Needed

A call-out to all HAM radio operators in Newlands and environs

In early to mid-February, my son will be sailing his 42’ yacht, Manera, from Adelaide to Hobart, a journey expected to take a week. During this time he will mostly be out of range of mobile phone networks and will be using his HF radio to stay in contact.  He is a licensed HAM radio operator and will be checking in with an East Coast of Australia HAM network, known as "The Comedy Net".  The Comedy Net commences communication at 2040 Zulu on 7.087K every day, and various boats sailing on the East Coast check in from that time, giving their position and status reports. Land based members and other HAM radio operators also check in to the network about that time. It is an open group who always welcome new contacts.

I would love to be able to listen in and perhaps communicate with him during this time, so I am looking for a HAM operator in the area who would be able to make contact with him and relay messages for me.    His licence and radio also allow him to make contact on most of the allocated HAM radio frequencies, so if that time or frequency are problematic he can check in at other times and bands.

The timing of his departure is a little uncertain, but I should know his departure date with a few days’ notice as he watches for a good weather window. If you can help, or if you know a HAM radio operator in this area who may be interested in his voyage, please contact me. It would take much of the worry out of my days when he is at sea! 

Gillean: 0402 123 881

(PS.  In case you are interested in Manera, she is a Swanson 42, a fibreglass masthead cutter with a sail area of 900.00 square feet (83.61 square metres) built in Sydney in the early 1980s. She has a canoe stern, so looks a little unusual. She is built for ocean cruising and has sailed in the Pacific many times, and will be going there again after her trip to the forties in a few weeks time).