Safety Policy Information & Meteorology Monitoring

Safety Policy

The Organizing Authority for the Swiftsure International Yacht Race promotes a safety culture in its running of the race and to guide skippers and crew who are participating in the race.

Two documents provide guidance to the running of Swiftsure:

• Swiftsure 2024 Meteorology Monitoring Protocol (used before and during the race to monitor wind and sea states and respond to dangerous weather conditions)
• Swiftsure 2024 Safety Policy
• Swiftsure 2024 Marine Safety Overview

 Safety Videos:

• How and When to Heave To (think MOB recovery)
• How to Avoid a Downwind Chinese Gybe by Yachting World
• How to Get out of a Broach by Yachting World
• Safety Materials from the Race to Mackinac (Courtesy of Chicago Yacht Club)

Offshore Personal Survival Course

The Sail Canada – World Sailing Approved Offshore Personal Survival Course is for experienced sailors who are participating in distance and offshore races and passages. The course includes classroom and practical sessions. Topics covered include safety equipment, storm sails, weather forecasts, heavy weather, man overboard, emergency signals and communications. Practical sessions include inflating and using lifejackets and life rafts in a pool environment. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive an Offshore Personal Survival Course certificate, valid for five years.

The Safety Equipment Requirements for the Swiftsure International Yacht Race recommends that at least 30% of those aboard the boat, but not fewer than two members of the crew, unless racing single handed, including the person in charge, shall have attended a half-day, one-day, or two-day Safety at Sea Seminar within the last 5 years, or other courses as accepted by their national authority. The races that start from British Columbia that require a portion of the crew on each yacht to have taken Safety at Sea training include Southern Straits Race (GRANDE, LONG, AND MEDIUM COURSES), the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race, and the Van Isle 360 Yacht Race.

The seminar focuses on safe boating practices and safety equipment. The seminar, designed and conducted by sailor volunteers, all experts in their fields, provide novice and experienced mariners with information and skills required to prepare for sailing offshore, boat preparation, handling heavy weather, recommended safety equipment, and emergencies at sea. For more information, go to this site Safety at Sea.

The Sailing Foundation in Seattle also offers Safety at Sea seminars.  For more information, go to the Sailing Foundation website.