The start of the 2018 Newport Bermuda Race (NBR) is fast approaching and, Mark, the owner of an Oceanis 523 is making final race preparations. This will be his boat’s first NBR. With a grateful nod to Great Island Boat Yard (his new service/storage yard), for all of the help that he has received on his winter project punch lists, and another nod to his dedicated crew, Mark says, he’s ready, and then some!

Soon, Mark will call on GIBY to conduct his final requisite safety inspection. (An official inspection, by a certified NBR inspector, is required of all participants). GIBY owner, Steve Rowe, is authorized and will serve in this capacity.

While safety at sea is the primary concern of any good captain, Mark and his crew seem to have taken their race preparations to another level, well beyond the minimum requirements. Perhaps Mark’s former command of a nuclear attack submarine in the US Navy has influenced what his idea of preparedness means when going to sea.

To read more about this crew’s “before the gun” prep, click here.