Peter One DXpedition - Latest

Our last press release announced a delay in the 3YØX Dxpedition to Peter I. We can now give you more specific information.

The vessel we have chartered could not meet the original sailing date.
The renovations and modifications taking place on the ship were not completed on schedule. K4UEE and LA6VM just returned from a visit to Chile that included an inspection of the team's chartered vessel, a meeting with the CEO of the charter company and the shipyard project supervisor, and an inspection of the team's equipment and supplies in our sea container stored in Punta Arenas.

We were disappointed to see that the ship is still not ready. Work is progressing, however, and the charter company tells us they expect to be ready to sail for Peter I on February 10. We are not entirely confident the work can be completed on time, but the team is prepared to assemble in Punta Arenas, Chile on February 8.

If all things go well, we will arrive at the island about 6-7 days after departure, depending on the route, weather, and ice conditions. Our landing operations will commence immediately once the weather allows for safe helicopter operation.

We will first establish a safe, secure, and self-sufficient camp. Once this is complete we will begin setting up stations and antennas. We will be on the air as soon as possible, but this too is dependent on the conditions on the island. Blizzards, high winds, and low visibility are very real potential problems.

We still plan to bring up nine stations with amplifiers and a large array of antennas. Despite the schedule change, the team still hopes to spend two full weeks on the island. And, very importantly, our entire team remains intact. The state of preparation of the ship, the location, complex logistics, weather, and sea ice are all challenges and largely out of our control. We will do all that is within our power to complete this DXpedition safely and within this new time frame. If all goes well and we sail as planned on February 10, we will return to Punta Arenas on March 10th. Check our web site, www.peterone.com, regularly for updates.

This is a huge undertaking and very, very expensive. The team members are funding 74% of the total cost and need your help with the remaining expenses. Your contribution will be very much appreciated. Send contributions to either: K4UEE, F2JD, JA1ELY or ZL2AL (check the website for an easy-to-use donation form).

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