Sailing in St Barth Not An Easy Business (video)

Sailing in St Barth, Not An Easy Business (video)

Les Voiles De St Barth Richard Mille 10th Edition, 14-20 April 2019:  danger, shifting winds, reef and rocks!

Official webite: lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com

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St. Barth's Bucket Regatta 2019, March 21-24

Best of St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2018

A look back at highlights of last year's regatta.

The St Barths Bucket Regatta 2019 will be held 21 - 24 March. Inouï, Missy, Ningaloo (ex. Lady B), Bella Ragazza and our refit Hetairos will be competing during this year’s edition. We will be rooting for our ladies to do well in the Caribbean sun! #bucketregatta pic.twitter.com/Zbj8G2MVd5

— Vitters Shipyard (@VittersShipyard) March 14, 2019

• Official website: bucketregatta.com  

• Results: bucketregatta.com/results/2019-results/

• Tracking: tractrac.com

• Twitter: #BucketRegatta

The beautiful island of #StBarths plays host to the #BucketRegatta next week, where Perseus 3 will race alongside more than 35 other #superyacht.
This film by @BreedMedia of the 2018 event captures island life perfectly. Enjoy! https://t.co/XWZBlHIhGk

— Perseus 3 (@SYPerseus3) March 12, 2019

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2019 RORC Caribbean 600 Recap Video

2019 RORC Caribbean 600 Recap Video

The 11th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 attracted 76 teams from 21 countries and crews from six continents. The highly diverse fleet were challenged by the tough conditions and captivated by the beauty of a stunning race course. The non-stop 600 mile race around 11 Caribbean islands is unique and very much on the bucket-list of any offshore sailor.

“All the classes had amazing competition and many finished the race just minutes apart, especially in the battle between Maserati and Argo, and the Class40s,” commented RORC CEO Eddie Warden Owen. “There were a lot of new boats and faces at this edition and the quality of the fleet and sailors continues to impress every year. The weather served up classic trade wind conditions which makes the race a challenge, but also a fast and exciting one.”

For the 2019 edition, David and Peter Askew's Wizard (USA) is the first Volvo 70 to win the race and the eighth team from the USA to lift the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy.

“Awesome,” commented David Askew. “This is the first time we have done this race and to win it overall is beyond our wildest possible dreams. I really can't believe it.”

“Wizard planing at 25 knots - that is what makes this race so great and there is always something going on around these beautiful islands. This is the first time I have been to Antigua and the welcome has been phenomenal,” added Peter Askew.

Maserati Multi 70 skippered by Giovanni Soldini (ITA) crossed the finish line of the RORC Caribbean 600 in an elapsed time of 1 day, 06 hours 49 minutes and 00 seconds, taking Multihull Line honours and setting a new Multihull Race Record.

RORC video above published Feb 25, 2019. See also 2019 RORC Caribbean 600 Race, Antigua Start Feb 18, LIVE Feed.

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2019 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Race Day 2 Video

2019 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Race Day 2

2019 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Race Day 2 Video - Around the Island Race March 1, 2019

• Regatta website: heinekenregatta.com 

• Twitter: @sxmheineken

• Results: https://regattaguru.com/heineken/100268/results

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39th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta - Ineffable (video)

39th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta - Ineffable

Ineffable is Rapido 60 catamaran, owned by Hong Kong based sailor Stephen Glyn Bourne.  Measuring 60 foot, weighing 9.5 tons, this stunning boat not only looks beautiful, but she is also an awesome performer.  Regularly achieving speeds of over 15 knots upwind, her performance at the 39th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was outstanding coming second in her class.  She won the Port St Martin prize for the fastest boat in the Round the Island race, taking just 2 hours and 27 minutes. St. Maarten Heineken Regatta video above published Mar 8, 2019.

39th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Feb 28 - March 3, 2019
Regatta website: heinekenregatta.com  Twitter: @sxmheineken

Results: https://regattaguru.com/heineken/100268/results

Another shot from the last day of the 39th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta which was sailed in near perfect Trade Wind conditions. @sxmheineken @caribsail pic.twitter.com/StoagVndXs

— Gary E. Brown (@oceanmedia) March 4, 2019

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Antigua Sailing Week, Caribbean Sailing Regatta April 28-May 4

2018 Antigua Sailing Week Highlights Video

Antigua Sailing Week Video published May 5, 2018

Johnnie Walker Race Day 4 (video)--Antigua Sailing Week update May 3, 2018--The Johnnie Walker Race Day Prize Giving was held in Nelson's Dockyard following racing and Amy & Layla, collectively known as the Marshians played into the evening on the main stage, with the Copper and Lumber Store historic Inn providing fine dining in the form of Seafood Thursday.

Across the 13 classes competing, leaders are emerging, and with the likelihood of just one race tomorrow, several classes are all but decided. Peter Harrison's British superyacht Sojana and Jonty and Vicky Layfield's Antiguan Swan 48 Sleeper X, remain unbeaten.

Fever-Tree Race Day 2018

AntiguaSW video above published Apr 30, 2018: Blasting into Fever-Tree Race Day!

Strong trade winds continued for Fever-Tree Race Day at Antigua Sailing Week where the rodeo ride upwind was rewarded with double-digit boat speed downwind, blasting through warm Caribbean surf. Sailors from 37 different countries have come to Antigua Sailing Week for the legendary sailing conditions and for the second day in a row, that was delivered in aces. Video by Acqua Films Antigua©

2018 English Harbour Rum Race Day

AntiguaSWVideo published Apr 29, 2018: Mother Nature delivered fantastic conditions for the first day of the 51st edition of Antigua Sailing Week. English Harbour Rum Race Day was spicy, packing a real punch. With 20 knots of breeze and a building sea state, the 116 teams that took to the combat zone revelled in fast conditions drenched in sparkling sunshine.

See the Peters & May Round Antigua Race 2018 and other Antigua Sailing Week 2018 videos here.

Antigua Sailing Week, Caribbean Sailing Regatta, April 28 - May 4 LIVE Feed:
Tweets by SailingWeek
Website: http://www.sailingweek.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SailingWeek/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/antiguasailingweek
https://www.youtube.com/user/AntiguaSWVideo/videos
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sailingweekanu
#antiguasailingweek #ASW51 #Y2K

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Les Voiles de St. Barth 9th Edition, 8-14 April 2018, LIVE Feed

Les Voiles de St Barth 2018 video recap

Final results:

Final Day of racing in epic conditions

Les Voiles de St. Barth video above published Apr 14, 2018

Day 4 at les Voiles de St Barth

Les Voiles de St. Barth video above published Apr 14, 2018: Day 4 : Samantaga, an amateur crew competiting and having fun at les Voiles de St Barth. See also the Day Off video and day three video, race day two: Grinders, Tacticians, Bowmen, and first day of racing

Ready To Launch for the 9th edition

Les Voiles de St. Barth video published Apr 9, 2018: François Tolede, Organizer of Les Voiles de St. Barth; Alessandra Sublet, Marraine 2018; Jimmy Buffett, 2018 Godfather. See also special video message from Jimmy Buffett for all the sailors in the world re: Les Voiles de St. Barth, published Feb 15, 2018.

Also note:

• Jimmy Buffett’s Support Helps St. Barts Move Forward | The New York Times

• Yacht Race Helps St. Barts Heal from Irma | The New York Times

• Hurricane Irma’s Vast Destruction in the Caribbean, Building by Building | The New York Times

• Richard Mille, St. Barth, Watches and Racing Yachts | The New York Times

Went out on the sea for adventure pic.twitter.com/H07YL726Fo

— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) April 4, 2018

Official website: www.lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com and regatta results.

LIVE Twitter Feed:
Tweets by LVDSBtwit
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2018 RORC Caribbean 600, Antigua Start Feb 19 Video, LIVE Feed

2018 RORC Caribbean 600 - Wrap up film

RORC video above published Feb 27, 2018: The RORC Caribbean 600 has grown up to become a 'must do' offshore classic. The 2018 race celebrated its tenth anniversary and the 600-mile race around 11 Caribbean islands is on the bucket list of any serious offshore sailor. This year, any remanence of its stature as a Caribbean cruise was totally extinguished. 25 knots of solid trade winds with gusty squalls and a confused sea state delivered a challenge to over 800 sailors from six different continents. The 2018 edition of the race was the coming of age of the RORC Caribbean 600. 84 starters, 41 finishers, 43 retirees.

RORC Caribbean 600 2018 - First Finishers (video)

RORC video above published Feb 23, 2018--10th Edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 - First Finishers: "We're delighted to have won overall in IRC Rating​ and better yet to have broken our own record at the same time.” - George David, Rambler 88, winner of the 2018 RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy.

George David's American Maxi Rambler 88 has won the 2018 RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy, scoring the best corrected time under IRC. Rambler 88 revelled in the heavy airs race, setting a new monohull race record and by winning IRC Zero, completed a hatrick of trophies. Rambler 88 scorched around the track in an elapsed time of 37 hours 41 minutes and 45 seconds, beating the record set by George David's Rambler 100 in 2011 by nearly three hours. On hearing the result, George David commented: "In ten years the '600 has gone from a handful of boats in its first edition, to 84 on its tenth anniversary. It's a great race all around; congratulations to the RORC and everyone involved. We're delighted to have won overall in IRC and better yet, to have broken our own record at the same time."  

Start of the 10th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 - Record fleet sets off on record pace

RORC video above published Feb 19, 2018: A record 84 yachts started the 2018 RORC Caribbean 600 in Antigua on Monday 19th February. - the largest fleet in the ten-year history of the race. The impressive armada set off in unstable conditions with squalls producing a wind range of over 20 knots, and as little as 10, with some big shifts in direction. High seas and strong trade winds are expected for the race, with the anticipation of record breaking pace.

UPDATE: Royal Ocean Racing Club: "Race Rambler 88 breaks RORC Caribbean 600 Monohull Record--George David's American Maxi Rambler 88 set a new monohull race record in an elapsed time of 1 day 13 hours 41 minutes and 45 seconds."

All 2018 RORC Caribbean 600 Results: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Results/

2018 RORC Caribbean 600 - Race Preview

RORC video above published Feb 19, 2018: 2018 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Preview.

88 yachts are about to embark on the 10th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600, including some of the world's best-known racing teams. A record-breaking fleet, alongside record-breaking weather...

Royal Ocean Racing Club - How to follow the 2018 RORC Caribbean 600: A record fleet of yachts from around the world will start the 10th edition of the 2018 RORC Caribbean 600 from Antigua on Monday 19th February.

Start times: 1100: IRC 2, 3 & CSA, 1110: IRC 1 & Class40, 1120: IRC Zero & Superyacht, 1130: Multihull.

2018 RORC Caribbean 600 Wouter Verbraak walks the course

RORC video above published Feb 15, 2018: Sevenstar Racing Yacht Logistics Division is headed by Wouter Verbraak, a world leading professional sailor who knows the ins and outs of running a top racing team. He has vast experience in the offshore racing arena and has won many of the world’s biggest sailing races with his strategic skills and team approach.

RACE MINISITE: For all the latest news from the race, blogs from the boats, video and photos, to track the fleet or join the virtual race, please go to the race website: http://caribbean600.rorc.org

FLEET TRACKER: All yachts in the race will be fitted with a YB Tracker

VIRTUAL REGATTA: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4865
If you cannot escape the office for sunshine and 28 degree warm water, then enter the Virtual Regatta race from the comfort of your armchair!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Regular updates, images, video and audio will bring the race alive:

• Twitter: Follow @rorcracing (embed below)
• Race hashtag: #Caribbean600 #rorcc600
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorcracing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalOceanRacingClub

Tweets by RORCRacing

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50th Edition of Antigua Sailing Week, April 29 - May 5, 2017

50th Edition of Antigua Sailing Week, April 29 - May 5, 2017

The ultimate Caribbean regatta to attend in 2017--great conditions make for great competition and an atmosphere of fun and entertainment.

• Event Schedule 2017 – Antigua Sailing Week
• The 2017 entry list can be viewed here

The 50th edition of Antigua Sailing Week will commence with the Peters & May Round Antigua Race on Saturday April 29, 2017. Following that will be five days of competitive racing off the rugged south coast of Antigua, which will wrap up on Friday May 5, 2017. Antigua Sailing Week is considered one of the Caribbean's most prestigious regattas with more than 100 yachts participating annually and in 2017 will celebrate its 50th edition in style."

Tweets by SailingWeek
The inaugural Antigua to Bermuda Race will start from Antigua on Friday May 12, 2017. For more information visit http://www.antiguabermuda.com

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Sailing Regatta: Les Voiles de St Barth 2017, April 10-15 (video)

Final Day and Prize Giving

Apr 15, 2017: Les Voiles de St. Barth

Light breeze condition 3rd day of Race (Friday):

Above: Les Voiles de St. Barth - 3rd day of race, Friday, April 14, 2017

Les Voiles de St. Barth - Second day of Race:

Big Boat vs Small Boat - Sailors Weigh In: Les Voiles de St. Barth - Second day of Race
Wednesday, April 12, 2017

UPDATE: Les Voiles de St Barth 2017 - First day of Race

Les Voiles de St Barth 2017 Results

 Welcome to Les Voiles de St Barth 2017 !

Video above published Apr 10, 2017: Les Voiles de St Barth - 8ème édition - 10-15 avril 2017

Les Voiles de St. Barth - 8th edition, April 10-15, 2017 - www.lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com
Tweets by LVDSBtwit

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The World Sailing Show, April 2017 Video

The World Sailing Show - April 2017 - PART 1

Video above published on Mar 26, 2017, by World Sailing:
01:03 - Going overboard – Conrad Colman’s shocking secret
One of THE stories of 2017 - Conrad Colman's candid description of his battle to get around the world and how he nearly lost his life in the process.

The World Sailing Show - April 2017 - PART 2

Video above published Mar 26, 2017, by World Sailing: 00:05 - Miami T-bone – A tough opening day at the TP52 Super Series 00:45 - Lifting the lid on the new America’s Cup class 05:14 - Sailing Arabia The Tour 06:07 - Why the Finn is still such a big draw 08:04 - How the Caribbean 600 played out We lift the lid on the new America's Cup class boats to reveal the similarities and differences with teams' test boats. That and plenty more, including a T-bone that will make you wince, an offshore race in the Caribbean that will make you envious and a single-hander that might make you want to dig out your hiking pants.

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BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, March 27-April 2 (video)

BVI Spring Regatta 2017 - Sunday

Apr 2, 2017: Race Day 3. The final day brought light breeze and the fleets got only one race off before the wind died down completely.

BVI Spring Regatta 2017 - Saturday

Published Apr 2, 2017: Day 2 video includes sweeping views of the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Sea. Follow the Bareboat fleet out around some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

2017 BVI Spring Regatta on Yacht Scoring--2017 BVI Spring Regatta Final Cumulative Results

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival 2017 Promo

The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival has the best of all worlds: weather, competition, parties, culture.

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival: "The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is one of the largest regattas in the Caribbean. The aqua waters around the British Virgin Islands in the northern Caribbean, attracts over 100 yachts and sailors, friends and families from around the world. The pride of excellence of a well organized regatta, with international race officers and experienced committee members to ensure the best racing in the world. With 18 classes and three race areas allows all participants exclusive races depending on wind, waters and conditions. Racing in three bodies of water; the main Sir Francis Drake Channel, the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by over 60 islands, give the race committee a variety of windward/leewards and around island races to choose from."

Tweets by springregatta


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2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Wrap Up Video, Maserati Multi70 Video

2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race - Wrap Up Video:

Video above published Feb 27, 2017: The 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 started in magnificent conditions with the largest ever offshore fleet assembled in the Caribbean enjoying sparkling conditions. Close to 900 sailors from 30 different nations competed in the 9th edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's classic offshore race. Olympic medallists, America's Cup winners and round the world sailors competed alongside passionate corinthians on the same 600 mile race course around 11 Caribbean islands, starting and finishing in Antigua. The 2017 edition will be remembered for highly competitive racing throughout the fleet, with American yachts winning the major prizes. The race was affected by unusual weather conditions, with a low pressure system sending the wind direction spinning through 360º of the compass.

Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start

Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start | AutoMotoTV

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2017 RORC Caribbean 600, Top 20 Provisional Results, Sailing Video

2017 RORC Caribbean 600  in Antigua and Barbuda:

Video above published Feb 23, 2017: A video compilation of the RORC CARIBBEAN 600 2017 in Antigua and Barbuda. Song by : Christopher Cross - Sailing

2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Start Images - Tim Wright. ©
. . .
Full album: https://t.co/hocSmGAa33 pic.twitter.com/dbvLnusvC8

— RORC (@RORCRacing) February 23, 2017

Top 20--RORC Caribbean 600 - IRC Overall Provisional Results
RORC Caribbean 600 | Start: Mon 20 Feb 17--all results here.

More info: caribbean600.rorc.org

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2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race, First Finishers Sailing Video

2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race - First finishers video:

Video above published Feb 24, 2017

*NEWSFLASH*
. . .
News Flash - Bella Mente wins 2017 RORC Caribbean 600.
. . .
Full story via: https://t.co/c3012C3baY pic.twitter.com/MDUPsGCz7O

— RORC (@RORCRacing) February 24, 2017

Bella Mente - Winner of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600.
. . .#rorcrc600 pic.twitter.com/Y15dLADSl0

— RORC (@RORCRacing) February 24, 2017

More info:  JohnTheCrowd | Sailing News: 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Starts in Antigua, Feb 20 and caribbean600.rorc.org

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2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Start Highlights, Sailing News & Video

2017 RORC Caribbean 600 - Start highlights

Video above published Feb 20, 2017

2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race preview:

Video above published Feb 19, 2017

More on the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 here: JohnTheCrowd.com | 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Starts in Antigua, Feb 20

Other sailing news:

World's largest sailing yacht impounded in Gibraltar | Business | TheGuardian.com: "Taller than Big Ben and longer than 13 London buses, billionaire Russian’s €400m luxury vessel kept in dock over unpaid bills to shipbuilder."

• Exclusive: Sailing Yacht A released after Gibraltar arrest - Boat International
• Russian billionaire's $500m superboat impounded - NEWS.com.au
• Sailing Yacht A released by Gibraltar courts - Yacht Harbour

Three Sailing Rule Changes for 2017
Sailing World
Three rules are changed in sensible ways to promote safety, fairness and simplicity.

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Volvo Ocean Race, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sailing Videos

'You can't buy time' | Volvo Ocean Race

Video above published Feb 20, 2017: With the Boatyard re-fit process well underway, the start line is getting ever closer – and the pressure on the team in the facility is growing.

The Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 will begin on Sunday, October 22, 2017, in Alicante, Spain, when the teams set out to complete a total of 45,000 nautical miles of offshore racing, over a course that takes in 11 landmark cities in five continents over eight months.

Pirates in the city! | Volvo Ocean Race

Since 2011, the Volvo Ocean Race sailboat sailed by Pirates of the Caribbean, 'The Black Pearl', has stood proudly outside of the Race HQ and Museum in Alicante, Spain. Now, it's time for a change - the boat is moving into the heart of the city. It's a huge logistical challenge, which requires a team of engineers to work day and night. Video above published Dec 15, 2016

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2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Starts in Antigua, Feb 20

2016 RORC Caribbean 600 wrap up film:

Video above published Feb 29, 2016: 70 Boats from, 30 Different countries, 600 Nautical Miles, 11 Caribbean Islands--1 Amazing Race--The 2016 RORC Caribbean 600 started from Antigua on Monday 22nd February 2016. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth's, finishing back in Antigua.

RORC Caribbean 600

RORC Caribbean 600
Organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua Yacht Club
Start: Antigua, West Indies - Monday 20 February 2017
Course: 600nm non-stop around 11 Caribbean Islands
Overall winner from the 2016 race - George Sakellaris' Maxi 72, Proteus

Record entry for RORC Caribbean 600
A fleet of over 80 yachts is expected for the ninth edition of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 in which 900 sailors from 30 different nations will race non-stop around 11 Caribbean islands, starting and finishing in Antigua. Passionate corinthians will be rubbing shoulders with Olympic medallists, America's Cup winners and round the world sailors in a race to take home the coveted RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy. The 600 mile course is designed to offer a tactical, high speed race with stunning vistas at every corner.

Official website: caribbean600.rorc.org
Latest Entry Lists: here (pdf)

"The RORC Caribbean 600 is very different to the other 600 mile races and definitely not a holiday race in the Caribbean," commented RORC Racing Manager, Nick Elliott. "The race has many tactical legs with land effects and wind-driven currents which are both difficult to predict. The heat of the day and the long nights are also unusual features for an offshore race making it every bit as challenging as the Rolex Fastnet Race, and just as exciting. It is interesting to note that the records for the Rolex Fastnet Race and the RORC Caribbean 600 are very similar."

Featuring a magnificent collection of yachts, an incredibly varied fleet will be racing under the IRC, CSA and MOCRA rating systems, as well as Class40s racing under class rules. Rambler 88, Phaedo3 and Maserati will be gunning for course records, however, the winner of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy will be decided by the yacht with the best corrected time under IRC.
#rorcrc600 Tweets
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US Coast Guard Tropical Wave Warning To Mariners, Puerto Rico, USVI

UPDATE August 25, 2016: "The Coast Guard set port condition whiskey (pdf) for Port Miami, Miami River, Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach, Port of Ft. Pierce and all other South Florida terminals and facilities at 4 p.m. Thursday due to the expectation sustained gale force winds generated by Invest 99L may arrive within 72 hours. These ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while whiskey remains in effect. Sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are possible within 72 hours. Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum.  All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port. Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the Captain of the Port, Coast Guard Sector Miami at (305) 535-4472, to receive permission to do so and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing.  Vessels bound for South Florida unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination." Read more here. See also: Coast Guard urges boaters to prepare for impending severe weather.

Satellite View: GOES-East - IR Rainbow (30 minute updates)

U.S. Coast Guard press release - August 24, 2016 7:32:46 AM PDT: The U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners, recreational boaters, swimmers, surfers and the general public in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Wednesday to remain vigilant, exercise good judgment and make any preparations in anticipation to an incoming tropical wave.

"We advise citizens and boaters to make preparations and monitor official weather updates as this tropical wave moves through the area," said Capt. Robert Warren, Sector San Juan commander and Captain of the Port San Juan. "Swimmers, recreational boaters and the general public should exercise caution and stay away from shoreline rocks until weather and surf conditions normalize. We will continue to monitor the winds and sea conditions in our area of responsibility."

The Coast Guard requests that the public not call Coast Guard facilities for weather information, but that they listen to weather broadcasts and track internet updates through: 

• http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/; 
• http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&fdays=2
• See also: NHC Marine Forecasts & Analyses

"Mariners should avoid unnecessary risk and use extreme caution if heading out on the water," said Capt. Megan Dean, Sector Miami Commander. "Remember to remove your EPIRB from your vessel if the vessel will not be in use. EPRIBs left aboard vessels, with no one aboard, often get activated and result in a false alert. False alerts can cause a delay in Coast Guard search and rescue operations."

Here are a few tips to help mariners protect themselves, their families and their vessels:

• Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat if you know a storm is approaching.
• Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing your vessel.
• Marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat.
• Take action now. The effects of a storm can be felt well in advance, and bridge schedules can and often shift from their normal operating schedule. Check with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area.
• When removing your EPIRB from your vessel, ensure it does not inadvertently activate which could signal a false alert. Furthermore, once the severe weather has passed, mariners are reminded to ensure the EPIRB devices are placed back on their vessels prior to the vessel's next use.
• Do not rush to your boat. Boaters should not place themselves in danger to get to a boat.
• Do not try to board a partially sunken boat. Seek salvage assistance from a professional. Storms move quickly and are unpredictable.

See also:

• The peak of the hurricane season – why now? | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: From mid-August through mid-October, the activity spikes, accounting for 78 percent of the tropical storm days, 87 percent of the category 1 and 2 hurricane days (Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale), and a whopping 96 percent of the major (category 3, 4 and 5) hurricane days.
• JohnTheCrowd | Sailing News: NOAA's Revised Atlantic Hurricane Forecast, Are You Prepared? (video)
• JohnTheCrowd | Sailing News: 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season, NOAA Outlook, Preparedness (videos)

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BVI Spring Regatta 2016, Friday & Saturday, Sailing Videos

BVI Spring Regatta 2016 - Friday:

Nanny Cay on Tortola hosts the BVI Spring Regatta. In its 45th Anniversary, Friday brought stormy seas, but what sailor really minds getting wet? - Published April 1, 2016

BVI Spring Regatta 2016 - Saturday: 

Meet the governor of the British Virgin Islands as he rings in day two of racing. The CSA Racers got the island hopping tour around the scenic Caribbean. Published on April 2, 2016

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