Rotto swim
Submitted by Oracle on Fri, 2012-02-03 22:00
Gang,
Looks like im skipper/boat for a team in the rotto swim this year. Even got a swimmer coming from France to be part of the team. Anyone else involved or been before? Couple of questions...
1. Should I take a book? 7'hours is it?
2. Good piss up afterwards?
3. Do you stay the night and where? Assuming no piss up. No room left. Should I anchor in a bay some where?
4. With so many boats, is it kaos at the start and finish?
Keen to catch up with a few if you're heading over
Cheers
doublej
Posts: 169
Date Joined: 08/07/09
Try the search function
.
Oracle
Posts: 355
Date Joined: 22/11/10
I've got nothin
doublej
Posts: 169
Date Joined: 08/07/09
All good
Hope you get the answer to your question.
Cheers
scottland
Posts: 3039
Date Joined: 10/05/10
tow a big bait
see if these 3m whites want to play ball ahhaah. seriously 7 hours? if you think you need a book take a book. try and keep those rotto ferries out haha
i support two teams eagles and whoever is playing the dockers
UncutTriggerInWA
Posts: 2692
Date Joined: 05/09/08
Hope your Frenchie knows how much you don't
Be a wasted ticket at current exchange rates. Don't create a bad impression. Least of all don't make life difficult for our emergency services.
Vince.
Work smart and fish often.
Member and die-hard supporter of the mighty West Coast Eagles.
bmac
Posts: 20
Date Joined: 09/07/07
rotto swim
I skippered a boat for the swim 2 years ago,you wont have time to read mate,boats and swimmers everywhere! Definatly kaos ,you will be flat out the whole day,good piss up afterwards though, makes it all worth it.
greatrex
Posts: 210
Date Joined: 29/08/11
im swimming it...7 hours you
im swimming it...7 hours you got some slow swimmers
. im doing a duo and it took us last year 5hours 30 mins. you wont be able to read a book need to be able to handle the boat at slow speeds and avoid running over the swimmers. there is no where to stay on the island unless you book a year in advance...there is a massive piss up at the pub its there most profitable night of the year. the starts are a bit chaotic but make sure you attend the info session at challenge stadium next wednesday...its boring as shit but also informative. the finish isnt bad as your quite spread out by that stage.
Oracle
Posts: 355
Date Joined: 22/11/10
I've got a few oldies
It's parents and their kids but the kids are mid 20's so yeah, might be slower.
Do you just stay on your boat in a random bay then?
Just sounded like fun and they are good people.always good to do things like this to help out people I think
Paul Jackson
Posts: 106
Date Joined: 19/04/09
Did it last year1. Should I
Did it last year
1. Should I take a book? 7'hours is it? No time to red a book - takes a lot of concentration to maintain correct course at low speed
2. Good piss up afterwards? Yup, but last year I was worn out after the early start (04:30 on the water) etc went back to OR before sun down
3. Do you stay the night and where? Assuming no piss up. No room left. Should I anchor in a bay some where? No chance - went back to Ocean Reef afterwards
4. With so many boats, is it kaos at the start and finish? Absolutey - nothing can prepare you for the Chaos....
Definately go to the briefing and remember you are in charge and responsible for safe passage of Swimmer(s) canoe team and support crew..
Good Luck
Cheers
Paul J
Oracle
Posts: 355
Date Joined: 22/11/10
Thanks Paul
Sounds like its gonna be something to remember!
Paul G
Posts: 5215
Date Joined: 12/12/07
A guy I know did it one year
A guy I know did it one year he has a Boston whaler 24' and said he woulnt do that again. hard work behind the wheel the swimmers have the easy job.
Active Gyp-Rok solutions ,Residential and commercial ceilings and walls
greatrex
Posts: 210
Date Joined: 29/08/11
Trust me swimmers have it
Trust me swimmers have it hard. I skippered a 31ft centre console last year. Trust me it doesn't compare to swimming.
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
you werent the bloke who
you werent the bloke who almost ran into the back of me were you? (white 26 ft console)
greatrex
Posts: 210
Date Joined: 29/08/11
Wouldn't have been me mate.
Wouldn't have been me mate. You still got your boat :p
scotto
Posts: 2472
Date Joined: 21/04/08
Done it quite a few times,
And yeah, it's a fair bit of work at the wheel, but good fun.
Be prepared for chaos at whichever ramp you choose. All boat launching rules are off on rotto swim day.
The skipper and a good deckie (if in teams) will make or break the race for the swimmers.
Setting your course, allowing for wind, current and swell, and then constant recalculating to get the most direct route to the finish bouys.
At the rotto swim, all rottnest rules are out the door. You can sleep on the beach, raft up, drink piss everywhere, etc. we usually head around to one of the northern bays (but still close to Thommos bay) to moor the boats, and start gettin stuck into a few coldies, then head to the pub (bus or walk) with everyone else on rotto, and usually stumble back at a ridiculous hour in the AM, and swag on the beach.
Another good trick is to write a number on your arm at midday, and get it to half wear off by night, so you can pose as a swimmer, and use it to pick up chicks at the pub...
It's a pretty long day, but you will talk about it for years after.
spinksy
Posts: 266
Date Joined: 06/10/10
Did it a couple of years ago
Had nothing to do with the swim went for the piss up!! Went over early on friday got the best spot south of thompson bay.. Saturday was kaos boats everywhere trying to put their boats in the smallest of spots on the beach. Boats moored in front of us everywhere so you couldnt leave till everyone else did.. Dont know how you would go parking your boat after the swim though take a blow up raft... This was before the new beach anchoring set up so there would be even less spots on the beach now!!
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
Pretty crazy at the start
Pretty crazy at the start line.
All depends on how good your first swimmer is. In teams the first swimmer has to swim the first 1500m from cott, if he gets out in front makes it easier.
Ask your paddler to wear something crazy so you can spot them. (our wore an indian hat thing with feathers all over it)
Once you get moving its usually pretty smooth sailing, still alot of moving around for the skipper.
I usually idle over on 1 engine (Dependant on conditions).
Also i launch from woodman point and pick the siwmmers up on the river. eventho much further to travel its easier to launch retrieve!
Dizzy
Posts: 753
Date Joined: 21/02/11
I'm skippering for a chick
I'm skippering for a chick coming over from Queensland.
She's won a few international events, so hopefully she gets clear of the congestion pretty quick.
Rod P
Posts: 725
Date Joined: 20/05/08
Make sure you know the drift.
Make sure you know the drift. A good skipper can win a event..
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
still 4 days out, but look at
still 4 days out, but look at the weather!!!
2.5 swell, 10-15 knot southerlies (which means 20 knots at rotto)
At what stage does the weather become too dangerous for the swim anyone know?
Obviously they wouldnt cancel the race until last minute!
Dizzy
Posts: 753
Date Joined: 21/02/11
Yep, sh!t conditions. (But
Yep, sh!t conditions.
(But better than it looked on Sunday : 20-25kn & 4.5m+ swell
)
I've sent an email to see what their position is regarding weather conditons.
Normally, you wouldn't see one boat out on the water in the forecast conditions - for good reason.
And the Sea-Rescue groups would be shaking their heads at anyone that did - it's just irresponsible.
There's always the big boats that will cope OK, but there were plenty of little ali tubs out there last year that would cop a flogging if the forecast holds.
It'll be one thing seeing the chaos in the crowd, then there's dealing with the big following sea on the way back.
barlow
Posts: 147
Date Joined: 04/01/12
it will be cancelled citing
it will be cancelled citing 'safety concerns". sorry
Dizzy
Posts: 753
Date Joined: 21/02/11
Not what I've just heard from
Not what I've just heard from the race director.
Earlier it was looking like a definate no-go, but the forecast (whilst still awful) is apparently back in the "Swim" zone.
Paul Jackson
Posts: 106
Date Joined: 19/04/09
Guys, don't forget the
Guys, don't forget the skipper of the support boat is in charge (and responsible)
So if you don't feel safe or weather looks risky, it is your call
Cheers
Paul J
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
22 February 2012 - Weather
22 February 2012 - Weather Update
We understand that many skippers and swimmers will be anxious for a decision regarding the 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim.
The forecast weather conditions for Saturday are, at this stage, improving. The BOM has an 80% confidence of:
6:00am S/SE winds 10/15 knots at Cottesloe S'ly 13/18 knots at Garden Island.
9:00am S'ly winds 13/18 knots at Garden Island and Rottnest Island.
12:00 midday S/SW winds 13/18 knots at Garden Island and Rottnest Island, tending S/SW 15/20 knots by midday.
3:00pm S/SW winds 15/20 knots at Garden Island and Rottnest Island.
Seas 1.0m to 1.5m.
Swell less than 1.0m at Cottesloe.
Swell 1.0m to 1.5m at Garden Island.
Swell to 2.0m West of Rottnest Isalnd.
If the conditions are marginal, the Race Committee will not make a final decision until as late as possible on Saturday morning and will take note of wind strength, wind direction, swell, and forecast conditions for the remainder of the day. In addition to this, we will take advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and the Department of Transport (and other agencies as appropriate) before making a GO or NO GO decision.
If the conditions are clearly dangerous and the forecast doesn't show a significant improvement, the Race Committee will most likely make a decision between 0300-0400 on Saturday. This will avoid most support boats having to be launched.
Please be assured that we will not allow the swim to commence if the conditions are dangerous. Of course, regardless of our decision, every swimmer, skipper, and paddler must assess their own level of preparation, fitness and skill to determine whether they are able to make the crossing in less than ideal conditions. If the swim goes ahead, it is likely to be a testing day and crossing times will be a lot longer than they would otherwise be.
Regards,
Race Committee
Rod P
Posts: 725
Date Joined: 20/05/08
They don't like to can it
They don't like to can it unless they really have to.
If they do it wont be run again and with many international teams and interstate teams flying in they are always very reluctant to drop it..
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
can understand that, but im
can understand that, but im sure safety comes first
Changing swimmers over on a boat like mine takes between 15-30 seconds I'd say. In windy conditions with no engines to assist in moving would be difficult.
Rod P
Posts: 725
Date Joined: 20/05/08
Yeah as well as tracking a
Yeah as well as tracking a straightish line to Rotto will be hard.
Never said it would be easy. Why do you think after 20 plus years I've supplied boats but never offered to drive one..
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
the fun part will be getting
the fun part will be getting clear.
Most boats will go the northern side I'd say, this way when interchanging swimmers the boat blows north (away from the swimmers) not towards.
Paul Jackson
Posts: 106
Date Joined: 19/04/09
Agreed it was hard enough
Agreed it was hard enough last year with almost no wind and near perfect conditions
I would not fancy it this weekend unless there is a big change
Cheers
Paul J
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
latest update.... i dont know
latest update.... i dont know what they mean 'not too bad' its going to be a 2.4m swell when the race starts, and winds im sure will not be any less than 20 knots at rotto all day. Will start off around cott at 10-15 knot southerlies.
23 February 2012 - Weather Update "Race conditions bumpy but not too bad"We understand that many skippers and swimmers will be anxious for a decision regarding the 2012 HBF Rottnest Channel Swim.
The forecast weather conditions for Saturday have remained similar for two days with an slight increase in wind strength predicted for the afternoon. The BOM has provided us with the following forecast as of this morning (23 Feb):
6:00am S/SE winds 10/15 knots at Cottesloe S'ly 13/18 knots at Garden Island.
9:00am S'ly winds 13/18 knots at Garden Island and Rottnest Island.
12:00 midday S/SW winds 13/18 knots at Garden Island reaching 15/20 knot west of Rottnest Island.
3:00pm S/SW winds 15/20 knots at Garden Island and Rottnest Island.
Seas 1.0m to 1.5m.
Swell less 0.5m to 1.0m at Cottesloe. South West Swell wave period 10 to 11 seconds.
Swell 1.5m to 2.0m at Garden Island. South West Swell wave period 10 to 11 seconds.
Swell to 2.0m West of Rottnest Island. South West Swell wave period 10 to 11 seconds.
The swell will be a short period swell since it is generated by the low pressure system passing south of Albany, and for this reason it should peak before the race starts and moderate slightly during the race.
Swimmers should note the forecast afternoon wind strength. Slower teams and solo swimmers still in the water by mid-afternoon will experience the day's hardest conditions.
Swimmers should be aware that with a forecast maximum temperature of 26, you will need to monitor and manage swimmers very carefully for hypothermia - please refer to pages 16 & 17 of the Year Book. The water temperature is 26 degrees which is very helpful but wind chill and the reduction of radiant heat will increase the challenge.
If the conditions are marginal, the Race Committee will not make a final decision until as late as possible on Saturday morning and will take note of wind strength, wind direction, swell, and forecast conditions for the remainder of the day. In addition to this, we will take advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and the Department of Transport (and other agencies as appropriate) before making a GO or NO GO decision.
If the conditions are clearly dangerous and the forecast doesn't show a significant improvement, the Race Committee will most likely make a decision between 0300-0400 on Saturday. This will avoid most support boats having to be launched.
Notification of a GO or NO GO decision will be via SMS to all solo swimmers, Team Captains of Duos and Teams, and all Skippers. Notification will also be broadcast on the Race Channel VHF Channel 77 or 27.94 (Channel 94).
Please be assured that we will not allow the swim to commence if the conditions are dangerous. Of course, regardless of our decision, every swimmer, skipper, and paddler must assess their own level of preparation, fitness and skill to determine whether they are able to make the crossing in less than ideal conditions. If the swim goes ahead, it is likely to be a testing day and crossing times will be a lot longer than they would otherwise be.
Regards,
Race Committee
glastronomic
Posts: 892
Date Joined: 16/02/11
Any further news?any one
Any further news?
any one prepared to disclose the numbers on your boat of your team so we can look out for each others?
Oracle
Posts: 355
Date Joined: 22/11/10
dont see why not...
Im the black boat with orange 815 the one bouncing around hard, swaying out of control in the wind and cursing the ocean
glastronomic
Posts: 892
Date Joined: 16/02/11
Team Tilly!Fund raising for
Team Tilly!
Fund raising for cerebal palsy disease!
http://youtu.be/ai3wYp--A5Q
Dizzy
Posts: 753
Date Joined: 21/02/11
Ahh, knew I recognised the
Ahh, knew I recognised the boat from somewhere Glas.
We tied up to next to each other on the walkway at Hillarys this morning.
We're #77 - White 20ft Chivers, Silver/grey canopy, Zuke donk.
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
dunno our race number yet,
dunno our race number yet, but im in a white Fury centre console with twin donks... cant really miss me :)
greatrex
Posts: 210
Date Joined: 29/08/11
346 in a blue 21ft centre
346 in a blue 21ft centre console. Will be flying a flag similar to the aboriginal one but it's got icea on it. Swimming for indigenious children's education awareness. There will be a big group 40+ of us running round the pub. You will see "ICEA" shirts everywhere. Probably the tallest guy you'll see wearing one so come say hi
Dan
Posts: 168
Date Joined: 23/02/06
hopefully
team contender will do well regardless of the conditions :)
Oracle
Posts: 355
Date Joined: 22/11/10
Gees - seen the weather still?
I'm hoping I get home OK with the team intact adn no damage to the boat to be honest. Althought being the Stabi, beware any small glass boats!
Georgejungle
Posts: 354
Date Joined: 25/03/09
Just put a 50 ft cray boat to
Just put a 50 ft cray boat to bed from river to freo fishing boat harbour and that swell is building good luck anyone in a small boat its gonna be tough
Daniel Y
Posts: 423
Date Joined: 30/09/05
70 trailers at Hillarys
70 trailers at Hillarys before 6am this morning..pretty hectic stuff launching from what I saw.
Bodie
Posts: 3758
Date Joined: 05/11/07
Just finished, conditions
Just finished, conditions held up!! Good day on the water, 2 sharks spotted that I heard on the radio
Anyone who went north struggled , I took our team south (probably further south than any other team) the guys finished doing their best time in 8 years beating their previous best of 6hr 17min finishing today in 5 hours 20 min!
deco1100
Posts: 18
Date Joined: 07/08/08
Lost Esky @ Hillary's Boat Ramp :(
Hi guys one of my crew left there esky with all his days stuff in it at the wash down bay at the Hillary's ramp thought I'd take a stab and try my luck and see if any FW member happend to pick it up. Cheers in Advance
Mick
Dizzy
Posts: 753
Date Joined: 21/02/11
Yep, was a good day out. Like
Yep, was a good day out. Like Bodie we went south and especially at the end you could see the distance opening from those who went North. Our solo swimmer was hard core. She puked a few times then pushing on right through to the end for a very respectable time. Just on 6h I think. Haven't spoken to her yet, we had to come pretty much straight back. Bloody chaos at the start though, jostling for position near the 1000 mark to meet up with their swimmers. Had to feel for the poor swimmers that bad to abandon at 1500m because their boats didn't turn up. Anyone know the story behind the medevac issue ? Swimmer injured by prop or something ?
Starbug
Posts: 563
Date Joined: 27/08/09
yep it was swimmer v prop. I
yep it was swimmer v prop. I dont know the extent of injuries.
glastronomic
Posts: 892
Date Joined: 16/02/11
Launched @ OR on friday
Launched @ OR on friday night slept on board and set of @4am.
To be well in time @ the start of this event.
http://youtu.be/3MZLedc5h_I
Dizzy
Posts: 753
Date Joined: 21/02/11
Likewise Glas, I launched at
Likewise Glas,
I launched at Freshwater Bay on Friday night and slept on the boat.
Definitely worth it, slept like a log and missed the ramp chaos we could see when cruising down the river at 4am
andym
Posts: 80
Date Joined: 28/09/06
Hectic old day ,but weather
Hectic old day ,but weather much better than expected , Our solo girl came in fourth with us bunch of first timers helping out , some fine viewing on the island !!!!!!!
Cheers Andy
Dan
Posts: 168
Date Joined: 23/02/06
thankfully we had a great run
Our guys swam amazingly and managed a class win (Duo)
saw quite a few boats having to track back south as we got near rotto - wouldn't be happy swimming that path...
was a seedy trip coming back yesterday - few too many beers on saturday !