Hidden amongst the spectacular Maddalena Archipelago, off the rugged north-eastern coast of Sardinia, lies some of the Mediterranean’s last ATNO IOTA and untouched island paradises…
Crystal-clear turquoise waters, windswept granite cliffs, secluded sandy beaches and completely uninhabited landscapes combine to create an extraordinary setting for these upcoming Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) DXpeditions.
The DA-RC is delighted to announce that experienced DXpeditioner 165DA101 Alex will activate two uninhabited dxstinations within the mesmerizing Maddalena Archipelago during mid-July…
Although both entities fall under IOTA Reference EU-041 for the World Islands Program, Alex has elected to distinguish each activation by using their respective regional island references as the suffixes to his Delta-Alfa callsigns.
This promises to be an outstanding DXpedition indeed from one of EU’s most picturesque island groups!
Reaching these isolated islands is an adventure in itself…
Our man Alex will travel by boat across the crystal-clear waters of the Strait of Bonifacio, transporting all of his radio equipment to each activation site before establishing his portable station.
Operating from completely uninhabited islands presents unique logistical challenges, but it’s precisely these demanding environments that make genuine DXpeditions so rewarding for both the operator and the worldwide DX community.
RAZZOLI ISLAND
The site of 165DA/MO11, Razzoli sits at the northern extremity of the archipelago and is the closest island in the group to Corsica (104 Division)…
Measuring just over one square km, it’s widely regarded as the wildest and most rugged island in the entire national park.
Towering granite cliffs, sculpted over thousands of years by relentless wind and sea, dominate the dramatic coastline.
Between these majestic headlands lie hidden coves of remarkable beauty, including Cala Cappello, Cala Noce and Cala Lunga, all accessible only by boat.
Unlike many timeless Mediterranean isles that become crowded during summer, Razzoli remains wonderfully isolated…
Its unspoiled seascape is blanketed with fragrant vegetation, while brilliant yellow helichrysum flowers colour the hillsides and perfume the sea breeze.
A historic stone pathway leads visitors to the island’s famous lighthouse (Shown left), originally constructed in 1843.
For more than a century, lighthouse keepers and their families called this isolated outpost home before automation eventually replaced them in the 1970s!
Station Equipment
To achieve a target of 300+ QSOs from both islands, Alex will be operating a highly capable portable station comprising:
- Yaesu FT-891 HF Transceiver
- Zetagi B550P 600-Watt Linear Amplifier
- Skypper Antenna System
SPARGI ISLAND
TX as 165DA/MO014, the second activation will take place from serene Spargi Island, the third-largest island in the Maddalena Archipelago and another completely uninhabited Mediterranean gem…
Located within the protected La Maddalena National Park, Spargi covers more than four square km and is renowned for its rugged granite landscape, secluded white-sand beaches and glass-like waters.
The island’s surrounding seabed is equally fascinating, featuring spectacular dive sites, colourful coral formations and the remains of a Roman merchant vessel dating back to the 2nd Century BC, discovered in 1939.
Interestingly, artefacts recovered from the wreck are now displayed at the Nino Lamboglia Museum on nearby La Maddalena.
The Maddalena Archipelago
According to the World Islands Program database, the illusive EU-041 island group includes Aglio, Barrettini, Bisce, Budelli, Cappuccini, Caprera, Carpa, Corcelli, I Monaci, La Presa, La Maddalena, Pecora, Piana, Porco, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano, Spargi and Spargiotto
The Islands Base Online (IBO), however, offers a more comprehensive list which includes no less than 49 islands – only 9 of which have ever seen action on the 11m band.
DA-RC Validation Standards
As with every official DA-RC DXpedition, Alex has committed to maintaining the club’s high operating standards by:
- Operating in accordance with DA-RC DXpedition protocols and traditions.
- Providing sufficient proof of operation for HQ validation.
- Submitting the complete station log to DA-RC Headquarters within one week of the expedition concluding.
- Producing a comprehensive DXpedition report, including highlights, operating statistics and photographs for publication on the DA-RC website.
Additional Award Opportunities
Depending on the final location of Alex’s portable station on each island, his operations may also qualify for Parks On The Air (POTA) and/or Lighthouses On The Air (LOTA) activations…
Should the operating position fall within the required activation boundaries, hunters may have the opportunity to claim multiple awards from a single contact, making these Mediterranean island memories even more attractive to the worldwide DX community.
Final confirmation of any additional award references will be announced once our Sardinian DX guru has established his operating locations on the islands!
World Beauties Award (WBA)
Excitingly, both island DX projects will also qualify for the World Beauties Award (WBA), with every QSO contributing towards participants’ WBA totals…
Designed to encourage DX activity from some of the world’s most spectacular locations, the WBA recognises contacts made with destinations celebrated for their outstanding natural beauty.
Razzoli and Spargi are perfect examples of the breathtaking environments the award was created to showcase.
Whether you’re chasing IOTA, POTA, LOTA, or building your World Beauties Award score, Alex’s July adventure promises multiple award opportunities from two of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful uninhabited islands.
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