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Safety
AIS Marine Traffic

Vessels Caught in ‘Circle Spoofing’ Off West Coast

One of the great technological advancements of modern-day sailing is the ability to watch a vessel’s track as it makes its way around the world. AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a tracking system used by thousands of private and commercial vessels that not only keeps family and friends abreast of your travels, but also provides an additional layer of safety by enabling other vessels to see you, long before you can see each other physically. More »
Chuck Hawley lecturing at the US Sailing Safety at Sea Seminar

Keeping Inflatable Life Jackets in Life Saving Condition

Do you use an inflatable life jacket? Have you checked it recently, or ever? Last week, May 16th to 22nd, was Safe Boating Week, and US Sailing posted a great video (below) in their free online Starboard Portal called Keeping Inflatables in Life Saving Condition. More »

Coast Guard Rescues Three off Sailboat Near Half Moon Bay

On late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning, the Coast Guard rescued three people from a 30-ft sailboat off Pillar Point. “The owner of the 30-foot sailboat Freedom contacted Coast Guard Sector San Francisco command center at approximately 11 p.m., More »
Kid wearing filter mask and PFD

A National Safe Boating Week Like No Other

National Safe Boating Week runs Saturday, May 16, through Friday, May 22. The usual recommendation urging lifejacket wear is now joined by an equally important message — how to stay safe during the time of COVID-19.
Yawl on beach

Changing the Small Craft Advisory System

"In a move that could simplify and potentially reduce misunderstanding of urgent weather messages used by recreational boaters to make critical boating safety decisions, the National Weather Service (NWS) has proposed renaming 'Small Craft Advisory to 'Small Craft Warning'."
5O5 with spinanker

Pacific Cup (and More) Canceled!

Organizers for the Pacific Cup from San Francisco to Oahu have canceled the 2020 race and scheduled the next one to start the week of July 4, 2022.
Racing in last year's Sailing Week

Updates from Event Organizers

"The April 4th Wheeler Regatta has been canceled, and the 2020 Great Vallejo Race is officially postponed until October 10-11. We have yet to make a final decision on the April 18th Lightship…"
Crew overboard practice

Live Crew Overboard Training

BAMA conducted our 2020 Live Crew Overboard Training event Saturday as scheduled. We had five boats registered. Two dropped out due to weather or illness, but we still had three that showed up.
Boats hauled out on river bank

DBW Offers $3.75 Million in Grants

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) offers grants to help local public entities enhance safety on California’s waterways, and clear them of abandoned vessels.