Dear SOS26 Participants,
As we are getting ready for the SOS26, it is worthwhile keeping the
following in mind.
We will be departing from Franklin at the LBT aiming for 10AM (briefing
9h30, with further details and an update weather forecast). It is
important that everyone stays together, so that our safety boats can be
effective. Yes, the Huon river has no waves, but winds can be very
variable and take even the best sailors by surprise, especially around
Castle Forbes Bay.
Departing at 10AM, should give us enough time for participants to get
organised on their boats (if it is not already in the water the day
before), getting your camping gear and luggage in the trailers and
picking up your lunch and snacks. Many of us will be there well before
that time and can help prepare everything, and some may even be camping
on the LBT foreshore. The plan is to get to Shipwright’s Point for a
quick lunch and toilet break before getting across Waterloo Bay, due
South. For these unfamiliar with the Huon river, be aware of the marked
channel that needs to be followed, as the vast amount of open water to
the South is inviting, but deceptively shallow! The tide should help
carry us out as the high tide is around 6h30 AM (I will leave the
precise time in Franklin to Martin and Richard to debate) with the low
tide around 2 PM (well after we will have left the narrow stretch of the
Huon where tidal current are strongest).
Please ensure that you have all of your safety equipment (See MAST
https://mast.tas.gov.au/safe-boating/safety-equipment/). Note that the
entire trip is in what MAST calls “Smooth water” (but it can still be
rough out there, particularly Charlotte’s Cove, Bruny Island, Huon
Island and Dover).
You will also need a handheld waterproof marine radio to stay in contact
with the fleet and safety boats.
For interstate people please not that lifejacket standards may differ
between states/territories (some life jackets are available from LBT if
needed).
Gear you will need. Please bring camping gear for your trip (keep it to
a minimum as we need to load/move/unload it each day). Tables, chairs,
cooking and eating materials will be provided. There are hot shower
facilities at Waterloo and Chalotte’s Cove. and electricity at each camp
site to recharge these electronic essentials.
Dogs will be allowed on this trip, but will have to be kept under
control at all times.
If you have not already done so, please join the the WhatsApp SOS26
group.
Kind regards
J-P
