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Declaration of Seaworthiness
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This declaration was developed after much careful thought and has been in use since 2009:

All 2021 Hermit Island Rally participants:


Friends, we are planning to embark upon a week-long rally entailing open water sailing.  At times the protection of a safe harbor will not be close by.  Based upon past experience, at some point we can expect to encounter rough conditions.  Thunderstorms are possible on the Bay at this time of year.  They develop quickly and unexpectedly, and are often violent.  Therefore, it is of utmost importance that your boat be in top condition and properly fitted out for this rally.  As well, you (Captain and crew) need to be prepared to act in a variety of conditions:

The ability to reef your main and jib plus ability to heave to are two important safety procedures you should be familiar with.  Some experienced sailors will demonstrate these and other procedures at the rally, if and as requested.  


Each morning of the rally , we will meet in a Captains' meeting to exchange information on the weather and other sailing conditions.  With this information, we will plan that day’s sail.  There could be 25 boats in the fleet. The captain and crew of each boat will decide if they are participating in that day’s sail and advise the group of their plans.  It is common that crews change boats for part or all of the day’s sail.

Buddies: Each participating team will be expected to buddy up with at least one of the other teams sailing to their destination. Buddies will be expected to remain in fairly close visual contact with their buddies and within five minutes' sailing time of their buddy or buddies at all times. The buddy arrangement will be discussed at the first captains' meeting. 

We respect your rights and responsibility for your boat as its Captain.  However, we will be sailing as a group to which you will also have a duty. Thus, we need your agreement with the declaration below. 

Thank you for your co-operation on this matter.

Tom Graefe  W9668

  




 


DECLARATION

I am satisfied that the buoyancy within my boat meets the required standard for a Wayfarer buoyancy certificate. Further, I have checked, and am satisfied that the boat and all its fittings are seaworthy.  My crew and I will be sailing with adequate weatherproof clothing and personal buoyancy.  I will be fully insured to cover damage to other craft and personal liability.  Whilst I appreciate that every effort will be made to ensure everyone’s safety, I understand that ultimately, I alone am responsible for deciding whether or not my abilities are sufficient to allow me to go out or stay out on the water at any given time during this rally.  In matters of safety, I will err on the side of caution, and I recognize that I will be sailing entirely at my own risk.
 
I AGREE WITH THE DECLARATION: ___________________________________________________________ 
                                                                (your full name; boat number; address)

Emergency Contact:  __________________________________________________

You can confirm your agreement by emailing Tom here and sending him the following message and information: 
I AGREE WITH THE DECLARATION; your full name; your boat number; your address.  In addition, please provide an emergency contact name and phone number.