2022 Newport Bermuda Race welcomes Life Raft + Survival Equipment as an official sponsor
by Newport Bermuda Race 17 Jan 2022 14:16 UTC
June 17, 2022
Life Raft Survival Equipment © LRSE / Newport Bermuda Race
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) welcomes Life Raft and Survival Equipment (LRSE) as an Official Sponsor of the 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race.
Based in Tiverton, R.I., LRSE offers equipment pick-up and delivery services across the Northeast and has played a key role in providing safety equipment and inspection services to Newport Bermuda Race competitors for decades.
Jim O'Connor, president of LRSE, says, "We're the Rhode Island company that's been training and servicing all of these sailors since the 1980s, and we're the experts at what we do." He adds, "We've been so involved, for so many years, that it just makes sense to take the next logical step and become an Official Sponsor of the race."
LRSE offers an expanding library of training videos instructing mariners in the proper use of safety equipment, how to respond in an emergency situation, and, for Newport Bermuda Race competitors, information about dates and deadlines to meet the safety requirements of the race.
Mark Lenci, vice chairman of the BROC, welcomes LRSE's sponsorship of the race and adds, "LRSE's support of and participation in the Cruising Club of America's Safety at Sea program has been integral. LRSE has supplied the flares that helped enable the CCA's program to be the only one in the USA where every student can use both hand-held and parachute flares."
"Brian Flowers' initiative to develop a live demonstration of AIS MOB beacons working with a DSC VHF radio and chart plotter is excellent. LRSE's role has expanded to include inspecting and teaching students about servicing life jackets. Approximately 75% of all Safety at Sea course students compete in the Bermuda Race. The contribution that LRSE makes to safety cannot be overstated. It's clear that safety at sea is not just a business for them."
Due to current supply chain issues felt by industries worldwide, it is important that all competitors pay close attention to the vital information provided by LRSE. Failure to meet deadlines could prevent competitors from obtaining the necessary equipment to meet the minimum requirements of the Newport Bermuda Race.
O'Connor adds, "Our name, Life Raft + Survival Equipment, says it all regarding what we do and who we are. Now, having that name as a branded sponsor of the race is a constant reminder that we're all serious about safety and that safety is first in this race. We're excited to provide support and safety solutions to all of the competitors of the Newport Bermuda Race."
This year's race starts June 17th, in the East Passage near Castle Hill Lighthouse, Newport.