The two-day program delivered a packed agenda of education, thought-provoking stories, life-saving demonstrations, and hands-on practice. The expanded scope allowed participants to pursue the World Sailing-Compliant International Offshore Certification, while benefitting from classroom sessions led by top instructors including Rich du Moulin, Jonathan Kabak, and Dan O’Connor. Topics ranged from leadership, planning and preparation, and heavy weather sailing to damage control, emergency communications, and rescue and recovery.

USCG Air Station Houston’s Rescue Swimmers Ash Reed-Kraus and Dan Kellam provided a powerful perspective both in the classroom and on the water, sharing what rescues look like from their vantage point, their challenges approaching a distressed vessel, and what they most want sailors to know if they ever find themselves in a rescue scenario.

This event was made possible through the dedication of many:

• Storm Trysail coaches Chris Lewis, Pete Pattullo, Martin Brown, and Al Goethe worked alongside the instructors.
• The Harvest Moon Regatta Committee, led by Jay Johnson, ensured that critical safety training was accessible to HMR racers.
• Tom Collier, John Morse, and David Comeaux shared HMR-specific safety details, while Captain David Jones emphasized the essentials of engine preparation.
• Sea Scout Ship 468 participated for the full weekend, with six sailors completing the World Sailing certification.
• On-the-water drills were supported by David Comeaux (St. Somewhere), Deneen Taylor (Delta Tango), Uzi Ozeri (Bonbon), Tom Collier (Infinity), Rob Freas (Striking), and Mike Johnson (TnT).
• Coordination of certifications and logistics was led by Storm Trysail’s Executive Director, Whitney Simon, in collaboration with the US Sailing Offshore Safety Committee.
• And of course, the Lakewood Yacht Club staff—Brian, Carmen, Diana, Ezra, Robert, and team—delivered outstanding support and hospitality throughout.