[OKDXA] 3Y0J Bouvet Update

[Jeff Martin]

3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island Updates its Progress
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 Radócz, 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 Øye, 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 70° 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.”