The countdown to the 2026 Harvest Moon Regatta is officially underway, and one of the most important events leading up to the race is back — the Harvest Moon Regatta Safety Day on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Lakewood Yacht Club Ballroom.
Whether you are a first-time competitor preparing for your offshore adventure or a seasoned skipper looking for a refresher before heading offshore, Safety Day is designed to help every crew member feel more prepared, more confident, and safer on the water.
This year’s program features an outstanding lineup of speakers and topics focused specifically on the unique challenges sailors face during the race from Galveston to Port Aransas. Attendees will hear directly from experienced mariners, safety experts, and Coast Guard personnel covering everything from navigation and emergency preparation to weather strategy and communication at sea.
Topics That Matter Offshore
The morning begins with an overview of the Harvest Moon Regatta presented by Bob Hunkins, followed by an important session from Tom Collier covering waterways, safe harbors, and commercial traffic along the race route. These discussions are especially valuable for crews preparing to navigate offshore conditions and busy shipping lanes safely.
Competitors will also hear from John Morse on the “Yellow Brick” tracking system used during the regatta, helping crews better understand race tracking and communication tools before they leave the dock.
Safety equipment is always a major focus of the event, and Pete Pattullo will present an update on the US Sailing Safety Equipment Requirements (SER), helping teams understand what equipment is required and why it matters offshore.
One of the highlights of the day will be the “Safety at Sea” session led by John Barnett, featuring discussions on:
- Leadership and seamanship
- Planning and preparation
- Heavy weather sailing
These are the kinds of real-world lessons that can make all the difference when conditions offshore become challenging.
Additional sessions include:
- Engine preparation with Nick Mashburn
- USCG search and rescue operations
- Emergency communication procedures presented by the United States Coast Guard
More Than a Seminar
Safety Day is also one of the best opportunities each year to reconnect with fellow racers, meet new crews, ask questions, and share offshore experience before the regatta season begins. Coffee and check-in begin at 7:30 AM, with presentations starting promptly at 8:00 AM in the LYC Ballroom.
Whether your goal is to race competitively, cruise comfortably, or simply become a more knowledgeable sailor, Safety Day provides valuable information for everyone heading offshore this fall.
We look forward to seeing racers, cruisers, and crew members at Lakewood Yacht Club on September 26 for a great morning of learning, preparation, and offshore camaraderie.
Safe today. Strong tomorrow.
Stay for the Man Overboard Clinic
To further build offshore confidence and hands-on recovery skills, the Storm Trysail Club will also host a special MOB (Man Overboard) Clinic immediately following Safety Day at Lakewood Yacht Club. Designed for offshore racers and cruisers sailing both monohulls and multihulls, this clinic gives participants the opportunity to practice realistic MOB recovery techniques in simulated high-risk conditions — including dockside recovery drills and on-the-water exercises using your own boat. The clinic will feature experienced coaches for monohulls, cruising catamarans, and trimarans, with options to either bring your own boat and crew or join another participating vessel. Sessions will take place Saturday afternoon, September 26, and continue Sunday morning, September 27. This is an outstanding opportunity for crews preparing for offshore racing to gain practical experience that could one day save a life. Pre-registration is required by September 1, 2026.
