For the 2016 LOC, is there still a requirement for life-jacket and flares? If so, can they be hired?
Bugger didn't realise that was a requirement! Suppose it's on the small print somewhere, don't suppose anyone else has a set I could borrow? And if anyone's planning any sort of 'training' and wants a sparring partner...
You can normally hire flares and a jacket from the organisers. Should be no worries.
Select to expand quoteSparky said..
You can normally hire flares and a jacket from the organisers. Should be no worries.
but better to have your own jacket as theirs often ride up in/on the water and obscure your vision.
Thanks bendy man.
Good to hear they can be hired too... flares expire after two years, and they arn't cheap.
Got an information email about the weekend today, actually read the notice of race and entry stuff and it doesnt seem to say anywhere about PFD or Flares, I assume the 2 smoke flares and type whatever PFD are still necessary.
Does say you must wear the supplied rashy at all times 
while competing. And mentions your equipment must be fit for purpose. Might mean we dont get t-shirts in the goody bag, pity as its the only way I can remember which years I entered in.
There is also a prize draw for entries before December 21 (get your entry fee back and a t-shirt), so if you are undecided it might be time to go for it !
Get amongst it Mathew!
If you're here with a bit of time to spare before the race, I'd recommend giving Reg a call over at Windsurfing Perth. http://www.windsurfingperth.com.au/contact
A lot of guys here get their vests from Reg and they aren't your typical boating life vests that ride up when sailing. I got one a few years back and it's still going strong. I'd hazard a guess and say it's probably the slimmest around that are LOC approved. Probably worth calling in advance to check sizes, etc. These vests are sweet and I sail with mine a lot when on the ocean these days. Doubles as an impact vest if you're like me and like to go for the odd 'pult.
Flares are relatively cheap (compared to PLBs, or the cost of hiring MacGyver to swim out and jury rig your broken uni joint). Just pick up 2 x orange smoke flares like this.
www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=144&item=74229&intAbsolutePage=
~$34 and you're done.
Select to expand quotemineral1 said..
What's the cost of flares?
Jeanswest don't sell them anymore man
Wear ya old ones 
Select to expand quoteWindxtasy said...Sparky said..
You can normally hire flares and a jacket from the organisers. Should be no worries.
but better to have your own jacket as theirs often ride up in/on the water and obscure your vision.
Definitely try to get your own PFD. I failed for the LOC for the first time last year and the PFD I hired was too big (and was all that was left), and it rode up covering my harness hook on every leg.
Unhooking difficult, hooking back in impossible. Had to drop the sail and water start every mark. Apart from the obvious impact on my time, I was completely farked by the end of the race.
Flares and PDFs are compulsory entry requirements for this year's event - there will be a limited number available for hire so get in early for registration to avoid disappointment. See registrations points in the Event Village (Harold Park) for information.
Event Village opens tomorrow so head on down for a chat ahead of the marathon events.
