[CQ-Contest] WRTC 2026 - United Kingdom update

[Mark Haynes]

Dear fellow contesters,




The Organising Committee of the WRTC 2026 event, which will be held in the UK, would like to provide an update on what has been achieved so far and summarise how things are progressing. 




The WRTC UK Organising Committee was formed in January 2023. The team got to work with building a proposal for the Sanctioning Committee. We worked with Doug K1DG and Chris DL1MGB to build a foundation for the project.




In July we were awarded the hosting rights and attended the Closing Ceremony of WRTC Italy where we celebrated the success of the Italian effort and then announced and presented the plans for 2026. We launched the website, which has been updated regularly since, and various social media platforms have gone live. We have at the time of writing 654 followers on our Facebook page and 245 subscribed to the WRTC-Discuss public email reflector. 




We conducted significant research and published the qualifying rules in September and made refinements shortly after. 




During all of this, behind the scenes, we visited numerous HQ venues here in England and have down-selected and decided on where it will be. We are excited that this venue will fulfil the requirements of on site accommodation, ceremonies, meetings and socialising. The venue will be revealed later in 2024 - stay tuned!




Fundraising has been pushed hard and we have started to interface with individuals, corporations and clubs around the world. We have welcomed ICOM and Mastrant to our list of commercial sponsors. Clubs that have stepped forward include Frankford Radio Club, YASME, NCDXF, INDEXA, North Coast Contesters, GMDX and CDXC. We are extremely grateful to these organisations - a BIG thank you again to those that have already stepped forward to support WRTC 2026. We still have a long way to go but are pleased to be on track. We still hope to bring more on board. 




Financial aspects have been under good control and we have registered with Companies House as WRTC 2026 CIC, a Community Interest Company (non profit organisation). 




We have secured a deal for the acquisition of hardware consisting of the antennas, masts, coax and rotators for the 2026 event. Due to the success of fundraising, we have funded this all already. 




A list of volunteers has been initiated and we have many friends in the UK and all around the world that want to be part of this wonderful experience. 




We have invested time to conduct interviews online and write magazine articles to interface with the world and ensure we regularly communicate updates and the latest news. 




A fantastic team making up our Advisory Committee was established and we have held meetings with them to allow them to offer advice and ideas. 




The first two qualifying events have taken place: The CQWW SSB and CW. The next one is this weekend, ARRL DX CW. 




2024 will look to continue maturity of the above. The team have a programme of shows, talks and other events to attend and we are still looking to grow this list even further. Focus will be on IT and bringing the qualifying standings on the website (this is in development now and will be live soon). We will make a big push with offering sponsorship opportunities. We will be working with the HQ venue to develop relationships and start planning the event programme details to make this a tremendous celebration for everyone. Site selection will start with initial assessments for their suitability.




We hope, whist we’re conscious we cannot completely satisfy the views and needs of everyone, that we portray the genuine dedication that we have to run this event. 




Merchandise will become available. We already have the special WRTC twin paddle and single lever keys available. For every key sold, WRTC receive a contribution. 




If you are able to help us by making a donation of any value, we REALLY NEED YOUR HELP! The total cost of running this WRTC will be in excess of £500,000. So far we have had individual donations from 84 radio amateurs - they’re all shown proudly on our website under ‘Individual Donations’. We have launched our special coin programme - anyone that makes a donation to us of at least £100 this year will receive a high quality Bronze WRTC coin. See the website to help this worthy project and to get yours! 




I would like to thank everyone that has been part of WRTC UK 2026 so far in whatever capacity. We have a wonderful team and we’re very excited about the future.




73,

Mark M0DXR

Chairman WRTC UK 2026




WRTC 2026 UK | World Radiosport Team Championship 

  
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WRTC 2026 UK | World Radiosport Team Championship
 

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