Ham Radio Support for BCA Sailors
Peter Hoffman, W6DEI, Berkeley, California

Since 2003 I've had the pleasure of providing radio contacts ("skeds") for BCA sailors traveling in many parts of the world, though primarily in the Pacific and Latin America. This has been a lot of fun for me and has, I hope, provided a useful service to the sailors as well. Best of all, it's resulted in some long-lasting friendships.

Since I live in Berkeley, I've gotten to meet many BCA sailors who make a stop in San Francisco Bay - often at the Sausalito Yacht Club. A get-together for coffee, lunch, or whatever is always welcome. So if San Francisco is on your itinerary I'd love to hear from you and possibly get a chance to meet. If not, we can always meet on the air. The best way to contact me for either a radio sked or a meeting in San Francisco is via my email address:

After several thousand contacts with BCA sailors in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean I know objectively that ham radio is one of the most effective, reliable and inexpensive means of maritime communication. These radio conversations have also given me a glimpse into what ham radio means subjectively to the sailors that use it - especially on those long passages that seem to go on forever. I’ve heard many comments like “you don’t know how much it means to us to hear your voice every night” or “our radio contact is the highlight of the day.” Undoubtedly a bit of hyperbole, these unsolicited compliments still contain a grain of truth. Whether we’re picking up a report of your current position and weather conditions, giving you a chance to share your day’s experiences with someone other than the crew, making a phonepatch contact with a loved-one back home, or just passing on the score of last night’s Canucks game, ham radio is a great way to stay in touch. Add in all the ham maritime nets that cover the globe and it’s hard to argue with the benefits. Ask any sailor who’s used ham radio and you'll get an earful of things you just can’t do with any of the other means of maritime communication.

MORE INFORMATION:

  • If you're new to ham radio and/or not familiar with typical radio skeds for sailors, here's a bit more information: All About Skeds.
  • Some audio clips of radio contacts with BCA sailors I've done over the past 10 years: Audio Clips.
  • A partial list of the BCA boats I've provided radio support for: Vessel List

73, Peter w6dei