Bought some flares today from Whitworth marine. Mine were also out of date and figured I wouldn't risk being knocked back. You can buy them "singly" or as a pack of 4.
For PFD I use a canoeing one that I bought a few years ago when they stopped allowing type 3. Any outdoor type store. The canoeing one leaves your arms free compared to the old ski one I had before. Have actually started wearing it whenever sailing, can't see your hook but who has to look down for that anyway (no beer gut comments needed - thank you).
In the past they haven't worried much about the expiry as long as they look OK but not sure about this year, bit different I suspect but will see on the day.
At least one flare demo none of them would light, old or new
Down the bottom of this old post
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/General-Discussion/Chat/Register-for-the-LancelinClassic-now/ it says one flare but the event guide does say two. The notice of race doesn't mention it in any detail.
"All marathon competitors are required to wear either a Type 1 or Type 2 [Australian standard] PFD, and must be equipped with two handheld red/orange flares."
Another new thing is this bit (seems like a good idea) :
Windsurfing and kitesurfing marathon participants will commence movement at the same time – on land and on water respectively. Having successfully passed a nominated buoy 150m from the start line, the race will commence from that point forwards – no party will have advantage in this regard.
Please refer to the Course Maps section of this document.
the map doesnt show anything much, just a high level, no start detail but will find that out on the day !
A type 1 or 2 PFD is the same as a Level 50 or higher (level 50 = Type 2, Levels 100 and up are type 1, don't use a type 1 (did that one year, wont do it again). Type 3 (level 50S) aren't hivis so cant use them anymore, had an old one that had done a lot of Ledge to Lancelins but they stopped accepting them.
) and they'll be well and truly past the expiry date next year.
