LLW imminent
The 23 rd International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend is almost here and the impact of Covid-19 has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of nearly 350 entrants in 43 countries. There have been some cancellations due to changes in lockdown rules but it is great to see so many weathering the storm.
There appears to be some uncertainty about the guidelines for this year’s event mainly in relation to the use of special event call signs at locations away from the nominated lighthouse such as at home or a club room. The rules governing these callsigns are laid down by the issuing body but generally speaking they seem to able to be used without location limits.
As far as the ILLW guidelines are concerned the situation regarding proximity to the lighthouse have been relaxed slightly to suit the local situation. However the station should still be within, say 1000 yards and in sight of the lighthouse. The entrants list on the ILLW web site is strictly for registrants at a lighthouse or lightship so if your station is listed there and you are not in sight of the lighthouse you should inform the undersigned so the list can be amended. Contacts should also be informed that the station is not located at the lighthouse.
Participation from home or Club rooms is encouraged even if it is only to offer support for those who have made the effort to set up at or near a lighthouse. Hopefully 2021 will see some kind of normality return to the planet. Condolences to those who have been forced to cancel operating from a lighthouse precinct and sincere thanks and admiration to those who will be activating a lighthouse or lightship over the weekend. The number listed is far more than we originally expected.
Stay safe everyone,
Kevin vk2ce
