A US Sailing investigative report on a recent MOB (man overboard) fatality in Monterey Bay California, involving a Moore 24 during a buoy race in March 2019, was recently published. In the interest of promoting safety, we urge skippers and all sailors to read the report.
Among the findings is that the inflatable PFD (personal flotation device), determined to be purchased about 2003, did not inflate. There is speculation as to the reason; however, it was discarded by the Coast Guard and not available for inspection, therefore a cause of non-inflation cannot be proven. Other findings and recommendations within the report provide valuable information for avoiding accidents and improving preparedness.
If you haven’t done so recently, please also review the OCSA Safety Equipment Requirements. You are required to comply with the OCSA SER’s in order to race on the Columbia River.
Fortunately, we have not had a fatality during a sailboat race in several decades in the Portland area. Please, let’s keep it that way.
Bruce Newton
2019 OCSA Commodore
OCSA membership:
For e-membership, click here.
For membership with printed 2019 OCSA Racebook, or to purchase laminated OCSA Course Charts ($2 each):
North Sails
7304 NE Martin Luther King Blvd Portland, OR
(503) 282-4282
West Marine
1176 N Hayden Island Dr Portland, OR
(503) 289-9822
