ORCV and the AAORR.

Bowled Over By A Virtual Freight Train.

He, a certain Bob ‘Freight Train’ Williams, has done low-tech before, see HERE. In fact, that too was in Melbourne, so it seems terribly fitting that he should do the highest of tech in Melbourne, as well.

The last time he was in Melbourne to present, the 'Freight Train' was reduced to candlelight.

A diary clash meant that Bob was not able to attend the Cruising Yacht Association of Victoria (CYAV) function on 12/4/10, to explain the latest developments in his Around Australia Ocean Race and Rally (AAORR). You would have seen us promoting the session in question, HERE.

It was a case of ‘no problem’ for Neville ‘Nifty’ Rose, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s Training Committee Chairman. He quickly stepped in to ensure that Bob was there, virtually if you don’t mind, via Skype.

Now the ‘Freight Train’ always makes in impact when he comes to Melbourne. This time, as Bob was unable to be in Melbourne physically to present to our friends at the CYAV, Commodore George Shaw and Nifty took his place, in a manner of speaking. However, by virtue of going hi-tech, the ORCV enabled Bob to present to the meeting in South Melbourne, all from his desk in Perth, no less.  The CYAV members and guest were very suitably impressed with Bob's ‘Virtual’ presence and some very productive questions came about as a result of Bob being there (ish).

What makes this event particularly important, is that the clash was only realised a matter of hours before the Freight Train was due to take the stage. ‘Ian Reichelt rang me on the Monday morning to make sure I was all set for my presentation that very evening to the CYAV members at a hotel in South Melbourne, said Bob. ‘As I was still in Perth at the time, it was quickly obvious that we had a bit of a problem. It's not a good feeling to learn that 100 people are coming to hear you talk on the Rally aspect of our Around Australia Ocean Race and Rally event, and as the guest speaker and event organiser, you would not actually be there! I then called Neville Rose of the ORCV, to see if he could possibly deputise for me'. Neville then asked Bob if I was on Skype. 'Yes', I said. 'Great', Nifty replied. 'What say we set things up so you can talk remotely and I'll point to a digital presentation and you can answer questions. That's what we did and it worked a treat.'

Bob emailed over some image files and notes for George and Nifty to present. The Powerpoint file that was developed as a result of this calamity can be downloaded HERE.

It was important to ensure that Bob could act in his normal fashion, so the initial test from Nifty’s office to Bob in his, allayed any fears of having to ‘scream between two tin cans and 4000km of string’. Nifty’s BlackBerry was deployed as a 3G WiFi modem and then the laptop, external speakers and microphone provided sufficient audio clarity that Bob could actually hear questions directly from the floor!

‘We did a little run-through rehearsal a few minutes before he presented’ said Nifty.  ‘The technology worked exceptionally well and the whole presentation went like clockwork. I was swapping the slides as Bob spoke and using the laser pointer to highlight areas he was referring to. Anyone would have thought we'd been a double act for years!’

To cap it all off, when Lee Renfree (CYAV President) went to thank Bob for presenting that evening and give Bob the customary set of CYAV glasses, she mentioned that George and Nifty would have to get them filled with something suitable for when Bob was next in town. Showing his remarkable ability to think on his feet, Nifty got lee o pause for a second while he took a shot of the glasses and got it over to Bob immediately. As you can see, as a camera, the BlackBerry makes an exceptional modem! It does however make a poignant statement about the dedication of the team involved on the evening.

Lee 'presenting' Bob with his glasses, that George and Nifty will 'fill' for him, next time he's in Melbourne.

Given the ORCV’s dedication to safety and information, it is also not surprising that such a small club has had to exploit the benefits of cutting edge technology. So much so that Bob has asked the ORCV to assist with his presentations around the country and in the provision of training services, especially to remote areas.

Bob said of it all, ‘I have asked the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club if I can make a similar presentation to its club members on May 7. What a blessing it is to have such good and very capable friends in Melbourne. Thanks guys.’

Bob and Commodore George Shaw hold aloft the Melbourne to Sydney Trophy, which will be coming out for the first time since the late 70's, as part of the AAOR. You should see some of the names on that ol' mug. Wow!!!

Click HERE to go and read the Long Distance Offshore Sailing Seminar Series course notes now and remember, it's all free, but the information is PRICELESS!!!! This series is suitable for M2V, M2O racers/cruisers and sailing to other countries etc. The next one is at RBYC on March 9 and anyone is welcome to attend.

Click HERE to read about Stability for Cat1, which all entrants, both ccruiser and racer, will need to comply with.

Click HERE to read about First Aid kits.

Click HERE to read about EPIRBS and PLBs.

Finally then, click HERE to read about all the ORCV Training and Education opportunities.

Soon enough there will be new Sea Safety and Survival Certificate courses, Rip Tours, First Aid Level 2/Senior course, Weather course and Radio certificate, so please keep a weather eye, here at orcv.org.au. Any questions or to reserve a place for these sell-out events (which helps to plan sizes, venues etc), please call Sally or Dennis in the office on 03 9689 1622.

By John Curnow