Bermuda Ocean Race slates seminar Feb. 11 at new location

by Linda Hughes on 16 Jan 2012 Those who have entered or are contemplating the Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR) should be aware that organizers are hosting a navigation seminar 'Navigation Know-How: Combining Sense with Technology' at the Eastport Volunteer Fire Department located at 914 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis on Saturday, February 11 from 9am-12pm.

'This seminar will focus on navigating your way to Bermuda via the busy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, crossing the sometimes devious Gulf Stream and avoiding the treacherous reefs encircling Bermuda,' said chair, Mary Ann DeGraw. 'We’ll also review the latest in electronics as well as required and allowed electronics.'

Headline speaker is Kurt Lowman, a veteran ocean racer for more than 40 years and winning navigator of Donnybrook, a Custom 72. He also served as communications coordinator and team photographer for Chessie Racing, one of the nine 1997-98 Whitbread Round-the-World boats participating in a 32,000 mile race which was thought to be the ultimate test of extreme sailing.

Tarry Lomax, a blue water sailor in more than a dozen ocean races, will also participate in the seminar. He served as navigator aboard Raider in the 2008 BOR setting a new record for the fastest time. Lomax and Lowman have competed head-to-head in a number of ocean races.

This featured seminar, the fourth in the series, is free and open to the public. The seminars are often standing-room only. Advanced registration is required. Contact  Kristy Goode: annapolisevents@bermudaoceanrace.com or ring 410-570-9710. In the event of bad weather, check the Bermuda Ocean Race website or Facebook/Bermuda Ocean Race 2012.

Mark your calendars for the BOR’s 5th seminar: Offshore Vessel Preparation, Sat., March 24, noon- 4 p.m. at the Eastport Volunteer Fire Department, 914 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis. Dave Abt, president of Marine Rescue & Tactical Survival, LLC, will discuss how best to prepare your boat and crew. Emergencies at Sea and BOR required safety items will also be reviewed. After, there will be a reception for skippers and crew who are officially registered in the BOR.

The BOR begins in Annapolis June 8, 2012 and finishes 753 nautical miles later in Bermuda. The competition welcomes racing veterans, first timers and cruisers. It’s open to any single- or multi-hulled sailing yacht 28- feet length overall or greater. There will be spinnaker, non-spinnaker, double-handed and one-design classes. There will also be a separate demonstration class for the Mini 6.5s.

If you want to be on the start line for the BOR, the entry fee is $950. Entries may be made online. Final entry deadline is May 1, 2012.