IP Rendezvous Cruiser’s Net
(Channel
78)
This year the participants at the Rendezvous will be able to be involved in a
Cruiser’s Net. This will enable better communications during the four day event as
well as providing directions to slip assignments. We are recommending that all
participants keep their VHF radios "ON" and tuned to channel 78 during the
entire Rendezvous. Then Participants can use channel 78 as a hailing channel to
communicate with one another. As with channel 16, participants will move to another
channel to talk. It is recommended that while on board, channel 78 should be left
"ON" so as to hear announcements throughout the Event.
What exactly is a Cruiser’s Net? The format is simple. A Net Controller comes up
on the VHF radio at a preset time each morning, on a prearranged channel (channel 78 in
our case). The format is designed to provide an exchange of information among the
participating Cruisers in a controlled systematic way.
A typical script
 | Net Controller: Good Morning Cruisers, this is John Smith on channel 78 in Marsh
Harbor. For the next 20 minutes this net will be on the air. We ask cruisers to identify
themselves and wait for the Controller to acknowledge them. If we have any new arrivals,
would you identify yourself at this time? |
| Cygnus Cay: Net, this is Cygnus Cay. |
| Net Controller: Go ahead, Cygnus Cay. |
| Cygnus Cay: Good morning net. This is Jim and Cathy Beam on Cygnus Cay. We arrived
yesterday afternoon and will be here for two weeks. |
| Net Controller: Thank you, Cygnus Cay. |
After new arrivals and departures, the Net Controller will ask for Safety and Security
announcements, social and informational news, weather forecast, items for sale or barter
and finally general or miscellaneous announcements.
Tom and Kay Beckett on "Suncatcher" and Carl and Eloise on "Cande"
used the cruisers net during their stay in the Abacos. Hayden and Radeen Cochran
"Cinnamon" even took their handheld VHF radio during a land vacation to the
Bahamas so they could participate in the cruisers net. Chuck and Jeanne Berrington onboard
"RelationShip" believe that the cruisers net was one of the most useful and
valuable tools of communication and information links, while sailing the Caribbean and
Venezuela.
The IP Rendezvous Net will be used each day to provide updated information on the
day’s events. This will also provide participants the opportunity to ask questions
for clarification. This Net should be especially helpful for those attending the
Rendezvous for the first time.
Therefore, all of us attending the Rendezvous should keep channel 78
"ON" while on board and tune in at 8:30 AM starting on Saturday through Monday
for welcomes and announcements. Jeanne Berrington on "RelationShip" will be your
Net Controller.
