Preparing for the Savannah Cup Yacht Race

Preparing for the Savannah Cup Yacht Race: A Detailed Safety Gear Guide

Hello, Charleston Sailors! To those of you actively preparing for the upcoming Savannah Cup Yacht Race this weekend, a special salute. Here at SendIt Sailing, our core principle is “Safety Above All Else,” and we want to ensure you’re well-prepared for what looks to be a unique set of challenges.

Weather Outlook

Forecasts indicate that the NE High-Pressure System will likely create sloppy seas along the racecourse. Concurrently, Hurricane Franklin looms far to the South and East, injecting tropical moisture into the atmosphere. As the high-pressure system shifts south, it could bring some of this moisture northward, affecting the racecourse. While this doesn't guarantee rainfall, it may result in atmospheric instability. With insights from Shea Gibson’s latest weather post, we’re here to help you prepare for a potentially challenging beat to Savannah.

Must-Have Safety Gear

• Offshore PFDs: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are non-negotiable when you're offshore. No sailor should consider venturing out without one. These lifejackets are specifically designed for open sea conditions, offering buoyancy and visibility features that can be lifesavers.
• Safety Tethers and Jacklines: These items are your lifelines—literally. The safety tether ensures that you are securely fastened to the yacht at all times, preventing man-overboard situations. Jacklines are the ropes or wires laid from the bow to the stern, giving you something to clip your tether to.
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs): These compact devices can send out a distress signal, complete with your location, to rescue services in case of an emergency. Don’t even think about leaving the harbor without one.

Would you skip any of these items? If in doubt, consult your family before setting sail and see what they have to say.

Communication Essentials

• VHF Radios: Test your VHF radio thoroughly before heading out. A VHF radio is vital for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications.
• AIS System: With Charleston and Savannah being bustling ports, Automatic Identification System (AIS) installation can significantly improve your visibility to large vessels. This is particularly crucial in inclement weather when container ships may have extended waiting times before entering the harbor.
• Radar Reflectors: Enhance your boat's visibility on other vessels' radar screens with a solid radar reflector.

The Perfect Ditch Bag

Your emergency ‘ditch bag’ should be well-prepared and within easy reach. Here's what we recommend:

• Handheld VHF: A portable communication device that can be your lifeline if the main system fails.
• Handheld GPS: Essential if your VHF is not GPS-enabled. It will help rescuers pinpoint your location.
• Spare Water: Dehydration is a serious concern, especially in stressful situations. Include enough water to last you at least 48 hours.
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): Yes, another one, because you can't put a price on safety.
• ResQFlare: An electronic flare that can signal for help over long distances, vastly superior to traditional pyrotechnic flares.
• Medical Kit: Stock it with basics like antiseptics, bandages, pain relievers, and any essential prescription medications.

You can also refer to the list of items suggested for a Nearshore Race by the U.S. Sailing Association: Nearshore Race Recommended Gear List.

Conclusion

We are united by our shared love for this thrilling yet demanding sport. Offshore sailing, in particular, holds a special place in all our hearts. While the thrill of the race is irresistible, let's pledge to prioritize safety.

Order any of these essential items within 24 hours of this posting to ensure you have them in time for the race. Wishing you an exhilarating experience at the Savannah Cup Yacht Race—sail fast, but more importantly, come home safe!

Safe sailing to all!

SendIt Sailing Team