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Thread: VHF Antenna Location

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Posts
    14

    Default VHF Antenna Location

    I understand that the current Safety Equipment Requirements for Offshore Racing includes a requirement for a VHF Antenna at the top of my mast(3.8.1). Is there any possibility that an exemption could be made for boats like mine that have very skinny mastheads and don't want any cable interfering with halyards. I would of course install an antenna, but just not on my mast. If there is an exemption process, how do I start it?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    3,688

    Default

    Hi Scott,

    Since race Organizing Authorities (like the SSS) are encouraged to modify the SER's as needed to suit their own races, I would file a waiver request with the SSS Board. If you were planning to race with OYRA you would need to submit a waiver request to them. I can't think of any other way to do it.
    .
    Last edited by BobJ; 12-22-2017 at 12:50 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Alameda CA
    Posts
    497

    Default

    I agree with Bob, I think you have to request it for each OA.
    Locally, this would include OYRA, SSS & BAMA [Double Handed Farallones].

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Posts
    14

    Default

    Thanks for the information. I'll file the waiver requests soon.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    609

    Default

    What kind of boat?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    577

    Default

    Or you can run the cable down the backstay, zip-tying it every foot or so. That's the setup I had for a few years until I had to pull the mast for some other reason.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Alameda CA
    Posts
    497

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ScottOwens View Post
    Thanks for the information. I'll file the waiver requests soon.
    I should point out that although the procedure has been verified, it should not be inferred that the waiver(s) will be granted.

    DH

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Santa Rosa
    Posts
    644

    Default

    Waivers are tricky things for OAs. Sort of like the "Genie in the bottle." Once the first is made it's hard to get the plug back in. Having a masthead antenna means more broadcast range and greater AIS range. If one is serious about ocean racing, especially distance ocean racing, more range is better, especially for AIS. Remember the arguments about waivers for small boats and lifelines? Or a Cessna-type life raft instead of one from Sal. Max's solution, although temporary, offers a good alternative - it worked on a Santana 22, too. However, I wonder about using that temporary arrangement for an Hawaiian race?

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