NOSA Plans ‘Situational Awareness Seminar’ Aug. 16

Byline: Taylor Hill

NEWPORT BEACH — Following the devastating loss of four crewmembers aboard the 37-foot Aegean in April’s Newport-to-Ensenada Race, the event’s organizer, the Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA), has scheduled a Situational Awareness Seminar Aug. 16, prior to NOSA’s Aug. 18 Argosy Race.

According to an independent review from the governing body of the sport, US Sailing, the accident was caused by a grounding on Coronado del Norte island that led to the vessel’s sinking. The incident led to the first fatalities in the 64-year history of the race.

With safety always at the forefront of racers’ minds, the Aug. 16 seminar will cover safety at sea, with Flight Safety International Crew Resource Management instructor Jay Price giving tips on how to prevent and mitigate dangerous situations that may be encountered by sailboat racers and other recreational boaters.

Price, a 28-year Air Force veteran with 10,000 hours in tankers and the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), will give pointers on the importance of situational awareness, threat and error management, communication and decision making.

The seminar will also address what challenges a sailor faces when leaving the docks, how to manage and mitigate errors made while at sea, and what part communication plays in situational awareness and decision-making

The seminar, scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, is free and open to the public — however, seating is limited, and participants should register as soon as possible.

Bahia Corinthian YC is located at 1601 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar. For more information, call Susie Brodrick at (949) 644-9530 or email susieb@bcyc.org.

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