Concerns regarding potential medical problems when traveling offshore is a worry best understood well ahead of time and that is what Dr. Catherine Ascah addressed for eleven members of the Vancouver Island Fleet group on the evening of November 14.

Catherine’s engaging presentation included topics such as recommended immunizations prior to departure, first aid gear and medications that may be appropriate on board. She also covered situations that might be encountered while sailing offshore and traveling more generally. Catherine effectively stressed the importance of planning and preparation as the best ointment to ease the concerns around keeping the crew healthy.

Prior to Catherine’s presentation Jerry Mason showed his collection of sextants and discussed various processes that could be applied to acquire a reasonable fix on your position at sea.

After the break Al Kitchen and Daragh Nagle presented the first part of a Sail Trim discussion based on an edited PowerPoint generously provided by Norm Cooper.

Cover image: CC0 Public Domain