The Meeting was called to order by the chairman, Mr. Ernie Messer, at 16:00 hrs.

Thirteen members were present of the total committee of 22 members, (See Attendees). The chairman presented the agenda to the meeting.

The minutes to the previous meeting of the committee were approved as presented.

A motion was made by the chairman and seconded that the following individuals remain on the committee and be posted for approval to the Board of Director by the Offshore Committee. The committee unanimously approved the motion. The named individuals are as follows:
Dan VanHeeckeren
Dan Nowlan
Stan Honey
John Wright
Talbot Wilson

The issue of 406 EPIRB’s becoming mandatory equipment was reported to be moving along and would be on the agenda at the next O.R.C. meeting.

Glenn McCarthy reminded the committee that at the last meeting of the committee, it was agreed that a letter/plaque from US SAILING and the Safety at Sea Committee would be presented to the Australian Sea and Air Rescue acknowledging their heroic efforts in the 1998 Sydney-Hobart Race. Upon further review, US SAILING has refrained from rewarding professional rescue service in the U.S. and it is inadvisable to start this now.

Bruce Eissner reported to the committee on events happening on the international "oceanic/world" front. It was reported that the ISO is working on a proposal for a new set of rules/regulations that could have major impact on both global Oceanic Racing and ballooning. The I.S.A.F. is to issue a complete set of suggestion to the ISO in reference to Oceanic Racing.

In reference to ORC regulations it was reported that Australian proposals and new ISO standards for safety harnesses, similar to the present ORC Standard will be adopted into the new ORC approved standard.

In addition, the Australian Yachting Federation’s recommendations for Life Raft Standards would be studied by the ORC along with the review of storm jib and trysail maximum sizes. Discussion followed regarding the issue of how the displacement of boats versus the size of the rigs should be a factor in determining the size of storm sails. It was agreed that some "Hard Numbers" be obtained from the Offshore Office of US Sailing in order to further study this issue. It was also agreed that further discussion should take place among committee members via E-mail.

Finally, it was reported that in regard to category "A" status races a new stability index and structural code might be adopted. Mr. Tom Hale, U.S. ISO representative, will be looking into this matter and reporting to the committee.

Glenn McCarthy presented a report to the committee on the establishment of the new Safety at Sea Committee web site that is now a part of US SAILING’s home page. He outlined the highlights of the site and the wealth of information that is available on it and asked for recommendations regarding growth and improvement for the site. In addition, the importance of presenting precise information on the site was emphasized. The desire is to have the site become the focal point for all safety at sea issues.

Sheila McCurdy reported on the status of the new "US SAILING Coastal Passage Making" book. The first completed rough draft of the book is being reviewed by a group of select individuals. She will incorporate suggestions and edits. In addition, she plans to have the book in concert with ORC recommendations on passage making. Publication is still scheduled for the beginning of the year 2000.

The Offshore Office is to look into and report to the committee on the distribution of the 10,000 copies of the "Safety Recommendations for Cruising Sailboats" book.

The status of the Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal and its awarding was reported in a written report submitted to the committee by Glenn McCarthy. The following resolution regarding the clarification of the by-laws regarding the awarding of the Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal was unanimously adopted by the committee. This resolution was to be presented to the Offshore Committee who would then submitted it to the Board of Directors for approval.

Resolved:
The Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal established in 1989 shall continue to be awarded by the Safety-at-Sea Committee following the principles:
1. Make known amateur attempts of life saving;
2. Reward that(those) boat(s) involved (no limitation to sailboats);
3. Awarded for rescues in U.S. waters, or those which occur in races originating or
terminating in a U.S. port.
4. For purpose of conducting the research of real life safety techniques and to include those lessons learned into future safety rules and the extensive educational
programs of U.S. SAILING.
Further, after reasonable investigation into the facts of each nomination, the Safety-
at-Sea Committee shall take majority vote whether to award or not award an Arthur
B. Hanson Rescue Medal. With a majority vote, the Safety-at-Sea Committee then
shall make the award.

A brief discussion was held regarding the termination point of jacklines. Frank Shriver reported that the Seattle Sailing Foundation’s Safety at Sea Committee was looking into this matter and that he would report back to the committee upon completion of a work statement by that committee.

• Chairman Messer then turned the focus of the meeting onto the new U.S.C.G. Approved Inflatable Life Vests. The U.S.C.G. approved SOSPENDERS inflatable vests were examined by the committee members with discussion focusing on these new devices and the continuing problem faced by sailors when flying aboard commercial aircraft when carrying these devises. This problem is still an issue that needs to be addressed by all authorities involved through education of the public at large and a better clarification of the regulations involved among the appropriate government agencies.

The chairman also showed a new "Man Overboard" Alert signaling device, manufactured by Emerald Marine Products of Seattle, Washington to committee members. This devise showed the committee that new technologies and products are rapidly evolving that should be of great aid in man overboard rescues.

Discussion then turned to a brief update of the Seattle Sailing Foundation’s Harness & Tether Report that was presented to the committee at the 1999 Spring Meeting in Dallas. The issue of a "Standards of Longevity" was raised and it was agreed that it should be looked into. The issues of Inspection by the Manufacturers and Maintenance schedules need to be addressed and a standard developed and enforced. The wording in the Special Regulations is to be looked at for a possible future change. Committee member, Ralph Naranjo, is to submit an "Awareness Bulletin" by e-mail for the committee’s review.

• The agenda item of "Use of an engine during an overboard recovery" was taken up by the committee after a brief report by Ralph Naranjo, of the United States Naval Academy, regarding this subject. He reported to the committee that "an engine assisted recovery is one of significant improvement". It was proposed that the committee further look into and review this subject and come up with a standard or recommendation for use of an engine during a man overboard recovery. The chairman asked that this discussion be tabled for now and that possible wording be developed and disseminated to the committee for review and future action if appropriate.

• The chairman then proposed that the committee hold a group discussion on the "WEB" site regarding "Withdrawal Forms". Review and comments will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

• Other business that was brought to the committee’s attention involved the following:

• Dick Tillman, President of United States Windsurfing Association, and Holly McPherson, Secretary, presented a written report to the committee regarding a fatal accident in California on 9/24/99 involving a windsurfer and a "Personal Watercraft". The committee was asked to review the report and bring forth any suggestions.

• Dr. Anne Alan reported to the committee that a new study was being undertaken in New Zealand regarding sailing related sports injuries and that the research and data base gained from the America’s Cup sailors would be made available to the committee and public at a later date.

• Committee member Ron Trossbach asked that the committee look into the issues of the currently in use Stability Index re ISO Class "A" categorization. Also, he asked that the committee starts to review the US Sailing Prescriptions in the areas of Sea Anchors, Drogues, and Propulsion as related to Category 1 races. The chairman suggested and the committee agreed that this discussion get started via e-mail.

• Glenn McCarthy, briefly discussed the awarding of Hanson Medal in front of 6,000 people in Charleston, S.C. for the Around Alone Race rescue by the competitor Sondini for his rescue in the South Pacific of fellow single handed competitor Isabelle Autissier. In addition, Mr. McCarthy emphasized the importance of the e-mail and communication among committee members.

• With no other business to be discussed the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Messer at
  18:00 hrs.

Respectfully submitted by Peter D. Millard.