
To make the Nordhavn Atlantic Rally as safe and enjoyable
as possible, P.A.E. plans to provide a high-level of support not
only at the stopovers, but also during every mile of the trip. Though
details of this support are being finalized, P.A.E. plans to staff
a number of specially selected Nordhavns that will serve as escort
vessels to lead and follow the groups and will provide assistance
to the fleet that may include:
- Mechanical and technical support with mechanics on lead and
chase vessels
for en-route repair;
- Emergency fuel reserves with boat-to-boat transfer capabilities;
- Limited towing capability;
- Diver for underwater repairs;
- Daily roll calls;
- 24-hour monitoring of designated VHF and SSB frequencies;
- Daily weather briefings;
- Physician for medical emergencies;
- Shoreside staff in Hamilton, Bermuda, Horta, Azores, and Gibraltar
to assist
owners with government formalities, provisioning, fuel and shoreside
group activities;
- Special group rates for transatlantic return aboard Specialty
Yacht Carriers.
Rally participants will also benefit from having other vessels
in close proximity. The fleet will travel in two groups dictated
by the vessel's speed capability and the owner's preference. Larger
vessels may elect to travel up to 9 knots while the smaller vessels
will run slower, particularly on the mid-Atlantic passage. The two
groups will stay together with their respective escort vessels.
During the day, vessels may run close together, sometimes closing
to within 100 yards. During the night, in reduced visibility, or
during periods of rough weather, greater clearance will be maintained.
In no case should the fleet open up to more than 7 or 8 miles from
the lead to trailing vessels, ensuring complete VHF radio coverage.
The two groups may separate to two or three days running time, but
will maintain SSB communication at least twice a day.
Transoceanic passage-making is serious business and safety is paramount.
P.A.E. will do all that we can to ensure a pleasant voyage, but
it is up to each captain to be responsible for the safety and conduct
of his vessel and crew.

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