To facilitate communications between the race committee and the race competitors, we have instituted full-time phone coverage by a team of Race Offshore Communications Officers (ROCO) beginning at 0930 on the day of the start until it has been determined that all boats have finished or withdrawn. ROCO’s purpose is to keep the Race Committee informed of competitor status and to coordinate between the yacht and extraordinary services that are required on-shore when the yacht arrives in Bermuda.
When Not to Call the Race Offshore Communications Office
Do not call the ROCO in an emergency -- we are unable to render immediate assistance.
● Fix the problem, then call.
● Follow the normal at-sea procedures to involve the Coast Guard or to attract nearby boats.
● For a medical emergency, contact the George Washington University Marine Medical Access
service directly.
Reasons To Call the Race Offshore Communications Office
WHEN SAFE TO DO SO the following situations should be reported to the ROCO:
• Withdrawal (reporting required by Sailing Instructions)
• Diversion to assist another sailor
• Request for assistance upon arrival in Bermuda – ambulance, etc.
• Damage to the boat which will affect arrival time in Bermuda
• Medical emergency being handled by Marine Medical Access
• Other information which will help us allay fears for your family
Calling the Race Offshore Communications Officer
The ROCO telephone will be manned 24 hours per day during the race. Be prepared to furnish at least
the following information:
• The name of the yacht
• The sail number of the yacht
• The Captain’s name
• Your situation
• Your location
• Your intended destination
It is possible that this telephone number will be in use, so be prepared to leave a message.
Not a Number for the Public
The ROCO’s purpose is NOT to answer questions from the public. Please do not publish the ROCO number to friends and family. They can call your satellite phone directly. Questions can be sent to the race committee by e-mailing [email protected].
Family and Friends and the Transponder
If the satellite phone is used for routine conversations note that receiving your absolute or relative position based upon the Yellowbrick Transponder display is a violation of the sailing instructions.
Also, if the transponder ceases updating position, this failure is not a safety issue, nor is it addressable from ashore by the Offshore Communications Team. (The best insurance against this is to carefully follow the installation instructions supplied with the Yellowbrick unit.).Family should not contact the Coast Guard with questions about the Yellowbrick system.