January 2026 was not just the beginning of a new year, but the dawn of a new era for the eleven-meter world…
This month marked the official debut of the World Beautiful Areas (WBA) Award, a revolutionary project that opened the doors for DA activators around the world to showcase the scenic and monumental beauty of our planet.
The common thread throughout this month was the indomitable enthusiasm of our operators, capable of braving adverse weather conditions and geographical distances to take the WBA everywhere.
Here’s the diary of our achievements for the first month of 2026!
The Beginning: History in the Making
January 5 – Vicenza, Italy
The absolute debut! Alessandro 165DA101 and Gaetano 1DA001 wrote history by inaugurating the very first WBA activation ever at the Stagni di Casale.
A warm welcome from the hunters sealed immediate success with 100 QSOs.
International Expansion and Great Classics
- January 11 – Mallorca, Spain
Excitement skyrocketed with the first WBA activation outside of Italy.
Sergio (30DA010) brought the Santuario de Lluc on air, totaling 134 QSOs and confirming worldwide interest in the award.
- January 11 & 17 – Sicily, Italy
Veteran Carmelo (1DA086) doubled down on his efforts.
With two masterly sessions, he activated both the Basilica of San Sebastiano and his own island of Sicily (EU-025), racking up excellent results.
Braving the Elements and Spirit of Sacrifice
- January 16 – Poland
Silvester (161DA135) brought the WBA into the woods of the picturesque Kumaki Dobrej Forest, collecting 60 QSOs despite using a mobile antenna.
- January 17 – San Pietro Island (EU-165), Italy
A truly heroic feat!
Alessandro defied gusty winds and heavy rain at the Capo Sandalo Lighthouse. Shielding the equipment with an umbrella, he managed the extraordinary feat of 168 QSOs.
January 18 – Sardinia, Italy
Anthony (30DA021) was not stopped by bad weather either.
At the Santuario della Madonna del Rimedio, using a mobile antenna in the rain, he brought home 62 QSOs.
- January 25 – Sant’Antioco Island, Italy
More adverse weather, yet more pure passion.
Alessandro activated the Forte Sabaudo Su Pisu in the town center.
Despite the storm, spirits were high, and the log closed with 90 QSOs.
Conclusion and Look Ahead
The month closed on January 30 with a second attempt by Silvester in the Kumaki forest…
Unfortunately, poor propagation stopped the log at 28 QSOs, making a future session necessary for validation.
January has proven that the WBA Award is not just an award, but a shared passion that unites continents.
A huge thank you to all the activators and hunters who made this overwhelming start possible!
30/01 – KUMAKI DOBREJ(2) – WWFF PART 1
25/01 – FORTE SABAUDO SU PISU – COTA inside IOTA Y014
18/01 – SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE REMEDIOS
17-18/01 – BASILICA OF SAN SEBASTIANO
17/01 – LIGHTHOUSE OF CAPE SANDALO – LOTA inside IOTA – Field Activation
16/01 – KUMAKI DOBREJ – WWFF
11-13/01 – SICILY ISLAND – IOTA
11/01 – ROYAL SANCTUARY OF THE MARE DE DEU DE LLUCH
05/01 – STAGNI DI CASALE OASIS – WWFF
73 de Alex 165DA101
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