Races is Straightforward
In the case of races it is straightforward. You say where you are going, how long the race is, and when you expect to finish. If you are going on an extended cruise the insuring company or broker will want to know much more about the vessel in terms of its internal and external ballast, whether it has a centerboard or lifting keel, what sort of self-steering it has, the type of construction, and particularly the thickness of the topsides, deck, and cabin top. There will be a number of items covering radio call signs, the color of various parts, the sort of radio sets and the frequencies on board, what radio watch schedule is proposed and more details about the engines. These items are needed in case a search has to be initiated.