Nanaimo Bath Tub Race

This year the bathtub race will take place on Sunday, July 26. The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association will be assisting with spotting and communications. We are looking for a minimum of 10 volunteers.

Richard VA7AA and Walter VA7ANI attended Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society Safety meeting on Wednesday, June 17.

The requirements will be similar to the previous year. Radio operators and spotters will be required at the following locations:

Checkpoint 1 Entrance Island
Checkpoint 2 Winchelsea Island
Checkpoint 3 Turn Point QHM Naval Vessel "STIKINE"
Checkpoint 4 Big Tub
Finish Line
Bathtub Control Center

Many thanks to those that put their name on the bathtub sign-up sheet.

We plan to deploy 2 APRS trackers in the race this year with the second tracker having been ordered and will be paid for by the Bathtub Society.

Present plans are to move the Entrance Island volunteers out by helicopter from the Nanaimo Military camp and the Winchelsea volunteers by boat (Empress III or similar) departing from Ranch Point (CFMETR Nanoose Bay).

All plans are tentative at the present time. Plans will be firmed up at the next Bathtub Safety meeting July 15.
Communications will be supplied by 748 Nanaimo Communications Squadron, Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR), and Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association. Race primary frequency will be Marine band VHF channel 73 with channel 9 (race secondary).

The 748 Communications Squadron will be using their own VHF and CFMETR will be using a range VHF channel. It is suggested that NARA communicate using UHF repeaters or simplex (great time to try out new VA7ITS Benson Rptr) to limit potential for radio proximity problems with the other VHF users.

Attached is a PDF of the map of the race course (thanks to Roger VA7RS for scanning the map)

Walter
VA7ANI