Award for N.Z. amateur radio enthusiast

Press, 14 June 1983, Page 14

Award for N.Z. amateur radio enthusiast

PA Dunedin A South Otago amateur radio enthusiast, Mr Matthew Johnstone, will receive an award for helping to save the life of a solo round-the-world yachtsman, Jacques de Roux. Mr Johnstone, of Owaka, will be presented with the 8.0. C. Challenge Communication award for his part in maintaining communications with all the yachts in the third leg of the race from Sydney to Rio de Janiero.

When de Roux’s 12.5 m yacht Skoiern 111 capsized and sank halfway between New Zealand and Cape Horn in mid-February, Mr Johnstone was the main radio ham responsible for guiding rescuers to de Roux. “I was woken at 4 a.m. by race headquarters telling me that de Roux had been hit by enormous waves which had overturned the boat. In cutting away the

broken mast, he had holed his craft which was taking in water fast,” said Mr Johnstone.

“It was panic stations for the next four hours while we tried to get through to the closest competitor, Richard Broadhead, to tell him to go to de Roux’s rescue.”

Aided by three radio hams, Mr Johnstone guided Broadhead, sailing Perseverance of ’ Medina, through the storm to de Roux.

Once the yachts were close enough, de Roux jumped and caught hold of the safety net on Perseverence. Skoiern 111 sank six hours later, Mr Johnstone said.

The communication award is a cluster of clear crystals mounted on a wooden base, with a brass plaque inscribed with Mr Johnstone’s name and call sign. ,