March 144/432 MHz 2018

The headline for this years event must surely be 'SNOW'.  It made life difficult or impossible for anyone going /P, especially in the SE - with both last years leading stations - G8T and G3M - being prevented from getting to site.

On 144MHz 90 squares were worked (123 in 2017, 85 in 2016) and there were 671 active stations (984 in 2017, 746 in 2016). There were 89 entries (90 in 2017, 63 in 2016). ODX was achieved by G8W working DL0GTH/P at 908km.

On 432MHz 71 squares were active (54 in 2017, 63 in 2016) and there were 290 active stations (260 in 2017, 269 in 2016). There were 72 entries (65 in 2017, 47 in 2016). UK entrant ODX was achieved by M0HRF/P at 889 km with DK2A .

Taking both bands together the overall number of entrants was the highest since 1999; despite the snow.

Congratulations go to:

• The Drowned Rats Radio Group M0HRF/P, who won the open section
• Keith, G4ODA, who won the single operator fixed section
• Martin 2M0KAU/P for winning the single operator others section
• Ashley M0BAO/P, who won the six-hour open section
• Richard GD8EXI, who won the six-hour single operator fixed section for the fifth year running

Congratulations to all other band winners and runners up, who together with stations identified, will receive certificates.

Special congratulations to anyone who managed to operate /P in this contest - a great achievement.

Stephen Purser GW4SHF