Hi Todd, We rushed a bit to get that 15 page document out and knew we would be making some changes/corrections. Only one cell phone and one VHF per boat and neither needs to be carried on person. The primary reason for cell phone is to notify us if you are pulling out of the race or need help along the shore.
Also only ONE Spot may be used instead of EPIRB on person. We want each boat to have someone with access to an EPIRB at all times. Our recomenation is to have one EPIRB per person and one Spot on boat. A few sailors requested this change to keep costs down. They already have the units and feel comfortable using them.
Personally I think the SPOTs are critical because it would allow us to see if a boat is potentially having issues and possibly help dispatch non emergency help whether it be another team that finished or local friends with boats. There is also a rare situation where a sailor could be knocked out and he could still be found.
As far as having a VHF "On Person". It is up to each sailor to carry safety equipment they feel comfortable and safe carrying. All we can do is set minimum requirements that we feel are the best mix in keeping people safe.
While making these decisions Warren met with a retired Coast Guard Commander that he is friends with and below is the commander's reply:
Quote
There is no Coast Guard requirement for any device to be carried for electronic notification of the Coast Guard or anyone else for any boat on the seas. Your action to require a device is above and beyond requirements but is an outstanding safety method for hampered or injured sailors.
His only question was to verify that the SPOT unit worked via satellite, which it does.
We should have the Sailing Instructions updated by end of the day.
