International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend 2011

Strong interest is again being demonstrated in this popular annual 48 hour premier international goodwill event which sees radio amateurs going portable to put lighthouses on air.

Some 70 registrations from 18 countries have been received for the event on the 20th and 21st of August, showing their enthusiasm to be part of it nine months in advance.

Australia has 20 registrations so far, including a cluster in Bass Strait, a narrow dangerous stretch of water between Tasmania and Mainland Australia that has over 700 shipwrecks. Lighthouse navigation when introduced greatly improved shipping safety.

On King Island both lighthouses will be activated this year. Tony Hambling VK3VTH/7 at the Currie Lighthouse while Laurie Davison VK7ZE has chosen the Cape Wickham light. And across the Strait at Gabo Island, Trevor Close VK3ATX has registered and is to be accompanied by a number of
others.

Also in the Bass Strait cluster is the Gippsland Gate Radio and Electronics Club VK3BJA at Wilson's Promontory Lighthouse, the southernmost point of the Australian mainland, to Western Victoria is Cape Otway Light registered by Michael Adams VK3KMA, Point Lonsdale to be
activated by the Geelong Amateur Radio Club VK3ATL, and Table Cape Light registered by Wayne Hays VK7FWAY.

Among the other countries with multiple registrations are England, Germany, Holland, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States of America.

To find out more about the 14th International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on the 20th and 21st of August, or to make an online registration, visit the website illw.net

Jim Linton VK3PC

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