Medical Care As Close As The Phone

When the Pacific Cup commences in 2016, the competitors on the 2070nm race from San Francisco to Kaneohe, Hawaii will be a long way from medical care in the event of an accident. But race host Pacific Cup Yacht Club (PCYC) has made arrangements to insure that help will be as close as the phone.

Maritime Medical Access (MMA) services will be available to sailors during the race, providing race participants with free remote 24/7 access to board certified emergency medicine physicians for assistance in managing any medical emergencies that may occur while at sea on the way to Hawaii or on the return to the mainland.

“We hope our racers don’t need to use this service, but should a medical emergency occur, the MMA service will provide medical advice via email or sat phone,” said Steve Chamberlin, PCYC Staff Commodore.

Also new for 2016, the Pacific Offshore Academy has added a medical seminar on February 13 covering preparation for, prevention of, and response to common medical situations at sea. Details.

Gary Troxel, PCYC Commodore added, “The PCYC board is constantly looking at new ways to support racers, from the content in our Pacific Offshore Academy preparation seminars, experienced inspectors/coaches, and now to this vital emergency medical service. As an entrant, I am pleased to know that I will have immediate access to the expertise of board certified physicians should the need arise.”

Since 1980, the Pacific Cup has been sailed from San Francisco Bay to Hawaii every other year, with the 2016 edition hosting staggered starts between July 11 and 16. Details.