Disclamer

Inspiration: My father, and I, Bill and Paul Moffitt, finished the Texas 200 this last summer with great success. I mean success in several ways. We met a bunch of incredible people enabling us to put faces to internet handles. We got a chance to spend some real time together doing what we love best. We sailed 200 miles in an untested prototype boat, christened Embers Watch, a design by Michalak Embers Watch - Texas200. The first day was also the maiden voyage for the boat. We finished almost everyday well ahead of the middle of the pack, but more importunately we were inspired and had more fun then a couple of drunks at Mardi Gras.

When we left we were determined to come back the next year... and I had promised several people who were in the know that I would return with my own love, SERENDIPITY, a catamaran designed by Jeff Gilbert, a very original and beautiful design in her own right, (ROONIO). Well, I got to pondering, then thinking, which invariably leads to planning. The problem for me is a 30+ hour drive from Philly to bring SERENDIPITY to the Texas200. That's a hell of a long haul. So if I couldn't bring SERENDIPITY to Texas, maybe Texas, or more specifically an event like the Texas200, could come a little closer to me.

My father, brother, and I have sailed in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a few summers. The islands and capes are gorgeous sailing. Even more inspiring than the outer banks of Texas. There are problems though. The course can, and most likely will, have contrary winds which means we may have to alternate camps for certain days. How do we plan a trip like this? Will anyone come?

OBX130 disclaimer

The OBX130 is an unofficial gathering of small boat enthusiasts. The website is a tool to disseminate information and prepare for the the OBX130. Those who participate are FULLY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety, health, and rescue in any situation that may arise from participating in this event. At all times participants should be judging for themselves what is safe and what is not. The moderators and other participants of this forum are in no way liable or responsible for anything that may happen to you on this trip.

If you have not participated in this kind of event before you are still responsible for your own safety health, and rescue. The places we will be going will sometimes be far away from public access, quick local and federal emergency services, cell phone coverage, showers, bathrooms, tools, or shelter. All these things should be considered when undertaking this event. If you have any hesitation, or concerns about any aspect of this statement you should seriously consider the decision to participate in this event.

If you have not camped or sailed in your boat for several days at a time before then you should do so before this event in an area that is close to emergency services. Your boat and your equipment should be fully tested and reliable. If you have an questions about how to make your boat safer and this event fun for you, then you should use this forum as a tool to achieve your goals. This forum is only opinion and should be taken as such. You have to rely on your own instincts, knowledge, and intelligence to make informed decisions about your own safety.

This trip will be roughing it. It will be wet, it may well storm, and you will have to face some sections of this event sailing directly into the eye of the wind for extended periods of time. You will have to bring all your equipment and food for 4 nights and 5 days on the water. If you get into trouble you may have only your own resources and knowledge to get you out of trouble. If this does not appeal to you then reconsider your participation.

If someone is in distress, and you are capable of helping them without hurting yourself, then you must make the decision to help them yourself. You should not count on others helping you. This is the only attitude you should have in an event like this. If you endanger your own safety, you will most likely be endangering the safety of those who will try to help you. Please keep this in mind.

I, Paul Moffitt, will personally try to help anybody if they get into trouble. This does not mean that I will be able to save your boat or your life in an emergency. It means that I will render all the help I can, IF I can. If someone arrives and I feel they cannot finish this race, or comes unprepared to this event, I will ask you to not participate. I have no power to make you not come. I am not in charge of this event. I am only coordinating this event for YOU. But I will tell you if I think your boat is a danger to yourself, and therefore others. This will only be my opinion: this does not mean I won't make mistakes, nor does it mean that I am in any way liable through negligence or any other means for your safety, your boat, or your crew.

Every Captain is responsible for their safety and their crews’ safety.