ARLA/CLUSTER: ILLW 2014 utrapassa os 400 registos

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

ILLW reaches another a milestone

The prestigious 400th registration in this year's International
Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend goes to the USA and the Lydia Inlet
Lighthouse in Texas.

The privately-owned octagonal red brick tower, only accessible by a
boat, will be activated by members of the South Texas Amateur Radio
Club N5CRP.

Lydia Inlet Lighthouse guards the Aransas Pass channel in San Patricio County.

Listen for N5CRP on the HF bands as it helps to raise public awareness
of old marine structures and the need to preserve them for future
generations.

In a first this year, Oscar Bertolez LU2XPK will not leave his native
Argentina, but still only be metres away from the Faro Cabo Spiritu
Santo which is located in Chile. You can imagine the confusion this
initially caused.

There are of course other lighthouses visited by radio amateurs in
another country, but nothing like the Chilean registration that is to
be put on air from neighbouring Argentina.

Organisers have also dubbed this as 'the year of virgin' or never
before activated lighthouses. More than 20 so far are first-timers and
more new ones are expected.

Each is carefully assessed against the guidelines before acceptance
and given a number. This may take several days processing including
questions of the activator and a check of records.

Most first-time entrants are so enthused with the fun-event that they
return year after year.

The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on August the 16th
and 17th has registrations from 44 countries. Visit the website
www.illw.net for the guidelines and full registration details.

Jim Linton VK3PC