Last years contest was made difficult by the bad weather - this year the weather was generally good.  It is still a problematic contest for many because of the need to go to work for those who have to and the requirements of 'family' who may not understand the need to break out the radios during the Christmas period.  But for those who did get qrv most reported a low activity but otherwise enjoyable contest.

The sections were changed for 2018 from O (Open) and SF (Single Operator Fixed) to AO  (Open), AR (Restricted) and AL (low power).  These changes line up with the Activity Contests.  The sectional changes caused no problems for entrants although it did have the effect of allowing multi-op stations.  This latter aspect will be reviewed by VHFCC before the 2019 contests (and comments are welcome).

The standard of log keeping was good - with some days/bands having no bad QSO's.

Conditions were reported to be average - no Es this year as there was in 2017 but there was some tropo to be found.

This contest is currently scored as PPQ (point per QSO) with multipliers.  It would be straightforward to score it as PPK (points per kilometre) plus multipliers - so as to line these contests up with the Activity Contests.  Would this be a better way to do this ?  Comments to VHFCC please.

Overall

AO - First place was G3PIA with G3NPI in second.  Leading Overseas Station was PE1EWR.

AR - First place was G3YDY and second place G8LZE (who was running 25w to a single antenna - and his certificate is so noted). Leading overseas station was F1BHL/P.  A certificate was also awarded to 2E0OUR (leading intermediate).

AL - First place was G3SQQ with M0OMB in second.  Certificates also to M6XTN/P (leading foundation) and 2E0WHQ/P (leading intermediate).

Band Leader/Runner Up Certificates have been awarded for each band/section.  There are 24 of these so I am not going to list them individually - but congratulations to all of them.

Stephen Purser GW4SHF