OGGIE BEACONS REVITALISED!

The Oggie Beacon Fund exists as a memorial to Port Edgar Y.C. members Ian and Liz Ogston who were drowned when their Contessa 32 "Drummer" sank in the North Sea in August 1992 after hitting a submerged object. Many visitors to the Port Edgar clubhouse will no doubt have read the memorial plaque on the wall beside the bar (which was largely reconstructed by Ian). After their deaths a considerable sum of money was raised amongst yachtsmen and clubs on the East Coast of Scotland with the specific aim of improving the safety of cruising yachtsmen.

To achieve these aims it was decided to purchase three Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) which use a satellite system known as COSPAS-SARSAT to pass on distress signals from almost anywhere around the globe. The beacons transmit a coded signal on 406 MHz which are detected by the satellites and then relayed to a ground search and rescue base. The position and the identity of the beacon can both be calculated and appropriate help alerted to search for the casualty. The beacon also transmits on 121.5 MHz, which is the 'homing' frequency used by SAR aircraft, and has a strobe light to help aid location in the dark.

Over the past few years these EPIRBs have shipped aboard Forth yachts cruising all around the coasts of Britain and northern Europe. They have recently been returned after a major overhaul and are once again available to any yachtsmen who want to hire them for a summer cruise or passage. The minimum period is about a week, but shorter periods will be considered, and periods of up to two months may be possible. Minimum charge is about £20, with a sliding scale for longer periods. Full instruction in their use will be given before they are issued.

Anyone wishing to reserve a beacon for any period of time should contact Oli Ludlow at the Sailing School (0131 331 3330) or home (0131 331 2572) or by e-mail oli.ludlow@talk21.com.