Melbourne to Apollo Bay (M2AB) 15/05/10
Bananarama.
Had a hit with I heard rumour. Now so did I, just last night in fact, so I went to check it all out. Here are the facts.
As technology has moved on, the requirement for every vessel in the 2010 M2AB to have a functioning HF radio, has been removed for this race only, to see if this in turn makes ocean racing more accessible. It certainly removes around a $10k bill. Your VHF signal is now repeated all along the wonderful Surfccoast. There is also good Telstra 3G coverage for this stunning part of Victoria. Optus 3G have certain coverage there and then the other carriers fade away. You can hire a satphone too!
So if you're thinking about going and sticking your nose in it (Bass Strait that is), then this has to be for you. The 2010 M2AB race is now just Cat3, not Cat3+, as per previous years. The boat will need an EPIRB, but you don't need PLBs. Prudent Skippers will partake in the next Rip Tour on April 18, as there has been a few changes to lights etc., in recent times.
You'll also need to read the Blue Book and ensure you are Cat3 compliant. BTW, that means no liferaft is required, either, which is yet another saving. You can get assistance from experienced and qualified persons like Simon Dryden, call 0418 145 909 to sort that one out. We may even be able to find a mentor who will travel with you, to make it that much easier again. Of course, Sally and Dennis in the ORCV office will also be really glad to help you out, too.
Tell everyone please... This would be a classic starter ocean race for my perennial go-to boat, Crackerjack. Go get 'em organised Wally. David may be able to get a few motivated from HBYC too! I'm sure Chris will talk it up, as well.
The beach at Apollo Bay is lovely, so too is the seafood.
The boat pictured here is Peter Blake's Kaos, which is now Matrix. She still holds the M2AB record at five hours and 24 minutes from 1999!!! Come out and break it. Not quite so long ago as dear old Bananarama, but long enough. I heard a rumour was released in 1987! Yikes!!!!!
Forget the Seppo spelling, how's the outfits????
Click HERE for the Rip Tour of April 18, 2010
Click HERE soon to go and get the NOR, which will be available shortly.
By John Curnow
