WICEN Vic: Murray Marathon 2013 -- Is on again!

[Gerard Werner]

Its on again!

The Murray Marathon is on again for 2013, and WicenVic has been asked by
the YMCA to provide Safety and Logistics communications for this event.

As November is approaching, it is time to start calling for operators for
the 2013 Murray Marathon.
For this year we will be operating in the standard configuration, using hf
and vhf frequencies for traffic between various land checkpoints, as well
as vhf traffic between boats and land checkipoints.

Some of you may have seen an email from the YMCA several weeks ago,
informing of plans to change the timing and possible structure of the event
for 2014. Not much off this is known at this stage, other than that for
2014 the timing of the event will be different. It will take place in the
last full week of November (26 to 30 November 2014), and likely to be in
the same area of the Murray river.

The timing for 2014 may be an issue for some people, but creates
opportunities for others, including a chance to spend time with family
members during the festive season.
Market research by the YMCA and others has indicated that more
participation can be relied upon from schools for that period, thus
boosting the number of participants, which unfortunately was in decline
over the last few years.

For December 2013 the structure will be as previous years. Which means
driving up to the first campsite in Cobram on Boxing Day.
The event itself consists of five days:
day 1 - start at Yarrawonga, and finish at Tocumwal.
day 2 - start at Tocumwal and finish at Picnic Point.
day 3 - start at Picnic Point and finish at Echuca
day 4 - start at Echuca and finish at Torrumbarry.
day 5 - start at Murrabit and finish at Swan Hill.
For each day control points will be established at Start, Alpha, Bravo,
Charlie, Delta and Finish, (plus possible intermediate checkpoints), as
well as several support vessels and possibly some vehicles.

Camping facilities, as well as some catering, is made available by the
YMCA, mostly at recreation ovals in the various towns.

Usually operators drive up to Cobram on 26 December, with a general
briefing late that afternoon. Camp there for two nights. Then with day 3
starting at Picnic Point, break camp and move to Echuca, to camp there two
nights. Finally, with day 4 finishing early, drive up to Swan Hill in
preparation for the last day.
After finishing at Swan Hill and a final presentation at the Swan Hill
Settlement, most operators camp overnight, before returning back home the
next day.

We know from experience over the past years that to ensure a smooth
operation, we need around 25 operators for the first three days, and around
20 for the last two days.
Although there can be long days, overall it is a relaxing way to enjoy
amateur radio in the magnificent area of the Murray river, as well as
practical setup and running of field stations.

If you can be part of the team (again) as radio operator for this event,
please send me an email.
Also, I would like to hear from you if you are only able to participate for
part of five days.

regards,

Gerard Werner
VK3GER
Event Commander
email gerwer01 at gmail.com
phone 03 9773 6313
mobile 0407 736 313,
or leave a message if unattended
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://vic.wicen.org.au/pipermail/wicenvic_vic.wicen.org.au/attachments/20131029/7a12a188/attachment.html>