For several years, many of our member clubs that host Blue Jay Regattas have voiced serious concerns about the problems they faced when capsized Blue Jays were not able to stay afloat.

As the Blue Jay fleet ages (most JSA boats are over ten years old) there is a decrease in the probability that the air tanks will maintain the buoyancy needed to keep the boat ready for self rescue or towing. When a boat has lost buoyancy, it either turtles or floats four to five inches under the water surface. The standard rescue method - towing, while the skipper and crew trail behind the stern, will not work under these conditions.

The greatest concern, however, stems from the fact that these hulls no longer serve as a life raft in the event of a severe emergency. In the JSA area, there have been numerous occasions when squall lines and heavy winds have capsized boats. Many of these boats had lost their buoyancy. A hull that does not float cannot serve as a life raft for the crew.

In order to insure that these situations do not occur again, JSA requires that all Blue Jays sailed in any JSA regatta, or function, must be equipped with two legal (properly inflated), reinforced nylon, air bags. One air bag will be attached forward of the mast under the deck and the other will be attached in the stern. Suitable air bags can be purchased locally or from:

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT JSA PROGRAMS SENDING PRIVATE OR CLUB OWNED BLUE JAYS TO JSA FUNCTIONS OR JSA SPONSORED REATTAS MUST ARRIVE WITH LEGAL, PROPERLY INSTALLED AIR BAGS.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We believe this is an important requirement to help ensure the safety of your junior sailors.

Manufacturers recommend wearing a glove while doing a quick whisk over with 30-40 grit sandpaper of the area where the air bags are to be installed. This is intended to eliminate sharp points and other hazards.

A tube of silicone can be used to coat potentially damaging screws and other projections. They recommend filing or clipping off below deck sharp objects occupying the same space as air bags.

Air bags should not be over inflated. The high heat under a sun-baked deck will cause expansion of the air bag.

Manufacturers will provide straps for the sausage-shaped (stern) bag for an additional cost. Elastic cord and tie downs also work well.

Holes in air bags can be patched with a kit designed for repairing nylon life raft surfaces. They are available in marine and auto supply stores.