My first Marion Bermuda Race

by Anne Kolker, WindCheck magazine
Having asked many sailors if they would be my crew for a Marion Bermuda Race, I was often told that they were uncomfortable to lose sight of land. My reply has always been that I am much more uncomfortable to be along a shoreline in the fog. Of course, I have lots of electronic equipment to help me know my position and to find other boats or ships that might be in my vicinity. So, fog isn’t quite as challenging as it might have been before such equipment was readily available.

Long before GPS, AIS and radar were commonplace, mariners of all sorts have left the shores to cross bodies of water large and small. It just requires navigation skills and a willingness to seek adventure. The thrill of watching sunrise, sunset, emergence of stars or a developing weather front as you stand watch on the open ocean must be experienced because words are insufficient.

Adventure and growth of many skills is exactly what you get when doing an offshore race or passage. Weather forecasts are reliable for a day or two out at best. Current tables or Gulf Stream charts allow you to attempt to take advantage of favorable currents and avoid negative impact. Since you can’t stop along the way as if it were a road trip, you must take stock of all supplies you might need and be prepared. – Full report