Celerity A2B 2016

Vessel Name: Celerity
Vessel Make/Model: Beneteau 473
Hailing Port: Annapolis, Maryland
24 May 2016 | Annapolis, MD
Recent Blog Posts
24 May 2016 | Annapolis, MD

Boat and Crew Prep

For anyone thinking about a race such as this for the first time - plan early and budget accordingly!

24 May 2016 | Annapolis, MD

Introduction - Celerity - 2016 Annapolis to Bermuda Race

This blog covers the adventures of S/V Celerity, a 2003 Beneteau 473 Sailing sloop and its crew of seven during the 2016 Annapolis to Bermuda Race and cruise back home. The initial posts cover some of the preparation leading up to the race.

Boat and Crew Prep

24 May 2016 | Annapolis, MD
Rick Lober
For anyone thinking about a race such as this for the first time - plan early and budget accordingly!

Preparation for the race started about one year ago and has intensified in terms of time (and money) spent since then.

Crew Prep:

Safety at Sea 2 Day Course, USNA - includes in pool sessions with inflatables and life raft
A2B Navigation and Race Info - 3 sessions
Weather Class
CPR/First Aid for all and Advanced Wilderness First Aid for Russ
Expedition Navigation Software Class for Joe
Online provisioning research for Mike
Monthly meetings to discuss prep
Two monthly prep cruises with man overboard drills and sail changes

Boat Prep:

Must meet 2016 International Safety at Sea (ISAF) requirements for offshore
New uncoated lifelines (white plastic coated lines hide rust)
New inner forestay for strom sails
Heavy Weather jib
Storm Sails (2)
Second set of Nav Lights
Second manual bilge pump
Life Raft Rental
Provisions for steering with loss of rudder (we used a drogue)
Handheld VHF with GPS/DSC
Satellite Phone
Throw ropes, MOB module, Lifesling
Personal PFDs, knifes, flashlights
Screw down all floorboards and heavy item (in event of a roll over)
Secure all storage hatches
Emergency PLB (Position Locating Beacon) - EPIRB
Personal AIS
Grab Bag
Medical Kit with as many scrips that your doctor will write
Secure companionway hatch
Seacock plugs
Spares
Tools
Large Radar Reflector
Charts
Expensive Flares (smoke, parachute, handheld)
Emergency VHF antenna (in case mast comes down)
Hacksaw and bolt cutters (S/A above...)
Rig Inspection
Rudder and Keel Inspection
Fuel Polishing (to clean out tanks)
etc, etc, etc

A great activity for list makers and those that love to buy stuff (and more stuff) on-line.

Passed inspection this past Friday - see pix below of all equipment laid out.

Paperwork:

Customs docs
Bermuda Townhouse Rental for family flying in to meet us
Slip Rental at Bermuda Royal Dinghy Club
Medical info for crew
Liability releases for captain/crew
Offshore Insurance
DHS entry sticker
FCC Ships Radio License
EPIRB registration (don't forget this!)
Iridium Phone Registration, airtime
Float Plan
Watch Schedule
Provisions List

Introduction - Celerity - 2016 Annapolis to Bermuda Race

24 May 2016 | Annapolis, MD
Rick Lober/Early Summer at Last!
This blog covers the adventures of S/V Celerity, a 2003 Beneteau 473 Sailing sloop and its crew of seven during the 2016 Annapolis to Bermuda Race and cruise back home. The initial posts cover some of the preparation leading up to the race.

Crew names and info:

Rick Lober - Skipper, Owner, Organizer - Lic USCG Master 25 Ton w/sailing endorsement
Joe Zebleckes - Navigator, Club Beneteau Commodore - Lic USCG Captain 25 Ton
Russ Matijevich - Weather/Medic, Spa Creek Club Commodore, Celerity Regular Crew
Roger Coney - Mentor, J33 owner, experienced racer, multiple A2B and Newport races
Barton Goldenberg - Crew, Cal 25 owner and local racer, multiple A2B and ChiMac Races
Miguel Moravec - Crew, Vanderbilt Sailing, USNA Sailor, 2014 A2B on Navy 44
Mike Delaney - Provisions - member Spa Creek Club

On the return:

Roger, Barton and Mike are replaced by:

Shane Kilberg - Crew, College of Charleston Offshore Sailing Team
Lee Hertzer - Beneteau 45 owner, Club Beneteau Member
Jessica Zebleckes - Joe's 17 year old daughter


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