Organisers of the prestigious Newport-Bermuda Yacht Race head toward next year's event with an eye on Europe and, more importantly, emphasising safety as a main ingredient for all concerned.

This week Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) commodore Brian Billings and vice-commodore Tom Miller revealed plans for an "informal'' Bermuda-to-Europe leg, but were particularly aroused in being able to confirm Bermuda as hosting the Safety at Sea Seminar on December 3.

Both were keen to point out how vital such a seminar is, not only for those involved in the actual race, but the ordinary boater and fisherman as well.

"I think that they're critical for anyone who is going to go offshore in terms of understanding what you need to be prepared for and how to cope with what Mother Nature can throw at you,'' said Miller of the seminar which is endorsed and sponsored by Cruising World, US Sailing and West Marine.

"It's highly recommended and is referred to as `the most important day you can invest in understanding what sailing offshore is all about'.'' Miller scoffed when the point of cost for safety equipment was brought up, inferring that one could never put a price tag on the preservation of life.

"Sure, you could be lucky and never face a situation where you might rely on the skills you might learn at a seminar such as this, but that's not the sort of attitude I'd like any skipper I'm going to be sailing with to take.'' Wholly concurring with his vice president was Billings, who noted the convenience of having the seminar on the Island.

It is mandatory for at least two crew members from all entries for the Newport-Bermuda race to attend the seminar, designed and conducted by sailors, all experts in their fields.

"The safety of these seminars was something we have been trying to bring to Bermuda as a vehicle which could enable sailors here to get the opportunity to attend without the added cost of flying up to North America,'' said Billings, entering the final months of his two year stint as commodore of the Front Street institution.

Billings also revealed plans to step up European participation, with the advent of Royal Cork Race as a "feeder event'' for boats going back to Europe.

Competitors would sail to Newport, take part in the first two legs of the Onion Patch Series followed by the Newport-Bermuda leg, a final two Onion Patch races before making their way back to Europe, with a finish line in England, something Billings said would be a "great experience all around''.

Already 12 skippers representing four countries -- Italy, England, Ireland and Germany -- have expressed interest, but Billings noted it still too early to get an accurate read on any numbers.

As for the main event itself, Billings said 110 have already hinted at making the trek down which was encouraging, however, with the deadline the end of April he could not give an accurate count.

"I think the Newport-Bermuda race will grow more and more in stature, especially with the extension of the Onion Patch format that was embodied in 1994, whereby there will be two races in Newport at the New York Yacht Club, the race down to Bermuda and two races here,'' he said.

"I think certainly the skippers and the sailors love that format and we're very encouraged with the concept of it and we're insistent on it, if you will, in 1996.

"It not only allows skippers and boat owners from North America to participate, but also encourages the people from Europe to get involved in the event because they get more sailing in at different venues than they normally would have under the old format. So, basically the event will continue to be one of the premier offshore sailing events in the world...'' The Safety at Sea Seminar will cost $50 to attend which includes lunch and refreshments and also features door prize raffles.

Early reservations to attend can be made at 295-2214. For further information call Brian Billings (299-3881) or Tom Miller (299-7102).

BRIAN BILLINGS