Day three on route to Debut, Indonesia - 24 July 2015

Tashi Delek
Mike & Carol Kefford
Fri 24 Jul 2015 02:51

08:38.32S 135:38.93E

 

Noon on day three and an eventful 24 for the fleet.  Each morning at 0900 we have the HF Hugh Frequency long range) radio net and a roll call on yachts.  For each day there is a Net Controller who runs the net for that day and Friday is Mike’s day.  The schedule always starts with a first call for emergency, priority or medical problems before going on to the roll call of yachts underway or at anchor.  Several of the yachts do not have HF radios so now about 15 minutes before the net starts you can hear yachts calling them on the VHF (short range) radio to get their positions and check if all is well.  This is then reported to the fleet on the HF net later.  An excellent way of looking out for everyone in our fleet.  We now have 34 yachts on the net which takes about 45 minutes to complete.

 

This morning Mike makes the first call for emergency or priority traffic: 

 

A yacht with HF relays a message from one of our single handers who is entering the very difficult channels leading in to the anchorage at Debut, and cannot start his engine.  So Mike can call the yachts already at anchor in Debut and pass on the message.  They respond and agree to contact the single hander on VHF and go out to his assistance and help get him in to the anchorage.  Excellent.

 

One of the yachts at the back of the fleet (yes there are yacht behind TD this time) has broken the boom supporting his main sail and is proceeding under head sail alone.  All is well on board and another yacht at the back has been in contact with them by VHF, is standing by to assist and will accompany them to Debut.  Great support.

 

Another relay from a yacht without HF to say that they cannot recharge their batteries so are proceeding without their AIS (Automatic Identification System) showing where they are and that they are travelling at night without lights.  The fleet is alerted to keep an eye out for them.

 

Another yacht calls in to say they spent the night trapped in a fishing net but are now free and carrying on.  Fleet note their position and proceed with caution!

 

………….. And that was just the first part of the days radio schedule! 

 

Oh yes, we were visited by dolphins yesterday.  Always a joyous sight.  So noon on day three and 137 miles run.  240 miles to go.