Young Ham Selected for CQWW

Congratulations to Manu, LU9ESD, of Bahia Blanca Argentina, whom has been selected to participate in the 2007 CQWW SSB contest at 6Y1V.

Manu, now 21 years old, was first elmered by his grandfather LU4DTT at the age of 8 years old. Obtaining his first license at the age of 13, Manu has held a constant love affair with amateur radio, particularly DX'ing and radio contesting.

Manu is a co-founder of the Bahia Blanca DX Group and a member of the World Wide Young Contesters. Although he has activated several IOTA locations in Argentina, Manu has never operated outside of his country. Referring to these IOTA activations, he states. "These expeditions let me do what I most love in my life though they cannot be compared with an expedition to Jamaica".

Manu operated the 2006 CQWW SSB contest with the LU8YE team, learning to work as a team with people he had never met before. It is reported Manu posted the teams highest QSO rates during this contest.

Manu had applied for the VP5X operation in 2004 but was not selected at that time. The 2005/2006 selections were cancelled due to the sale of the VP5X contest location.

Manu will be a considerable asset to our team. It is our pleasure to  make his dream come true.

David ~ KY1V

 

Hurricane Dean

Hurricane Dean passed dangerously close to Jamaica last night, August 19, 2007.

Although the south side of the island was battered with high winds and high storm surge, the north side of the island was relatively calm. Near 6Y1V, wind speeds were reported at 45 MPH with gusts of about 56 MPH.

Today, August 20, 2007, George (6Y5GC)  reports no damage. We are relieved that George was not injured and did not suffer any property damage. It is also a pleasant surprise to have no antenna damage at all. The worst damage is being reported as a few fallen banana trees.

At this time, we are not certain the condition of the rotors. George reports the top SteppIR MonstIR was turned almost 180 degrees from its original position. The  rotating tower apparently was also repositioned by the winds. The bottom MonstIR was stead fast and remained pointing NE, directly into the highest winds.

This is all the news I have for now. We have a crew going there to check the station and make any necessary repairs in late September. I imagine everything will be ready for CQWW in October and November.

If you are interested in operating with us during CQWW SSB, I have openings for our team. Please contact me at

We will be sponsoring a young ham for CQWW SSB in October. We have received dozens of essays from around the world. If you are 21 or under and would like a the opportunity to receive a free expedition to Jamaica for CQWW SSB, please click on our YOUTH link on the left hand menu above for more information.

David ~ KY1V