1st 1.8 MHz Contest 2020

This year's contest attracted 92 entries continuing a recent trend of a gradual increase in participation (87 in 2019, 81 in 2018, 70 in 2017).  However, this apparent success has been almost entirely due to more non-UK & CD interest, this year seeing double the number of overseas logs than three year's ago. UK participation was undoubtedly supressed by the arrival of Storm Ciara, although those whose antenna systems were up to the challenge were rewarded with good continental activity and some DX including 3V8, 4K4, JA and North America.

It was all change at the top of the tables with the Somerset Trophy (awarded to the leading UK station in either category) going to last year's runner-up M7W operated by Dave G3TBK in the Assisted category. Second place in this section was Clive, GM3POI with an equal number of QSOs but just one fewer bonus contact.

In the UK Non-assisted category, top spot was claimed convincingly by GW5R operated by Ron, GW3YDX, in what was his first outing in this contest for some time.  The fact that the storm did not hit his QTH until Sunday morning probably helped! Allan, GM4ZUK, retained his runner-up place from last year.

EU4E and LY2NK take the leading positions in the Overseas Assisted and Non-assisted categories respectively.

Congratulations to all certificate winners and thanks to those who submitted check logs.

It will not have escaped your notice that the foot of the Assisted table shows three entries from Steve, G0CKP, who operated his station using three different callsigns.  He brought this to the attention of the HFCC and explained his intention was to help generate activity on the band.  The rules for this contest do not specify whether more than one callsign may be used and, on this occasion, we decided to let the entries stand.  However, the committee will be reviewing the rules later in the year to give clarity for future events.

Graham Coomber G0NBI