The chair of the Transpacific Yacht Race Committee requested me yesterday whether or not I might spend a while with him after we arrive in Hawaii. I suppose he might inform I used to be curious concerning the request since I had not damaged any guidelines—the race had not began. 

He stated that the issues of boats discovering insurance coverage to cowl the voyage to Hawaii brought about some boat house owners to drop out of the race after first registering. I advised him that I’d love to debate this with him. The insurance coverage I discovered will solely cowl half the worth of Merlin’s hull however not one of the working rigging, mast, increase, and sails throughout the race. As soon as we arrive in Hawaii, my boat is absolutely insured, and absolutely insured for the journey again, which others will make for me. 

Everyone is having issues with rising charges and discovering full property insurance coverage. This week’s put up by Liberty Ritchie, Farmers Insurance coverage Halts Sale of Owners Insurance policies in Florida, is only one of many the place now we have famous folks unable to seek out insurance coverage to cowl their property. 

Insurance coverage is a crucial product. Spreading the chance of loss amongst many permits folks to put money into numerous forms of property. It permits folks to take their property to numerous components of the world. It permits enterprise house owners to take dangers with their capital. If obtainable, it could have allowed extra of my buddies to compete towards me on this epic race I’ll begin as we speak to Hawaii.  

Earnings are necessary for insurance coverage traders. With out these promoting insurance coverage to make a revenue and safe a return on the dangers they insure, there actually could be no marketplace for insurance coverage and no curiosity by others to put money into the business. So, whereas many like to complain about how insurance coverage corporations have dealt with their claims, there first must be an insurance coverage product that’s bought. 

I predict that many will begin to discover non-traditional self-insurance mechanisms and pooling preparations. The excessive charges and low availability are demanding these options. 

The picture above of my father and me kissing my mom was taken in Bermuda after my father raced with me on Merlin over Father’s Day in June 2018.  

The Transpac begins as we speak for me, and for readers who wish to observe the race, right here is the hyperlink. 

Thought For The Day

To the members of all race committees who’ve volunteered their time to permit me and my buddies to compete towards one another within the sport we love.
—Dedication of ebook, Mavericks & Merlins: Sailors And Renegades Go away Shore, What About You? by Chip Merlin