Sailors who want to take part in the next editions of either the Newport-Bermuda Race or the Marion-Bermuda Race are being urged to take advantage of a chance next month to acquire the safety qualification that a third of each crew will need.

On the weekend of February 2 and 3, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club will host a US Sailing-sanctioned Safety at Sea seminar on Saturday and two International Sailing Federation (ISAF)-approved "hands-on" sessions, to run concurrently on Sunday.

Space is still available for both days. Sailors who attend the Saturday course will receive the US Sailing course certificates are now required for many offshore events, including the Newport Bermuda Race that starts on June 20 this year and the Marion Bermuda Race, to be held in June 2009.

Attending both the Saturday and Sunday sessions gives a person the "pass" certificate for the 'ISAF-approved Offshore Personal Survival Course' required for many Cat 0 1 and 2 races. Skippers and crew of all vessels that venture offshore are invited.

Islanders may register quickly by downloading the form and returning the completed form and payment directly to the RBYC.

Registration is also at http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Seminars/index_new.asp

The Saturday seminar content is focused on participants in the 2008 Newport Bermuda Race.

A minimum of 30 percent of all Newport-Bermuda crew members, including at least two two of the captain, navigator, port and starboard watch captains are required to have attended a sanctioned Safety-at-Sea seminar within three years prior to the start of the race.

For Double-Handed Division yachts, both crewmembers shall meet this requirement.