NOMAD is registered for race, fees have been paid. Final acceptance of the application requires completion of documents on boat and crew. The ISAF Offshore Racing Rules places strict demands on boat prep and crew experience to ensure a successful safe race.
I am working with a boat yard, sail maker and rigger in Boston to ensure we are ready to go. The critical crew positions that require experience and training are:
Watch Captain 1 - David Sherman
Watch Captain 2
Navigator - Kris Drodge, Master Mariner
I am pleased to say I have two very qualified guys already leaving just one position to be filled.
The rest of us will find jobs trimming sheets and help make this boat go as fast as we can.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Deciding the Course to Halifax
I have been reading various articles on past MHOR's and there seems to be a keen strategy in how to deal with the currents in Bay of Fundy and getting past Brazil Rock. In one article the boat was actually pushed towards Yarmouth by the tides for 6 hours instead of sailing to Halifax.
Having a good accurate forcast along with understanding and knowing the tides in this area will be a key job for our Navigator, Kris Drodge.
Having a good accurate forcast along with understanding and knowing the tides in this area will be a key job for our Navigator, Kris Drodge.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Extra 1/10th of knot !!!
Been talking to a sailmaker in Boston on a bunch of things and had him visit my boat. He suggested to me to make sure I set the staysail on any long spinnaker runs as it will improve downwind speed by 1/10th to 2/10th of a kt. Don't sound like much but adds up to 8 to 16 kt miles on 80 hr race from Marblehead to Halifax.
Since NOMAD has a removable inner staysail stay this would be easy to do.
Since NOMAD has a removable inner staysail stay this would be easy to do.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Storm Sails Required
Race rules requires a storm jib and try sail (if luff of mainsail cannot be reduced 40% by reefing).
Have a storm jib with the boat but need to purchase a try sail. I have choosen a stock try sail from North Sails.
As this sail has to be able to be installed on mast without removing mainsail, I have to install a seperate try sail track along side mast sail track OR add a second gate above top of flaked mainsail to allow try sail to be installed. The crew may be asked by organizing committee to install and sheet this sail correctly.
Have a storm jib with the boat but need to purchase a try sail. I have choosen a stock try sail from North Sails.
As this sail has to be able to be installed on mast without removing mainsail, I have to install a seperate try sail track along side mast sail track OR add a second gate above top of flaked mainsail to allow try sail to be installed. The crew may be asked by organizing committee to install and sheet this sail correctly.
OSR requires AIS Transponder
The Offshore Sailing Regulations recently changed to require an AIS Transponder for Catagory 2 Race. The unit I have chosen is the Vesper Marine Watchmate 850.
What I like about this unit is that AIS targets are displayed on its own screen, uncluttered as well as having a USB output that allows it to be overlayed on Raymarine CL70 Multifunction Display which is mounted in a navpod at the helm.
My philosophy is the more reduntancy built into the system the better.
What I like about this unit is that AIS targets are displayed on its own screen, uncluttered as well as having a USB output that allows it to be overlayed on Raymarine CL70 Multifunction Display which is mounted in a navpod at the helm.
My philosophy is the more reduntancy built into the system the better.
NOMADS will stay in touch using IsatPhone Pro!!
The MHOR rules recommends all boats to have the ability to email position to race committee. For this purpose and to have ability to have online access we will be using the new Isatphone Pro.
Isatphone
Isatphone
Sunday, December 5, 2010
More Safety Equipment Required
The MHOR rules require that entries be equipped with offshore Type 1 life raft(s). Coastal versions (Type 2) that are commonly seen are not acceptable.
I currently have one four man offshore AVON liferaft that I will need to get recertified. To comply with race rules and ensure the safety of the crew I have purchased a second 4 man offshore liferaft.
This one is a Winslow 4 man offshore self righting liferaft including a handheld watermaker (just in case I want to get real serious in a couple of years). The model number is 44SLOCN.
Super-Light™ Ocean Rescue™
Check it out http://www.winslowliferaft.com
I currently have one four man offshore AVON liferaft that I will need to get recertified. To comply with race rules and ensure the safety of the crew I have purchased a second 4 man offshore liferaft.
This one is a Winslow 4 man offshore self righting liferaft including a handheld watermaker (just in case I want to get real serious in a couple of years). The model number is 44SLOCN.
Super-Light™ Ocean Rescue™
Check it out http://www.winslowliferaft.com
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Acknowledgement of Responsibilities for Risks
Acknowledgement of Responsibilities for Risks
I hereby acknowledge that the competition in which I have entered as part of crew aboard sailing yacht NOMAD in the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race (hereafter referred to as MHOR) is a dangerous Category 2 ocean race and understand and agree that each member of the crew is solely and totally responsible for their own safety and well being.
I agree to assume all risk of accident, loss of property and personal injury or loss of life as it relates to myself. I also acknowledge that the establishment of any equipment regulations, and/or the inspections of NOMAD are merely for the purpose of ensuring fair competition and neither certifies that the yacht on which I am competing is safe nor does it relieve me of the sole and exclusive responsibility for my own well being and personal health and safety.
I represent that I am experienced and competent, physically fit and capable of swimming and treading water in full sailing attire and have been instructed in the use and location of all safety equipment aboard the yacht. I am responsible for providing and maintaining my own equipment listed on Appendix A – Required Crew Equipment List.
I certify that each of the foregoing statements and representations are true and accurate and on behalf of myself and my heirs, successors and assigns, hereby release and forever discharge SV NOMAD, owner David Mitchell and his heirs, successors and assigns, the Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race Committee (MHORC), the Race Judges, the Boston Yacht Club, the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, their respective officers and members, employees, volunteers or agents from any and all liability arising out of my participation in this Race and all social events connected therewith, whether such loss is due to property damage, personal injury or loss of life, even if such loss or injury is due to the negligence of any party so released.
I, hereby declare that I have read and understand the ISAF Special Regulations Governing Offshore and Oceanic Racing (OSR).
I, furthermore acknowledge and have agreement with owner of SV NOMAD, David Mitchell, that I will not be held responsible for any damage to third party property or claims that may result from participation of SV NOMAD in the 2011 MHOR. I understand that SV NOMAD is fully insured with liability insurance of $2,000,000.00.
Signed at: ________________ Signature: ____________________
Date: _________________________ Crew Name: ________________________
I hereby acknowledge that the competition in which I have entered as part of crew aboard sailing yacht NOMAD in the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race (hereafter referred to as MHOR) is a dangerous Category 2 ocean race and understand and agree that each member of the crew is solely and totally responsible for their own safety and well being.
I agree to assume all risk of accident, loss of property and personal injury or loss of life as it relates to myself. I also acknowledge that the establishment of any equipment regulations, and/or the inspections of NOMAD are merely for the purpose of ensuring fair competition and neither certifies that the yacht on which I am competing is safe nor does it relieve me of the sole and exclusive responsibility for my own well being and personal health and safety.
I represent that I am experienced and competent, physically fit and capable of swimming and treading water in full sailing attire and have been instructed in the use and location of all safety equipment aboard the yacht. I am responsible for providing and maintaining my own equipment listed on Appendix A – Required Crew Equipment List.
I certify that each of the foregoing statements and representations are true and accurate and on behalf of myself and my heirs, successors and assigns, hereby release and forever discharge SV NOMAD, owner David Mitchell and his heirs, successors and assigns, the Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race Committee (MHORC), the Race Judges, the Boston Yacht Club, the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, their respective officers and members, employees, volunteers or agents from any and all liability arising out of my participation in this Race and all social events connected therewith, whether such loss is due to property damage, personal injury or loss of life, even if such loss or injury is due to the negligence of any party so released.
I, hereby declare that I have read and understand the ISAF Special Regulations Governing Offshore and Oceanic Racing (OSR).
I, furthermore acknowledge and have agreement with owner of SV NOMAD, David Mitchell, that I will not be held responsible for any damage to third party property or claims that may result from participation of SV NOMAD in the 2011 MHOR. I understand that SV NOMAD is fully insured with liability insurance of $2,000,000.00.
Signed at: ________________ Signature: ____________________
Date: _________________________ Crew Name: ________________________
Lacoste 42 - Stability Index
Received stability index ratings from RORC - Royal Ocean Race Committee (UK) of 42 and US Sailing ORC stability index of 126.6.
These groups evaluate the various aspects of a boat's rig, dimensions, sail area and displacement to determine a index that is used to quantify the stability rating of a sailing vessel.
The RORC sets the following minimums for offshore races:
Catagory 3 - near shore races Minimum Stability Index 15
Catagory 2 - 200 - 300 miles offshore ie. Fastnet / Solent Minimum Stability Index of 28
Catagory 1 - 1000 miles offshore ie. Newport to Bermuda Minimum Stability Index of 35
MHOR (Catagory 2) requires a minimum RORC index of 28 and minimum US ORC index of 110.
So NOMAD is good to go!!
These groups evaluate the various aspects of a boat's rig, dimensions, sail area and displacement to determine a index that is used to quantify the stability rating of a sailing vessel.
The RORC sets the following minimums for offshore races:
Catagory 3 - near shore races Minimum Stability Index 15
Catagory 2 - 200 - 300 miles offshore ie. Fastnet / Solent Minimum Stability Index of 28
Catagory 1 - 1000 miles offshore ie. Newport to Bermuda Minimum Stability Index of 35
MHOR (Catagory 2) requires a minimum RORC index of 28 and minimum US ORC index of 110.
So NOMAD is good to go!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Start Line Protocol
You can see from the start line protocol that this is serious stuff. Good to have US and Canadian CG escorts. Lots of VIP boats, spectators etc.
Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race Starting Area Protocol
The US Coast Guard will be represented by a vessel to be determined which will be stationed approximately 600 yards, 150 deg. magnetic from Tinkers Rock Gong Buoy. There will also be additional Coast Guard Vessels TBD monitoring operations. The U.S. Coast Guard has final authority and control of the area. The Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels are under CG command and can be identified by their blue and white ensign. They must be obeyed under all circumstances. Other boats should refer questions and problems to the Race Committee Signal Boat, Carl Alberg.
Canadian Forces.
A Canadian Forces vessel to be determined will represent the Canadian Forces and will be located at the Southeast end of the Starting Line, approximately 0.70 nautical miles (NM), and 150 deg magnetic from Tinkers Rock Gong Buoy.
Race Committee (RC) Vessels
The Race Committee is responsible for layout of the racing area and proper conduct of the start of the race. Race Committee requests must be respected by privileged vessels, spectators and racing competitors.
Boston Yacht Club Signal Boat; Carl A. Alberg Stationed at the signal end of the starting line, approximately 0.60 NM and 150 deg magnetic from Tinkers Rock Gong Buoy. Controls Race Committee operations in the starting area Flies the Race Committee flag, blue field with Red or Black anchor and the letters “RC” and an orange line flag. Communications central for race operations
Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race Starting Area Protocol
The US Coast Guard will be represented by a vessel to be determined which will be stationed approximately 600 yards, 150 deg. magnetic from Tinkers Rock Gong Buoy. There will also be additional Coast Guard Vessels TBD monitoring operations. The U.S. Coast Guard has final authority and control of the area. The Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels are under CG command and can be identified by their blue and white ensign. They must be obeyed under all circumstances. Other boats should refer questions and problems to the Race Committee Signal Boat, Carl Alberg.
Canadian Forces.
A Canadian Forces vessel to be determined will represent the Canadian Forces and will be located at the Southeast end of the Starting Line, approximately 0.70 nautical miles (NM), and 150 deg magnetic from Tinkers Rock Gong Buoy.
Race Committee (RC) Vessels
The Race Committee is responsible for layout of the racing area and proper conduct of the start of the race. Race Committee requests must be respected by privileged vessels, spectators and racing competitors.
Boston Yacht Club Signal Boat; Carl A. Alberg Stationed at the signal end of the starting line, approximately 0.60 NM and 150 deg magnetic from Tinkers Rock Gong Buoy. Controls Race Committee operations in the starting area Flies the Race Committee flag, blue field with Red or Black anchor and the letters “RC” and an orange line flag. Communications central for race operations
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Marblehead B&B
We have B&B booked for 4 nights in Marblehead as Deana and Heather will like this arrangement much better than sharing a berth on the boat with all the guys. We will be staying at Fox Pond B&B with walking trails to Marblehead and Salem! Check it out at www.foxpondbnb.com!
5 mins from BYC.
5 mins from BYC.
RNYC to have 3 boats in MHOR
RNYC will have three boats compete in 2011 MHOR:
Bella J
War Eagle
NOMAD
This is good PR for the club. We will participate at all different levels from Bella J doing PHRF Racing to WAR EAGLE doing DH with his son and me with my new boat NOMAD somewhere in between.
Bella J
War Eagle
NOMAD
This is good PR for the club. We will participate at all different levels from Bella J doing PHRF Racing to WAR EAGLE doing DH with his son and me with my new boat NOMAD somewhere in between.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Safety at Sea Seminar - Mark date in Calender!!
Safety at Sea Seminar - Important!
ISAF/OSR2 requirements stipulate that "At least 30%, but not less than two members, of a crew, including the skipper, shall have undertaken training within the five years before the start of the race." Attend a one/two day-long seminar on safe seamanship, heavy-weather tactics, and boat preparation. See safety-equipment demos and crew-overboard-recovery techniques and participate in "hands-on" training. Pose questions to panels of expert blue water sailors. The Seminar for the 2011 Marblehead to Halifax Race and for the 2011 Marion to Bermuda Race will be held at MIT on March 19 and 20, 2011.
ISAF/OSR2 requirements stipulate that "At least 30%, but not less than two members, of a crew, including the skipper, shall have undertaken training within the five years before the start of the race." Attend a one/two day-long seminar on safe seamanship, heavy-weather tactics, and boat preparation. See safety-equipment demos and crew-overboard-recovery techniques and participate in "hands-on" training. Pose questions to panels of expert blue water sailors. The Seminar for the 2011 Marblehead to Halifax Race and for the 2011 Marion to Bermuda Race will be held at MIT on March 19 and 20, 2011.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Crew safety gear
On the trip from Boston I am requiring each crew member to have:
Life vest
Safety harness
Lanyard
Strobe & whistle for life vest
Personal location Beacon (recommended)
Cold Water Immersion Suit (recommended)
Foul weather gear
Deck shoes and boots
Life vest
Safety harness
Lanyard
Strobe & whistle for life vest
Personal location Beacon (recommended)
Cold Water Immersion Suit (recommended)
Foul weather gear
Deck shoes and boots
Diax2 LP and North 3DL Carbon Jibs
To help push us to windward next summer I have invested in a 155% #1 Diax2 w/carbon LP and 105%#3 North 3DL Carbon headsails. I know call me crazy but I want to make sure we are halfway competitive. This along with a #2 Genoa and 3 spinnakers should get us there.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
NOMAD - Bourne Again!!: 1986 Dufour Lacoste - Boats.com
NOMAD - Bourne Again!!: 1986 Dufour Lacoste - Boats.com: "1986 Dufour Lacoste - Boats.com"
Trip Home - Update in Plan
I have made the decision to compete in the MarbleHead to Halifax Race in July 2011. Given that NOMAD is spending the winter in Boston, MA it's a great opportunity to compete in this world class race as part of NOMAD's (Lacoste 42) maiden voyage to her new home in St. John's, NL, Canada
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