[PVRCNC] WRTC 2026

[James Jordan]

Without repeating all the recent posts, despite the attempts by many to
criticize and support WRTC, I am disappointed at the criticism and
suggestions to "dumb down" the premier event of ham radio contesting which
occurs only every four years. Rather than repeating, anyone can follow the
full event provided by the great publicity team on YouTube.or W1DED's Q5
channel.
I participated as a referee this year for the first time and it was an
incredible experience. I've contested for years and every one of those 50
teams deserved to be there as the scores show. (One or two had sudden
emergency situations affecting participation.)  I was glued to my
headphones SO2R style listening to my assigned team, MB4W. The guys worked
through pileups, weak signals and lids efficiently, almost 100% good
practice with only the occasional lapse of waiting one or two Q's too long
for an ID in a fast pileup.I got a kick every time I recognized a PVRC call
sign in one ear or the other.
The organization and investment in this event in money, contributions in
kind and volunteer time is almost too much to believe. It was a bucket list
trip for me and worth every (considerable) dollar. Meeting and working with
the best of the world wide contesting community and the incredible
friendship of the local UK ham community was an experience I wish everyone
could have. Organizational and social times made friendships with people
who before were only a call sign in my logs. I hope WRTC 2030 can match
WRTC 2026 and I recommend it to all serious contesters. Qualify as a
competitor, qualify as a referee, volunteer in any capacity, support
commercial sponsors and donate funds if you can. Finally, when it comes
around, if you can't go, make a special effort to work the teams as many
PVRC'ers like N8II have done.
73,
Jim K4QPL