Resources

These documents offer some safety information, background about setup of the Thomas 35, description of sailing procedures for Mercedes, equipment inventory, and more.  The orientation document and the ship's inventory diagram are revised with new information for 2021 and 2022.  And, check out the U.S. Coast Guard float plan, which is an important safety tool when distance racing or sailing offshore.

ORIENTATION

• Orientation to sailing and to Mercedes - What to expect in a sailing outing, what to bring, directions to her boat slip #46 in West Basin Marina, where to park.  [Updated August 28, 2021]

SAFETY PROCEDURES

• Safety briefing for Mercedes - Critical information for safety on board.  [Updated August 27, 2021]
• ISAF person overboard procedures guide - Description of tested technique to retrieve a crew overboard.
• U.S. Coast Guard float plan - An interactive PDF document pre-filled with the relevant safety information about Mercedes, ready for itinerary and contact information to be completed by you and left with a shore-side contact person when sailing offshore.  [Created January 25, 2021] 
• Seamanship and safety skills checklist - Published by Chicago Yacht Club in support of planning for long-distance races like the CYC Race to Mackinac.  [Created March 20, 2021]

CREW DUTIES

• Crew positions guide for 6 crew - Description of crew duties assuming a crew of 6 and optimized for sailing with an asymmetrical spinnaker.  This still allows for physical distancing on board for purposes of COVID health safety.  This is the latest and greatest and most comprehensive version of these crew positions documents.  [Updated July 18, 2022]
• Crew positions guide for 7 crew - Description of crew duties assuming a crew of 7 and optimized for sailing with a symmetrical spinnaker.  This was the original configuration of Mercedes.  [Updated May 20, 2019]

TRIM AND TUNING

• Summary of sail trim notes for the Thomas 35 - Guidelines for sail trim from the manufacturer.
• J/35 tuning guide from North Sails - Important information from North Sails about the J/35 sistership, which is relevant for the Thomas 35.

EQUIPMENT AND LAYOUT

• Ship's inventory diagram - Listing of all the gear and safety equipment and where it is stowed on board, along with location of through-hulls and tanks.  [Updated May 23, 2022]
• Running rigging diagram--Asymmetrical - Showing the layout of all the lines on board when set up for asymmetrical spinnakers only.  [Updated October 5, 2021]
• Personal gear inventory for an offshore sail or race - Recommendations for clothing and personal gear.  [Updated February 9, 2022]