The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is thrilled to announce that 197DA981 Giovanni (newly allocated home call) will soon be on the air from the stunning South Pacific paradise of Efate Island, located in Vanuatu’s Shefa Province.
Efate belongs to the New Hebrides IOTA Group (OC-035), which also includes islands such as Pentecost, Ambrym, Malakula, and Futuna.
Last activated in September 2022 by 43DA001 Darren during his honeymoon DX Tour, OC-035 is once again poised to light up the bands—pileups from IOTA hunters are expected to be intense!
Giovanni reports that this will be a holiday-style DXpedition, however, our prolific dx adventurer is fully prepared for serious DX action.
His portable yet capable station includes a lightweight ICOM IC-7300 transceiver, 10m fiberglass spider pole, and a home-made Skypper antenna—perfect for fast deployment in tropical island conditions.
Giovanni’s base will be the Mele Maat village area, home to the breathtaking Mele Cascades.
Here, crystal-clear waterfalls tumble into natural pools surrounded by lush rainforest.
Just outside Port Vila, Mele Maat combines natural splendor with deep-rooted Ni-Vanuatu culture, giving Giovanni—and those chasing him on the band—a unique window into traditional village life.
Efate itself—once named Sandwich Island—is 197 Division’s third largest island.
Its diverse terrain ranges from pristine beaches to volcanic peaks and forested highlands, making it a paradise for adventurers and DXers alike.
The DXstination’s dramatic landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and remote charm provide the perfect backdrop for a Pacific DXpedition.
Vanuatu, Giovanni’s host nation, is an archipelago of more than 80 islands scattered across the South Pacific, east of northern Australia, west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon Islands.
The islands boast volcanic mountains, coral reefs, hidden lagoons, and lush rainforests.
The Ni-Vanuatu people celebrate a vibrant Melanesian culture, honoring “kastom” traditions that emphasize community, ritual, and a close connection to the land and sea.
This combination of natural beauty and cultural richness makes Vanuatu one of the world’s most compelling tropical destinations.
With a passion for IOTA and a proven commitment to world class DXpedition work, 197DA981 Giovanni’s upcoming activation promises to be one of the highlights of the 11m dx calendar.
Be ready at the mic—when our man Giovanni calls from Efate Island, OC-035, the chase will be on!
🎙️ 
For a summary of all key details—including operating dates, QSL confirmation routes, and other essential information— as well as the Live Log feature, readers are encouraged to visit the DXpedition List in the right-hand menu of this website.
73 de DA-RC HQ
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