Herb Hilgenberg (Southbound II0 retires

lenseman

lenseman

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Herb Hilgenberg (Southbound II) retires

North Atlantic Radio Net: Herb Hilgenberg has Retired

The HF/SSB weather forecasting and routing service offered by Herb Hilgenberg (Call Sign VAX498, ‘South Bound II Coastal’) has ceased broadcasting as from the 1st June 2013.



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Its over 25 years since I first listened in and took his advice. In those days there was little else.

But his departure is odd timing. This is the peak time of year, ahead of the hurricane season, for west-east Atlantic crossings, for which US & Canadian yachtsmen most needed his advice.
 
A remarkable man. Used the service twice 12 years ago and two years ago.
It worked and he will be missed by those who can't afford commercial routing. Hope he has a happy retirement now
Cherry Ripe
Offspring
 
A truly incredible person.

Herb is a legend in bluewater circles.

He guided me and many friends, clients and colleagues across the pond.

Thank you Herb, you deserve an award.

(Although looking at his website it appears he has one.)

http://www3.sympatico.ca/hehilgen/vax498.htm

A shame to read the final story though.

Can I also say..

"Have a good watch" :cool:

Cheers Herb
 
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I remember hearing Herb at his best,

when I was crossing from the Carib to Azores

Herb was telling everyone to stay below 30degrees
due to a nasty low system coming off the carolinas

An American crew were crossing from Bermuda to the USA East coast at the time,
and had engine failure in the gulf stream, and no wind at the time to sail out of the way of the danger zone,

Each evening I would hear the up dates, nail biting stuff hearing the nervous crew
getting the boat and themselves ready for a pasting

Then Herb anounced to them the US navy were on there way to assist them

Phew.... I was so relieved for them, well done Herb
 
Great guy. Used his services in 2005 Antigua, Azores, Ireland. Great advice and kept us clear of some very strange weather systems at the time.
He will be missed by a great number of people.
 
Quote Originally Posted by Baggy View Post

TOP MAN

He deserves an award

Can someone tell the Queen about him...
Gerry said:
+1. How do you go about nominating somebody?
Click to expand...

Contact an MP or better still if you know who your local Lord Lieutenant is then he would be a better bet.

Non nationals can receive awards but they will be "honorary awards". (the same as Bob Geldof's)
 
I was listening to Herb in late May on the way to the Azores from the Carribean and his advice was excellent. Never heard a mention of retiring though but not surprised I first listened in twenty years ago! Wonderful service and a high part of the day. Have a good one Herb and thanks fo the company. Maybe Chris Parker will expand his Carribean WX service?
 
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