The number of entries this year, at 38, was exactly the same as last year. The Open Section was down from 13 to 9, and the Low Power Section was one up at 9. There was a corresponding rise from 17 to 20 in the Restricted Section, split equally between the new Complex Antenna and Simple Antenna Categories.

Most groups reported that the weather was kind or very kind to them. Conversely conditions on Saturday were generally reported as poor as a result of a Coronal Mass Ejection on Friday, although they improved on Sunday. However there was a fair amount of sporadic E to be worked on 10m for those who checked the band regularly.  

Although all continents except Antarctica were contacted by UK entrants, 95% of contacts were with Europe, with Asia contributing a further 4% - but only 1.2% were with Africa, North and South America and Oceania. Germany and countries from the former Soviet Union contributed just short of 56% of contacts made by UK entrants, considerably exceeding the 13.5% with other UK stations. Very little DX was worked: although all US call areas plus VE1 & 9 were worked, the total number of QSOs with North America was only 203. Other DX worked included 5N, 5Z, 9J, 9M2, 9M6, HS, JA, VK2 & 6, VU, YB & ZS.

Readers interested in more detail of QSOs per band and their timing should click on the “Show QSO analysis” link.

Four full station inspections, plus a “drive by check” outside the 24 hour set-up period, were carried out. Everything was found to be in order, with the inspectors received in a friendly manner. Many thanks from the CC to the inspectors for their efforts.  

73, Quin Collier G3WRR

For RSGB Contest Committee