06/14/2021

The Intrepid-DX Group announced over the weekend that it has cancelled its long-anticipated 3Y0J[1] DXpedition to Bouvet Island. The DXpedition team had planned to travel to Bouvet via the RV Braveheart, owned by Nigel Jolly, K6NRJ. Jolly has told the DXpedition that Braveheart is being sold and he's cancelled its contract for the 3Y0J voyage.

"The global pandemic has impacted the expedition charter vessel business very hard; this includes the venerable RV Braveheart, which has provided outstanding safety and service to many DXpeditions," DXpedition co-leaders Paul Ewing, N6PSE, and Kenneth Opskar LA7GIA, said in announcing the news on June 13. "Today, we were informed that Braveheart will be sold. As a result, Nigel Jolly will no longer be associated with the ship, our contract with the ship has been cancelled, and our deposit will be refunded. This is a very disappointing development to all involved."

The DXpedition said that it has stopped accepting donations and will refund 100% of the donations using the same method they were received. "This process will take several weeks to sort out, so please be patient," the announcement said. "We wish to thank our team for putting their trust in us. We wish to thank all of the donors and sponsors that gave generously to this project. We will continue to research other ships and possibly find another suitable vessel for a future project."

ARRL announced in April that it had awarded a $5,000 Colvin Grant to the Intrepid-DX Group to help in funding the DXpedition to Bouvet Island, scheduled for January to February 2023. A dependency of Norway, Bouvet is a sub-Antarctic island in the South Atlantic. It is the second-most-wanted DXCC entity, behind North Korea.ÿ


[1] https://3y0j.com/

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[1] https://www.arrl.org//news/view/3y0j-dxpedition-to-bouvet-island-confirms-november-2022-activation

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12/30/2021

Two new team members of the upcoming 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet have come aboard to replace, in part, three operators who have determined they'd be unable to make the trip - Sandro Nitoi, VE7NY; Laci Rad¢cz, HA0NAR, and Dimtry Zhikharev, RA9USU. Joining the 3Y0J crew will be Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC, and Otis Vicens, NP4G. A third replacement has not yet been named.

"Their experience will be a great addition to the team," the DXpedition team said in a media release announcing the personnel changes and updating the DXpedition's planning process.

Ken Opskar, LA7GIA; Rune Oye, LA7THA, and Erwann Merrien, LB1QI, are sharing leadership duties.

The 3Y0J team has also been busy selecting the gear that they will need once they reach the subantarctic island. Arctic Lavvo of Norway will supply the team with its Venor Gamme tent. "Arctic Lavvo will deliver custom-made tents to the project, [which will] include three tents for radio operation and sleeping. The manufacturer, having its factory at 70ø north, is taking the extra step to ensure their high-quality products will sustain the Bouvet climate."

The tent, which stood up to winds of 40 meters per second (nearly 90 MPH) when it was tested in extreme conditions on Svalbard, will be improved further by adding extra guying levels and by strengthening the aluminum frame.

Silcom of South Africa will supply custom masts for the Yagi antennas that are rated for the Bouvet environment. The aluminum mast will be used for the tribanders, while the smaller, galvanized steel mast will support dual-band Yagis. "All masts have been through detailed engineering to optimize the technical specification and rating to fit our InnovAntenna/WiMo Yagis," the DXpedition team said. The square, telescoping masts have tilt-over functionality and "can easily handle [winds of] 45 meters per second at an elevation of 10 meters."

"We're taking preparation to the next level by procuring a [Zodiac Milpro inflatable boat]," the team continued. "The strategic decision to buy the [boat] will enable us to train [for] the critical beach landing in Norway. Having access to the exact same Zodiac we will use at Bouvet is just another step we have taken to ensure the success of this DXpedition," the team said.

So far, the team has expended more than $130,000 of its total estimated cost. "We have reached an income level of $500,000, but still critically need an additional $160,000 in support to be able to make it," the DXpedition said. "Going to Bouvet is a huge undertaking financially, as all our expenses are upfront."

Follow the team's plans via its website[1] or the 3Y0J Facebook page[2]. View Bouvet Island from above in a short YouTube video[3].ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ

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[1] http://www.3y0j.no/
[2] https://www.facebook.com/groups/3093983840726129
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaMaR21075U

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