[Sideband]

Yes that was the appeal but sadly times have changed drastically from the 60's and it's doubtful that any pirate radio ship would last long before it was either forcibly towed into the nearest port or worse, sunk by some idiot that decided that it didn't fit in with what they consider to be 'correct' behaviour.

In reality, the pirates made their point by breaking the BBC monopoly. Caroline was a little different in that it carried on long after all the others had gone and during the 70's was probably the only album station on the air but it was still only a shadow of it's former self and lets face it, it costs a considerable sum to keep ship afloat and even without all the laws and restrictions in place now it's doubtful it would be commercially viable. Besides there is really no point as commercial radio has been with us for over 40 years.

Even the pirates knew they couldn't stay out there and considering they were only present for around 3 years, they changed the face of British broadcasting for ever which is what they set out to do.

Since Caroline was finally 'scuppered' in 1989 (or was it 1991) the ship has been restored but they have only made token broadcasts on restricted licence. At least they can now return to air properly albeit with a somewhat restricted audience. Caroline will always be remembered in broadcast history as being the first...and last true pirate station and hopefully will continue for many more years and enjoyed by a new audience.

Caroline was never the best reception here in Croydon. Big L was far better for some reason. Theoretically Big L could do 75kW but they seldom used that. Caroline I understand could do 50kW but very often used much less.

Hopefully here in the SE of England, some semblance of signal will be receivable and even if it's weak with crackles and pops, well it won't be much different from the reception back in 'the day' and will still have that 'pirate' sound!