Q1. What training is required?
A1. Training is the responsibility of the team with a minimum of physical and mental preparation, sea survival drills, navigation and a first aid course.
Q2. What equipment is carried onboard?
A2. All teams must carry the minimum designated equipment, which includes safety equipment such as lifejackets, liferaft, EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon), VHF radio (line of sight) and a medical kit.
Q3. What rations are required through the race?
A3. As these races can take anything up to 3 months to complete, most of the food taken will be freeze dried or boil in the bag. Treats such as chocolate, dried fruit and energy bars are essential and also help to boost moral.
Q4. How is drinking water produced on board?
A4. All latests must carry a water desalinator, which turns salt water into drinking water.
Q5. Where are the supplies stored?
A5. Each team must be completely self-sufficient for the entire duration of the crossing. Therefore, all supplies including food must be carried on board The Latest, stored in water tight containers below the main deck or in the fore or aft cabins.
Q6. Where is the sleeping accommodation?
A6. The forward cabin has been designed so that all members of the crew can rest/sleep at the same time is necessary. However, it is envisaged that most crews will not sleep at the same time, but run a watch system of, for example, two hours on, two hours off.
Q7. What navigation systems are used?
A7. Teams use a GPS (Global Positioning System) to navigate their way across the Atlantic. They also carry a sextant as a backup.
Q8. How is the electrical equipment powered?
A8. Electrical equipment is powered by a series of solar panels fixed to the cabin roofs and gunwales. This is the only source of producing energy on board The Latests so some electrical items are fitted with their own power supply.
Q9. What happens in an emergency?
A9. The racing fleet will be followed by a support vessel (s) that will proved cover in emergencies. A medic will also form part of the safety vessel crew, trained to provide medical assistance either over VHF radio or on board.