Newport Bermuda Race organising committee chairman John Osmond has thanked all those involved in a medical emergency during this year’s 635-mile race.Among a trio of boats that responded to a distress call to aid a sick crewman on board the double-handed sloop Seabiscuit was the local schooner Spirit of Bermuda that was under the command of captain Scott Jackson.“The committee is profoundly thankful to all who took part in this demanding and ultimately successful exercise,” said Mr Osmond, who is also a medical doctor. “We especially thank Scott Jackson and his crew on board Spirit of Bermuda, Philip S Dickey and his crew on Flying Lady, and the Captain and crew of the Enchantment of the Seas for their caring and able seamanship.”On the evening of June 17 Seabiscuit owner Nathan Owen suffered complications from dehydration which was reported to Dr Barbara Masser who was designated as the primary physician for the Newport Bermuda Race.Dr Masser initially recommended that the patient remain on board and be treated for dehydration and other complications.After reviewing a list of boats that had doctors among their crew, the yacht Flying Lady was asked to rendezvous with Seabiscuit and assist the patient with treatment.However, because of the rough conditions the doctor on board Flying Lady could not be transferred to Seabiscuit.“There are always inherent dangers when transferring a casualty from one vessel to another and this must be assessed when taking a decision to do so,” said a Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson. “As vessels come alongside they can sometimes be prevented from carrying out medical evacuations due to inclement weather conditions as the danger level increases when both vessels come in contact with one another.”Left with no other option, the crew of Flying Lady tossed medications and medical equipment across to Seabiscuit.It was then that Spirit of Bermuda was tasked by Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre to turn back and cover the 78 miles to Seabiscuit to provide an “added option” of transferring a medical person to the ill sailor or providing additional crew to assist the lone sailor left operating the double-handed sloop.“RCC Bermuda, RCC Norfolk and both medical experts ashore were in agreement that the patient was in a stable condition with no need for immediate evacuation and that the Spirit of Bermuda should be used as a launch platform for an EMT / crew member,” the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson added.Mr Owen’s condition improved while Spirit of Bermuda steamed towards Seabiscuit.However, Dr Masser ultimately determined that the ill sailor be placed under “professional care” and along with Bermuda Race organising committee chairman Mr Osmond requested that the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas evacuate the patient instead.Mr Owen was taken on board the cruise ship which then proceeded on its journey to Boston while Spirit of Bermuda and Seabiscuit sailed on to Bermuda.At last check Mr Owen was reported to be recovering from his ordeal on the high seas.After dropping most of her sails, Spirit of Bermuda travelled roughly 65-70 miles up the racecourse under motor power in response to the distress call in heavy marine traffic.Spirit of Bermuda sailing master Alan Burland praised the crew aboard the sloop for their swift response to a medical distress.He described the actions of Spirit of Bermuda’s crew as "phenomenal", adding: “We had both watches up on deck assisting with dropping the sails and then getting things back underway, which is remarkable and is a real tribute to the crew who responded really well to the incident.”