Learning what the Three Ps entail

Having never gotten into a launched liferaft is either a sign of good fortune or no training. George Day looks back at the history of Safety at Sea Seminars for the Cruising Compass:

Almost 40 years ago, US Sailing adopted the role as lead provider of Safety at Sea Seminars, which have long been considered the gold standard in safety preparation for coastal and offshore sailors, both racers and cruisers.

It was Capt. John Bonds, in the 1980s, who developed safety at sea seminars for the U.S. Naval Academy plebes and local sailors in the Annapolis, Maryland area. Capt. Bonds was at the time Director of Navy Sailing.

When he completed that assignment, Bonds took on the role of Executive Director of US Sailing and brought the seminar concept with him. Offering Safety at Sea Seminars across the country in all the major sailing centers turned out to be a hit. And, major regatta organizers realized they had a new benchmark for measuring safety education that would only enhance their events.

Capt. Bonds, who I counted as a friend, always preached the Three Ps: Planning, Preparation and Practice. This is the season for all sailors who are going places at sea this year to find a Safety at Sea Seminar, either coastal or offshore, and attend it. You’ll be glad you learned just what the Three Ps entail.

For seminar information, click here.