Tethers Recalled by West Marine

SAFETY RECALL - West Marine Single and Double Safety Tethers

If you have any questions please contact West Marine by telephone at 1-800-BOATING or by email wmCustomerService@westmarine.com.
Manufacturer: West Marine Part Numbers: 9553512 and 9553504

Last summer, West Marine issued a recall of some of its tethers.  Since many of us don't check recall notices regularly, I thought this might be of interest to our racers.  If you have one of these tethers, contact West Marine.  Thanks to Michelle Bennett for bringing this to our attention.

We have added a link to West Marine's product recall list to our links on the left side of this page.

One last minute entry

Today I received a (slightly) late entry from Pete Shainin of Passepartout.  I had wondered where this stalwart of the Offshore fleet was, and now I know the entry got lost in the mail!  When he didn't see her listed on the list of racers, he contacted me.  Passepartout is a Stevens 47 with a PHRF of 115.  She will be joining the B fleet.

Third Amendment to NOR

We have made a third amendment to the Notice of Race.  It is available by clicking on the heading for this post or on the left of the posts.

This amendment requires that all boats that have not been inspected in Portland this year to be available and ready for inspection no later than 1 p.m. on May 11, 2011.  This will allow our inspectors sufficient time to inspect boats and will give the boats time to get any violations corrected before the mandatory Skippers Meeting that evening.

Second Amendment to NOR is posted

The Second Amendment to the Amended Notice of Race is now posted.  See the link above or on the left.  This amendment corrects the required charts and also clarifies the lifejacket/harness requirements.  We will require that all lifejackets and harnesses have a crotch/thigh strap.

Kick-Off is tonight

Everyone is invited to join the Oregon Offshore's Kick-Off party tonight at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, 112 SW Second Ave. Portland.  The festivities start at 6 pm.  We will have this year's edition of the Offshore shirts available for purchase.  We will also have a raffle of a variety of nautical items.  Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Shamrock has entered

We have received Shamrock's entry. She is a Yankee 30 skippered by Gary Brunner. She has a PHRF rating of 201.

Another Seattle boat has joined the race

Welcome to Kaizen, a custom 26' boat skippered by Robert W Rinker, Jr.  She was designed by William Cook with a PHRF rating of 135.

Kokopelli's entry has arrived

Today an envelope with "Kokopelli!" on the back arrived containing her entry for this year's race. She is a Santa Cruz 27 skippered by Eric Collins. Her PHRF is 156.

Offshore Fleet now up to 14 boats

Two more boats have joined the fleet.  Rage, a Wylie 70 holds the record for the fastest boat to ever finish this race.  Her skippers are Steve & Nancy Rander.  She has a PHRF of -36 (yes, that is a negative 36).

Our other entry is new to the race this year, the Beneteau 36.7, Siren.  She is skippered by Carl and Nicole Sirois.  Siren has a PHRF rating of 99.

Thirsty has entered

Alan Bergen just sent in his entry for Thirsty, a C & C 35 Mk III.  Thirsty, with her red & white maple leaf spinnaker has a PHRF rating of 128.

The First Amendment to the Amended Notice of Race is now posted

There have been a couple of changes to the Amended Notice of Race.  You can find the First Amendment here: First Amendment to Amended Notice of Race or click on the link at the left side of this site.

The amendments clarify issues relating to the required righting moment of entered boats and also the life raft/survival suit requirements.

We also want to remind skippers and crew that PIYA has changed the life jacket requirements - all life jackets must now include a crotch or thigh strap.  This is a fairly easy and inexpensive modification - Victoria Lessley found an inexpensive modification at Landfall Navigation: PFD crotch strap and they are certainly available elsewhere as well.

Offshore Kick Off Party Location Set

The Kick-off party for the Oregon Offshore will be held this year at Kells Irish Pub & Restaurant. Kells Irish Pub link They are located at 112 SW Second Ave in Portland. The event starts at 6 pm on Monday, April 25.

This is your last chance to enter the race. It is also a chance to look for additional crew, if you are short anyone. There are usually at least a few folks looking to catch a ride for the race.

This year's Offshore shirts will be available for purchase. Carolyn Martin has also been collecting lots of goodies for the raffle.

Cool Change's entry is in

Cool Change, a C&C 38 with a PHRF rating of 144, and skippered by Frank Noragon has entered. Frank is a member or Rose City YC. The Cool Change crew has done this race before. They always seem to be having a lot of fun.

Welcome to three new sponsors

Carolyn Martin let me know today that we have three new sponsors, Carol's Custom Canvas & Upholstery, Inc., Hayden Island Canvas and Sexton's Chandlery.  We thank them all for their generous support.

We have our Coast Guard permit

Last night's email brought the wonderful news that we have our Coast Guard permit for the race.  In past years, we have waited until almost race time before receiving the permit.  Thanks to the great Coast Guard personnel in both Seattle and Portland for such efficient processing!