Clipper 2017-18 Race introduces integrated AIS

Personal location AIS devices will be integrated into all lifejackets for the first time during the 2017-18 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The 2015-16 edition incurred the first two fatalities in the history of the event, with the recovery of one deceased sailor attributed to their AIS signal.

Clipper Race Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “There’s one thing that is paramount in ocean racing; Safety, safety, safety. Ensuring our fleet and crew are equipped and prepared is fundamental to the Clipper Race, that’s why I’m so pleased that our longstanding partnership with Ocean Safety is continuing.” He adds “With each race edition, we strive to learn, develop and continue to offer the highest safety standards to our crew. These include the choice to integrate AIS into all crew lifejackets.”

Ocean Safety, a 3Si Group company is returning as Official Safety Supplier for the third consecutive race, will provide specialised Kru lifejackets fitted with an AIS device, the Ocean Signal RescueMe MOB1.

Event Website – Facebook

Background: Held biennially, the 11th edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race gets underway in August 2017 for the fleet of twelve identical Tony Castro designed Clipper 70s. The 2017-18 race will have a 40,000 nm course divided into individual races with the team having the best cumulative score winning the Clipper Race Trophy. Each team is led by a professional skipper with an all-amateur crew, and is expected to finish by late July 2018.

Source: Clipper Round the World Yacht Race