The Storm Trysail Club, supported by the Storm Trysail Foundation, continues to lead in offshore safety training with its innovative “BYOB” Day—Bring Your Own Boat Day. First introduced in 2021 as a “Do-It-Yourself Training Day,” this on-the-water program is designed to give sailors what classroom instruction alone cannot: real-world practice aboard their own boats, with their own crews and equipment.
This year’s BYOB Day will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1100–1500, approximately three miles west of Buoy 32A.
Scheduled just two weeks after the Hands-On Safety at Sea Seminar at SUNY Maritime on May 16, BYOB Day is intentionally positioned to allow crews to immediately apply and reinforce those concepts in a practical setting. While seminars introduce critical techniques and equipment, true competence is built through repetition—on your own boat, in your own systems, until the correct response becomes instinctive.
For crews preparing for offshore events like the Newport Bermuda Race, this training is especially valuable. Participants are expected to have practiced essential emergency procedures—particularly man-overboard (MOB) recovery—prior to departure. BYOB Day provides a structured, supportive environment to do just that, helping teams meet onboard training expectations while building confidence and coordination.
In parallel, the Cruising Club of America’s Safety and Seamanship Committee has developed a complementary Practice on Your Own Boat (POYOB) curriculum. Crews who document their training may also be eligible for incentives through a partnership with Landfall Navigation. Learn more at: bermudarace.com/poyob
STF will support the day with experienced coaches and coach boats, as well as specialized training equipment, including weighted MOB dummies (simulating a 180 lb. crew member) and pickup markers for realistic recovery drills.
Participation is limited to 16 boats, with preference given to Newport Bermuda Race entries.
It’s important to note that no certification is provided through BYOB Day. Skippers and crews remain solely responsible for meeting the requirements of any race or event they intend to enter.
At its core, BYOB Day reflects a fundamental principle of offshore sailing: preparation is everything. As the saying goes, “Train the way you fight, and fight the way you train.” This is your opportunity to put that philosophy into practice.