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
Really nice raft. I've only dealt with the bigger commercial ones which aren't as fancy as this one. By the way, no liferaft is self-righting - this in only acheivable by a watertight enclosure, such as a fully enclosed lifeboat, and then it's only acheivable if all of the hatches are closed and everyone is buckled it. If a liferaft inflates upside down and full of water, someone has to right it.
ReplyDeleteInterested comment on self righting, makes sense though. I will be talking to Winslow Inc in Florida this week and will ask them what they mean by the "self righting" ability.
ReplyDeleteThe Winslow got good reviews in Practical Sailor all the same. We don't see to many true offshore life rafts around as most people have the coastal version which is all we need.
Pierre told me he spent 7 days alone in a life raft 600 kt miles from Azores, so he said get the best one you can get. The handheld watermaker is definitely required according to him for any longer distance stuff, not for MHOR.