Apparently in part as a response to the number of sailboats requiring rescue or assistance in the Salty Dawg Rally to the Caribbean a couple months ago, the Coast Guard yesterday issued a Marine Safety Alert for offshore sailing. The alert emphasizes preparation: the boat, the gear, yourself. Included is a list of specific preparations and guidelines to reduce the risk of disaster once underway, including which parts of the boat should be inspected, what damage control kits to have onboard, and other steps offshore sailors should take. All offshore sailors should check this alert to ensure they haven't overlooked anything. Given that inshore and coastal sailors actually experience more emergencies - and, sadly, fatalities - than offshore sailors, it behooves all of us on the water to ensure we have the right gear and know how to prevent emergencies and what to do if one occurs. Here's another place to get started with boating safety information.
