The 2010 International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend was for many the most successful ever in terms of on air activity and in particular the availability of plentiful DX contacts.
The ILLW.NET website has a record 447 registrations that is four up on last year. Germany came out on top with 60 an increase of five on 2009, and early leader Australia was the big improver with 57, a whopping eight more than its record set last year.
Often heard during QSOs with lighthouse stations were comments from others seriously thinking about being involved in the future. Such is the enthusiasm demonstrated for the fun event that already 30 registrations have been made for next year.
Also in the feedback section are various reports from last weekend. Rizal 9M2RDX of West Malaysia details how he was part of a team of seven radio amateurs at the Gelang Lighthouse.
Gert PA2LO who went portable with three friends to the Netherland’s Vischpoort lighthouse and enjoyed every minute of it, making many DX contacts.
Members of the Tableland Radio and Electronics Club travelled 300kms to reach the Archer Point Lighthouse north of Cairns in Far North Queensland Australia resulting in a windy but extremely enjoyable time.
It was more than a great weekend from the perspective of the Amateur Radio Victoria team VK3WI at the Williamstown Lighthouse and Timeball Tower in the inner west of Melbourne. Up to 40 other lighthouses were logged, mostly VK but also in ZL and G-land.
The 20m band opened up both days with DX worked from Europe, Africa, North America and Martinique, plus back-to-back QSOs with a R1 station in Russian Antarctica and then Canada.
Want to know more? Then check out the website ILLW.NET or the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend Facebook page.
