Underwater diver. Licensed ham. Highly sought-after Caribbean Sea station…

In late January 2026, our Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) proudly welcomes a truly remarkable addition to its ranks: 350DA101 Bert.

A former member of GRI Alfa Tango, Bert is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished DX men of his era.

He brings decades of experience and a proven record of success to a club already stacked with world-class DX hunters.

Known as a true gentleman of the airwaves, 350DA101 Bert resides in Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire — a striking island jewel in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the Venezuelan coast (Division 5) on the northern edge of South America.

Bonaire forms part of the famed ABC Islands — Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao — positioned outside the main hurricane belt and serving as an important geographic bridge between the Caribbean island chain and South America.

Judging by Cluster data, Bert’s QTH offers outstanding propagation into the Americas, Europe, and across the Pacific, making it a strategic and highly desirable location for serious DX operations.

Beyond its status as an exciting DXCC on any band, Bonaire is internationally celebrated for its natural beauty and relaxed island atmosphere…

The island is particularly renowned for its protected marine park, offering some of the finest shore-based scuba diving in the Caribbean.

Iconic dive sites such as 1000 Steps and Salt Pier are world-famous for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral formations, and dense marine life, firmly placing Bonaire among the globe’s premier diving destinations.

On land, Kralendijk offers its own distinctive charm…

The colourful waterfront promenade is lined with cafés and dive shops, while landmarks such as potential COTA opportunity Fort Oranje, Wilhelmina Park, and the bustling Kaya Grandi shopping district reflect the town’s rich maritime history and relaxed island culture.

Flamingo-rich salt flats, the rugged landscapes of Washington Slagbaai National Park, and windsurfing at Lac Bay round out Bonaire’s appeal as both a tranquil retreat and an adventurer’s playground.

Blending his passion for radio with a love of adventure, 350DA101 Bert enjoys an active island lifestyle…

When he’s not chasing rare DX contacts, you’ll likely find him scuba diving Bonaire’s world-class reefs, riding motocross, or fishing the surrounding Caribbean waters.

Beyond his hobbies, Bert is also a successful entrepreneur, successfully running his own company from his island home.

A licensed amateur radio operator and passionate Freeband DX hunter, 350DA101 Bert’s credentials speak for themselves…

A former World Wide Contest winner on multiple occasions, he comfortably meets DA-RC membership requirements in the DX Chaser category, with more than 300 DXCC confirmed.

A mainstay of Most Wanted DXpedition logs — particularly in the Pacific — Bert (See pictured below) consistently connects with some of the rarest and most sought-after locations in the DX world.

He is highly respected throughout the 11-metre community for his professionalism, courtesy, and enduring passion for DXing.

350DA101 Bert’s home on Bonaire also provides an ideal launch pad for IOTA DXstinations, including nearby Klein Bonaire Island, which — according to Islands Base Online (IOB) — forms part of the same IOTA Group…

This proximity presents exciting opportunities for highly sought-after Caribbean IOTA contacts and future activation possibilities.

With Bert joining the DA-RC, members can look forward to both his exceptional DX expertise and adventurous spirit, further strengthening our club’s presence across the Caribbean, the Pacific, and beyond.

And while 27.555 MHz USB serves as a friendly meet-and-greet QRG for sociable operators like Bert who enjoy a good rag chew, it is also his lifeline to rare divisions and islands — and the frequency that feeds his enduring lust for DX.

QSL INFO

  Twan Vaessen • Karreweg Zuid 15 • 5995MD • Kessel-Eik • The Netherlands