[SFDXA] W8HC comments about the 2nd Bouvet DXpedition

[Pete Rimmel N8PR]

Guys,

I have been getting emails, texts and a few Facebook messages asking me what I know about the supposed 3Y0I DXpedition by Dom 3Z9DX and his band of "Rebel" DXers as they prefer to be known. There has also been a flurry of emails from several members on our 3Y0Z Team email reflector pondering the legitimacy of Dom's recent social media and website announcements (with photos) that the 3Y0I team has now convened from their point of debarkation in Cape Town, South Africa. Interestingly, there has still been no mention of the vessel they will be using or any other details as to specific plans. So there is a lot of mystery and secrecy involved, leading me to wonder "why" at this point?

They have indicated that they will be using Zodiacs to bring everything they need onshore and onto the island. And then they will somehow scale a 500 foot vertical ice cliff, traverse a huge crevasse field and miraculously set up their stations on top of this glacier, exposed to some of the most wicked weather on this earth. Oh, and somewhere during their two weeks on the island they plan to climb to the top of Bouvet's tallest peak at 2300 feet and plant a time capsule of some sort. Good luck with that. 
Anyway, I know a couple of you guys have asked me about this DXpedition and if a beach landing or even an operation from the "beach" is possible. From what I know, the only area of consideration would be at the area where the Norwegian Polar Institute has its research station. This area is closed off to any and all unauthorized individuals and it was my understanding that our 3Y0Z license stipulated we were not permitted access to that part of the island. Their permit and license does not allow them to be in this restricted area either. 
I have made it clear to many people who have asked me about Dom's plans that I think he should be required to carry a satellite tracking device as I used to show specific locations of the "team" onto, on and off of Bouvet before any DXCC legitimacy is considered. 
My personal opinion, as well as others that have been to Bouvet and seen and experienced the horrendous conditions there, believe the 3Y0I operation is foolish and will result in nothing good. I am however, still not convinced this is all still not some kind of a hoax, just as his P5/3Z9DX operation in December 2015. But that's another story.

All I can say is stay tuned... these guys ARE right now in South Africa and they say they are going to Bouvet... Will it be Ham radio or will it be Sham radio. Obviously the last thing anyone wants is to see harm or worse come to any of these guys but if they are attempting to do what they say they are going to do, this will not have a good ending, for these operators... or DXing.

73,

Hal W8HC