Mitchell said: “I have always tried to keep her mechanics in good order.”

“The list of repairs seems endless. I am putting on a new mid-deck hatch. I am installing a new stove, new chart plotter, AIS system, stereo, full instrument check, had the deck edges re-caulked and the SSB

and auto pilot checked and re-installed, new flares and a myriad of lesser items fixed, replaced or added to.”

“We are going to carry quite a supply of spares for the engine and the rigging” Black Mallard’s Tracy Day McRoberts noted that her commitment to racing entailed multiple modifications in order for the boat to meet regulations.

She said: “I am an avid armchair sailor over the winter months, so I continue to read about heavy weather, positioning and sail trim.

“Spares is a bit open… I think the best advice that was shared with me is ‘know your boat’.

“I may have cruised on Black Mallard for 15 years, but when I took on the responsibility of captain, I spent hours learning electrical systems, plumbing, and reading engine repair manuals.”

Ripped sails are Ms McRoberts’ particular frustration.

“I lost the genoa in 2009 two days out from Bermuda, so we sailed in with the storm jib.

“In 2010, I ripped the main from luff to leach 18-in above the boom the first night… and finished [a] race with one reef in.”

A maximum of three jibs may be carried, according to the Notice of Race, the largest being the No. One jib or genoa. One mainsail, one asymmetrical spinnaker, one mizzen staysail and any number of heavy weather sails are also

permitted.

The unlimited number of storm sails suggests a spares inventory where weight would also have to be considered.

Charles Dunstan, Marion Race coordinator for the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, said: “Weight is certainly a strong consideration, especially by a crew that is trying to be very competitive.

“Each boat is required to have a storm trysail to replace the main in extreme conditions.”

But how many of those heavy weather extras will it carry?

Triangle Rigging’s Craig Scott said: “The question about physical weight of the sail is tricky as it is dependent on the size of the boat… Normally when the storm sails are out, boats are trying to stay in control, rather than racing.”

That’s control to fall back on — spares, weight, safety.

Spares, then, are every bit as critical as preparation checks and repairs.

What the boat holds in its spares locker and however many heavy weather sails its owner feels comfortable in adding to the weight could be the influencing factor in the condition that the boat arrives in at its destination.

Patchwork’s skipper Mitchell said: “We will take enough [spares] to keep the water out and the wind moving the boat, with the ‘iron genny’ (engine) as a reliable back-up.” ■

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

JUNE 17, 2011

■

11

Safety is main priority as Lilla makes her race debut

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

Simon and Nancy De Pietro’s Lilla is a Philippe Briand design maxi-yacht that, at least once a year, nudges Bermuda’s shores.

The couple made the boat part of their family four years ago, according to Mrs De Pietro.

She said: “When we first got Lilla, we sailed from Ireland to Portugal, on to the Canary Islands, and then across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

“Lilla currently spends her winter months in the Caribbean as a working crewed charter yacht.

Every spring we sail her north, making a magnetic stop in Bermuda before taking her home to Mattapoisett for the summer.”

The 76-footer is sailing in her debut Marion Race this year, having come up from her home port in Kingstown, St Vincent to her summer port in Massachusetts.

“We’ve done the trip to and from Bermuda a half dozen times now, but racing there is different. It changes from just another cruise to a proper sailing experience that counts for something.

“Offshore racing is a thrill ride that continues well after the rush of the start line. There is something special about racing out to sea in company and for a special destination some 630 miles away.”

This is the boat’s third ocean race. Lilla ran the 2010 Newport-Bermuda Race and 2011 RORC Caribbean 600. Prizes eluded her, but her owners hope to change that this month.

Lightning struck the boat just 10 days before her first offshore race.

“Our crew had to rally just to get Lilla to the starting line. We enjoyed the race tremendously, but all felt we could have done much better with different pre-race circumstances.

“With the MarionBermuda Race starting on our door-step, we couldn’t resist another try.”

Nancy De Pietro was prerace skipper for Marion.

She relinquished that position to her husband, official race skipper, so she could navigate. She is American; he is British.

Ten others are racing with them, including afterguards and helmsmen Ian Martin from South Africa and Randy West from the US, watch leader Jake Martin from Germany and watch leader and helmsman Bruce Kuryla from the US. Also crewing are Andrew Schwartzkopff, Michael Lebov and Brian Knutsen from the US, Nigel Brennan from Great Britain and Colin Campbell — not Bermuda’s Colin Campbell, but Canada’s. Katherine Bieber, from the US, crews and cooks.

The boat works on a four-hours-on/four-hoursoff system of watches with four-crew per watch.

According to Mrs De Pietro, they can choose to split that in half so that two stand watch and two stand by.

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

ON BOARD LILLA: Nancy and Simon De Pietro had competed in the Newport-Bermuda and could not resist another race, as it was on their doorstep.

Lilla Briand 76 Sail No. IRL 7600 Owners Simon and Nancy De Pietro Skipper Simon De Pietro Philippe Briand design Built 1993 Chantier Navale Bordeaux (C.N.B.) Bordeaux, France Registered Homeport Kingstown, St Vincent ‘Awlgrip Claret’ Aluminium Hull White Deck 23.2 meters/76-ft Length 5.8 meters/19-ft Beam 28 meters/91.86-ft Mast 2.6 meters/8-ft 6-in Draft 46 ton Displacement

“Lilla is better in strong winds because she is heavy and takes a fair amount of wind to realize her potential. She sails well enough with eight to 15 knots of breeze, but her groove is really 20 to 25 knots.”

The couple readied the yacht for Marion with the typical servicing of her life rafts, life jackets and EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons).

They hauled out for fresh coats of bottom paint, hoisted a new mainsail and changed a halyard here and

a sheet there.

“Safety is our first priority. So while racing, we carry critical spares to get us to our destination safely.

Also, every race entry must meet the ISAF Special Regulations for Offshore Racing designed to ensure every vessel and crew is fully prepared for serious offshore problems.”

According to Mrs De Pietro, the owners’ attitudes toward safety border on paranoia.

“We sometimes think we have more safety gear than the QEII. We have things to save the vessel like redundant bilge pumps, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in every cabin.

“We have things to save lives like man overboard search and rescue crew transponders, a rocket launched throw line, and not one, but three EPIRBs.” Crews depend upon one another and the gear the boat carries. In the middle of a big ocean, they’re all they’ve got.

“We like to be self-sufficient. Lilla is a Frenchbuilt boat and most of her equipment is European.

“That means a lot of forward planning because most everything needs to be ordered from overseas.”

The De Pietros look kindly upon novice sailors, but temper their inclusion to perfect time and place.

“Teaching inexperienced sailors the love for being offshore is a privilege we

like to entertain under the right circumstances.

“When it comes to racing offshore, we have a tremendous amount of combined talent in Ian and Randy, so everyone learns from them.”

So 18-year-old Lilla is racing toward the ‘magnet-

ic’ island she’s touched before with owners that hope to add a little silver to her resume.

“We want to do our absolute best with what Mother Nature dishes out.

“We hope that will bring us to the finish line in Bermuda safely, with

smiles all around for an impressive sail. Of course, everyone wants to win a trophy too.”

Watch for the finish of the ‘Awlgrip Claret’ aluminium hull — that’s a dark red hull with white deck and sail number IRL 7600. ■

12

■

JUNE 17, 2011

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

■ PHOTO BY FRANCIS GRENON/SPECTRUM PHOTO

CLASS D START: Boats look for an early advantage in the 2009 Marion-Bermuda Race.

■ PHOTO BY FRANCIS GRENON/SPECTRUM PHOTO

DEFIANCE: The yacht Defiance ranked third in ORR and second in IRC standings in Marion-Bermuda 2009.

THE BERMUDA SUN

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JUNE 17, 2011

■

13

14

■

JUNE 17, 2011

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

Vigilant monitoring to ensure safety and security

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasunbm

The Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre is sited above the Olde Towne in the east end.

Its lookout at the top of Fort George Hill uniquely positions it to be vigilant of the entrances to Bermuda’s seaports.

Boats arriving in the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race benefit from this vigilance.

Under the direction of coordinator Scott Simmons, the agency works with partner agencies to facilitate a collaborative response to marine emergencies.

Bermuda Radio, as it is also known, partners with the US Coast Guard, Bermuda Police Service, HM Customs, Fisheries Division (Department of the Environment) and Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service.

Mr Simmons’ section falls under the Department of Marine & Ports, Ministry of Transport.

According to Mr Simmons, the Marion Race is a well-established blue water event in which the organizing clubs apply appropriate safety standards and ensure timely interaction with the relevant governmental agencies.

Mr Simmons said: “The safety standards in ocean racing are continually being improved, and the adoption of new technoloSee MONITORING, page 15

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

NERVE CENTRE: Duty Officer Steven Pegg speaks on VHF radio with an approaching yacht while monitoring the progress of ships and aircraft engaged in a search mission for a Chinese crewman lost overboard from the container ship MSC Tuscany some 180 miles southwest of Bermuda.

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

WATCHFUL EYE: Technical Services Officer Nick Pettit cleans the housing of one of the facility’s long-range cameras covering the eastern approaches to Bermuda.

THE BERMUDA SUN

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JUNE 17, 2011

■

15

Satellite tracking of Marion Race greatly reduces the threat of terrorism at Bermuda’s ports

BY B. CANDACE RAY bcray@bermudasun.bm

Business and governmental protocols dictate how the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre (Bermuda Radio) would respond to any threat to Bermuda’s ports, including any yacht deemed to be a terrorist.

While the agency and its local and overseas agency partners share information and assistance, the Bermuda Police Service would take the lead in any such incident.

No major concerns typically exist, however, with regard to a racing fleet and seaport security, according to Scott Simmons, coordinator, Maritime Safety & Security.

Mr Simmons said: “We rely on normal border control protocols established by HM Customs and Immigration — at least until such time as a potential problem is identified.”

All yacht crews file pre-race information disclosure ahead of their departures and must clear their arrival with Bermuda Radio, which has no powers of arrest, as well as with Customs.

Mr Simmons added: “A unique aspect [of today’s fleets] is that satellite track-

MONITORING Continued from page 14 gies and best practice based upon experiences from around the world ensure that the fleet as a whole is appropriately equipped and inspected to sail through some fairly testing conditions.”

Position relative to the Gulf Stream, crew injury, damage to the boat, or violent weather all qualify as testing. But weather is subject to pre-determinations based upon the newer technologies.

“There might be liaison with race organizers ahead of a predicted severe weather event actually developing and possibly ‘colliding’ with the fleet.”

Mr Simmons noted the conservative approach to sailing generally exhibited by the participants in this cruising race.

“Some may even drop out and return to port if weather conditions appear more gruelling than was originally expected, particularly around the Gulf Stream.”

Where an emergency warrants, individual contenders readily compromise their positions in the race.

“If a problem does occur en route, the race quickly becomes secondary to most participants as the various boats nearby muster to help the vessel with the problem.”

Bermuda Radio collects personal information and vessel identification prior to the start to save time

ing of all participants has become the norm. Gone are the days of overwhelming secrecy in race strategy.

“Technological improvements and race safety interests have carried the day to make ocean racing a virtual spectator sport.”

Also, the island has adopted the international concept of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

“Bermuda’s MDA programme is reasonably advanced compared to North America, and certainly other regional interests, because of our small size, isolation and relative sophistication as a marine and aviation jurisdiction.

“We want to know who is out there, whether they volunteer the information or not.”

How might a yacht deemed to carry terrorists be isolated from the rest of the fleet?

“It clearly depends upon the scenario, but frankly, it probably is not healthy to speculate publicly about the potential responses either,” said Mr Simmons.

“Every country faces the potential for a problem.

However… I would like to think that the relevant security interests are probably more satisfied with this type of event visitor if an emergency unfolds during the race or post race delivery.

Situational awareness is vital, according to Mr Simmons, who said: “A key aspect in any scenario is understanding where the problem is occurring… [and] who is close by and best able to render effective assistance.”

A passing merchant vessel or USCG aircraft resources are other avenues of possible help.

But communications with sailing yachts tossed about by steep seas in deteriorating weather conditions could be challenging, underlining the requisite radio, satellite communications and “properly programmed and registered 406 MHz satellite distress beacon”.

“Typically in most incidents we may hand off the search mission coordination role in an agreed way, RCC (Rescue Coordination Centre) to RCC, or depending upon the complexity of the case, we will divide the workload between ourselves and RCC Norfolk as the lead USCG rescue centre for this area of the Atlantic.”

“Our biggest fear during such a race event would be multiple simultaneous incidents… stretching Search and Rescue coverage to the point where time is lost before rescue can occur.

This is exactly what every amateur boater or professional mariner should be preparing for — the need to survive for a protracted period.” ■

than other random sailboat or ship calls at Bermuda, which can originate from far more remote foreign ports.

“Frankly, it’s up to all of us to be vigilant and not be complacent, or indeed naïve about a direct threat to ourselves, or indirectly through Bermuda to our neighbours.

“In terms of terrorism, we have contingency plans for all Bermuda seaports, and indeed our own facility at Fort George.

“All maritime transportation infrastructure facilities around the world have had to have such plans since 2004.” ■

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

VANTAGE POINT: Scott Simmons, the coordinator of Maritime Safety & Security, Bermuda, surveys the island’s waters and ports from Fort George Hill.

16

■

JUNE 17, 2011

MARION-BERMUDA: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

■ PHOTO PHOTO BY TALBOT WILSON

CLASS B START: The start of Class B, Marion-Bermuda 2009 turned cruisers into racers. Triple Lindy, Crackerjack and Vivaldi (left to right from centre) battle at the committee boat end of the line, while Crescendo (second from Integrity on left) slips out down the line, ahead in clean air.

Ernie Els, 2010 Champion

WHO WILL BE THIS YEAR’S “CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS”?

29TH PGA GRAND SLAM OF GOLF Come witness golf’s major champions compete in a setting of unequaled beauty. For ticket and hospitality information for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf visit www.PGA.com/grandslam

OCTOBER 17 - 19, 2011 PORT ROYAL GOLF COURSE | BERMUDA

Please visit us on Facebook

Be rewarded

for taking your business further.

THE BRITISH AIRWAYS BUSINESS VISA® CARD. Introducing the British Airways Business Visa® Card, the card that allows you to earn BA Miles on business purchases. For each dollar you spend, you receive one BA Mile.

Other features, such as travel assistance, auto rental insurance, and travel accident insurance ensure your business decisions are smart ones.

To learn more or to apply for your British Airways Business Visa® Card, contact your Corporate Banking Relationship Manager or call 295 1111.

www.butterfieldgroup.com