With registrations now open for Australian Rocketry's Thunda Down Under 2015, we have had an overwhelming reponse from both local and international participants. So far there have been confirmed international flyer registrations from USA, Canada, England and New Zealand.
Nic, Chris and Tony from the Aussie contingent had a great time on the Playa at Balls on the weekend. As Balls is the last big USA event for us to attend before Thunda, they were able to chat with a lot of people who we hope to see take advantage of our 60,000' waiver. If you missed out on having a throw of Nic's custom made carbon fibre boomerang at Black Rock, there will be plenty of opportunities in Australia!
As some people are still considering the journey, we thought it would be a good idea to throw out some reasons why this trip is a must for anyone who is serious about rocketry, travelling and having an adventure of a lifetime!
1. For the first time in about 2 years, the Australian dollar is currently on the decline, which means cheaper everything for the US dollar. For example, if you see something for $100AUD, it is actually only about $85USD. BARGAIN!
2. The launch is on the East Coast of Australia which means Great Barrier Reef, sun, surf and perfect white beaches, the biggest theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere and the home of the crocodile hunter... just to name a few.
3. With the opposite seasonal conditions to the Northern Hemisphere, March is one of the best times for weather in Australia. As we leave Summer and enter Autumn, the temperature should not be too warm or too cold.
4. WORLD RECORD ROCKET - Karl and his team from Rocketry Victoria are launching the full scale V2, the largest model rocket in the world. With the frame work now complete, the fibreglass skin will be going on in the coming weeks. The deployment system has also now been fitted and tested. This project is progressing nicely and will no doubt be amazing to see.
There have been some unwarranted rumours floating around which as one of the event organisers, I thought it would be prudent to clarify the facts.
Rumour 1: The event is not happening. FALSE! As per the previous paragraphs, a lot of time and planning has gone into this event over the last 3 years and it would be a mighty big shame for people to miss out because they were mis-informed by individuals who have nothing to do with the event. For those who we didn't get a chance to catch up with, we have been travelling to the USA and other countries for the last 3 years actively advertising this event. Whilst there is so many awesome flights already on the cards, I am personally looking forward to the banquet under the stars and showing off our amazing southern sky at night.
Rumour 2: There is no accomodation within 2½ hours of the launch site. FALSE! If you plan on walking everywhere, then this may be the case, however as per the 'Accommodation and Supplies' section on the Thunda Down Under 2015 website, there are 3 different hotels/motels as close as 25min from the site. Alternatively, you may camp, caravan or RV on the site (
https://thunda.com.au/rocketry-information/accommodation)
For more information, please visit
www.thunda.com.au or contact us at
[email protected] (This is the OFFICIAL contact email address and the ONLY place to get the FACTS!)
Make sure you register and buy one of the t-shirts and lapel pins today! We look forward to hosting the world in March 2015!
Cheers,
Blake
I was thinking *Full scale can of Fosters*.
