[EIDXA] Fwd: Bouvet 2016: final update

[Bob W0GXA via EIDXA]

Looks like the one man show is cancelled. 

Bob

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Mark ON4WW" <bouvet2016 at telenet.be>
> Date: May 9, 2015 at 04:00:56 CDT
> To: "Mark ON4WW" <bouvet2016 at telenet.be>
> Subject: Bouvet 2016: final update
> 
> Dear DXer
>  
> Before sending out a press release, I wanted to share the following with those fellow hams who generously pledged to financially support the Bouvet Island "one-man three-month concept".
>  
> After press release #3, I was optimistic in terms of securing the required funding for my expedition. Thanks to so many of you, the necessary up-front expenses were getting close to being covered by the pledges received at that time. I was also hopeful that the larger DX associations and foundations would step forward to contribute as we were getting close to realization.
>  
> At this point in time, I have no other choice than to report that the funding is not sufficient to move forward. As I am sure you know, there are a number of large DXpeditions being arranged for late 2015 and early 2016, and they are more or less competing for the same resources. I didn't manage to create sufficient interest among potential external (non-ham) donors, and my one-man concept is of course somewhat controversial by nature. Though, I am still convinced that - even if my particular approach is not necessarily the solution - future DXpeditioning has to find other forms in order to remain sustainable.
>  
> After having received permission for Bouvet from NPI (Norwegian Polar Institute), my wife (!), my employer (5 months leave without pay) and getting close to the sufficient up-front funding (you), this is a bitter pill to swallow. But I am extremely grateful to all of you for having lived this dream with me. And not the least to my angel sponsor who kept things going.
>  
> As I stated from the beginning, don't be sad, someone else will activate Bouvet!
>  
> Thank you again for your enthusiasm and devotion to our wonderful hobby.
>  
> 73 - Mark - ON4WW