In early October, the Delta-Alfa flags were flying once again—this time from the picturesque shores of Jersey in the Channel Islands…
The plan had been for a three-man crew (Phil 14DA028, Val 14DA041, and Chris 14DA045) to activate this magnificent island.
Unfortunately, Val’s passport didn’t arrive in time, leaving the adventure to Phil and Chris. Undeterred, the duo pressed ahead — and what a weekend it turned out to be!
Storm Humberto Changes the Plan
Just days before departure, the team received word that storm Humberto was on the way, bringing high winds and rough seas…
The ferry to Saint-Malo was rescheduled four hours earlier, forcing a pre-dawn start.
After a choppy 2-hour 20-minute crossing aboard the DFDS ferry, the team reached Jersey and checked into their base—the Beau Rivage Hotel.
With barely time to unload, they set up their portable station overlooking the sea:
- Radio: Yaesu FT-857
- Amplifier: KL-501 (200W)
- Antenna: Delta Loop, mounted just 1.5 m above ground
The 80–90 km/h gusts were so fierce they bent the 5 mm V-plate supporting the antenna…
Still, the signals rolled in strong, and the team got on air earlier than expected — greeted by excellent propagation and a wall of enthusiastic callers.
Friday: A Flying Start
At 14:18 GMT, Fred 14DA049 opened the log with a 5/1 report, followed by a flurry of European and international stations…
In just four hours, the logbook swelled to 188 QSOs before wrapping up at 18:06 GMT with Jérôme 14EK105.
Satisfied and windblown, Phil and Chris packed down and headed for a well-earned rest—and, of course, a cold beer to toast the first successful session.
Saturday: Calm Seas, Quiet Bands
Saturday dawned calmer, though the propagation had softened…
The first QSO came at 07:59 GMT with Henri 14RC267 (5/3), followed by Gérard 14DA062 (4/1).
By day’s end, the team logged 142 QSOs for the day, closing the log at 17:32 GMT with Marco 16AT747 (5/1).
A special visit from John 167AT101 added some comedy to the day — pretending to be an “official inspector” checking if the team was transmitting with 4W and carrying their licenses!
“We had a good laugh,” Phil says, “but if it had been a real control, the faces would’ve been quite different!”
Sunday: Guerdain Island (167DA/GI)
With the tide charts studied and gear packed, Sunday’s mission was the long-awaited activation of Guerdain Island—a rocky outcrop reachable only during low tide.
After descending steep steps with heavy equipment, the operators battled the lingering winds to find a stable spot among the rocks.
Using straps to secure the Bamby antenna to a boulder, they finally got everything upright and ready.
First call went out on 27.555 MHz, and the QSY to 27.470 MHz USB brought instant response—Chris 14RA041 first in the log at 08:52 GMT (4/1), followed by David 14DX076 (4/1).
Then came the rush — island hunters from across the globe eager to catch this beautiful New One.
As the tide turned, the window began to close.
At 13:52 GMT, Geoff 16DA011 (5/1) made it into the log as the final contact before the sea reclaimed the causeway.
The team dismantled at record speed and faced the tough 60m climb back up to safety—heavy packs and all!
Guerdain Island Results:
127 QSOs · 24 DXCCs · 19 DA Members
The Final Push
Back on the mainland, there was time for one last session to round off 167DA/DX.
At 14:34 GMT, Gabriel 12EK010 (5/5) went into the log, followed by 14 more stations before wrapping up at 16:03 GMT with 10MEX004 (5/3).
167DA/DX Totals:
345 QSOs · 47 DXCCs · 50 DA Members
Reflections & Thanks
Despite the stormy start, limited openings, and constant wind challenges, the activation was a resounding success—a true testament to DA-RC perseverance and good humour.
“It was hard work, but immensely rewarding,” Phil said.
“We did our best to give everyone a chance, even though Central Europe didn’t open as widely as hoped.
Thanks to all who called — and to our generous donors who made this possible.”
Until the next adventure…
73 de Team 167DA/DX – Phil 14DA028 & Chris 14DA045
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