March 144/432 MHz 2023

The first contest of the VHF Championship can often be problematic, but for the first time I can remember no entrants mentioned the weather as a problem for them.  But variable conditions did cause some upsets.  A duct appeared from HB9 to the central parts of the UK and at least two HB9's appeared at huge strength for those of us who could reach the duct.  Contest ODX is at least partly explained by the duct - on 2m it is GD8EXI QSO with F6HZZ at 1331km and the 70cm it is my (MW8R) qso with HB9HI at 959km.

Entries were up slightly up on 2022.  On 2m there were 97 entrants (82 in 2022) and on 70cm 72 (2022 66).   There were fewer entrants in Open but the remaining sections were at least slightly up.  This may indicate changed patterns because of the Championship rule change which means only the best 7 scores count in the overall table.  You would expect the rule change to mean stations would not enter contests which do not favour their site or kit.  It would also suggest that entering SF is preferable to 6 hour fixed since these scores are normalised against SF and so any scoring over 6 hours is helpful.  There is limited evidence of both in these results.

Congratulations to all other table leaders and runners up, who together with stations identified, have been awarded certificates.

Stephen Purser GW4SHF