Newport Bermuda welcomes Offshore Passage Opportunities as official race supporter
by Newport Bermuda Race 10 Sep 2021 15:14 BST
June 17, 2022
Offshore Passage Opportunities members sail the OPO flagship, Avocation, at the Heineken Regatta © Hank Schmitt
Offshore Passage Opportunities (OPO) has been named an Official Race Supporter by the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC).
An event-management and membership organization, OPO has agreed to provide efficient, crew-network services for Newport Bermuda Race competitors for the next three races through 2026.
"Among their numerous offerings, we see great value in how OPO helps boat owners find qualified crew members for yacht delivery at no cost," said BROC Chairman, Somers Kempe. "OPO eases some of logistical issues for race programs, and we're very pleased they're partnering with us early to assist captains with the planning phase of our international race."
Captains looking for race or delivery crew are invited to visit the OPO website to create a free 'crew request' either for yacht delivery or for full participation in the race. OPO shares these requests with a group of active OPO members who respond directly to the requests, supplying sailing resumes and credentials, until a match is secured.
Hank Schmitt, OPO founder and president, has been connecting captains and crew internationally for more than 25 years. He provided this description of his company's service:
"OPO was created to solve problems for boat owners who wish to enter events like the Newport Bermuda Race. Crew pay their own way to and from the boat and expect to buy their own meals and drinks ashore. The captain covers all boat expenses and onboard provisioning. No money changes hands. All OPO crew know how to sail, and skippers will be able to vette each crewmember's sailing resume and speak with them prior to signing them on. OPO's goal is to create win-win situations for both boat owners and crew for safe delivery experiences."
This partnership with the Newport Bermuda Race helps to minimize the time challenges of captains planning to race and also fulfills the dreams of OPO's members, many of whom are looking to buy offshore boats of their own in the future.
The entry deadline for the 2022 Race is April 3, 2022, and the race gets under way on June 17, 2022.