[NCC] WRTC 2006

[Barkey, Patrick M.]

WRTC 2006 Update
 
I am sure by now that most of you know that there will be a WRTC next
year, and it will be hosted by the Brazilians.  Like other WRTC's, it
will be a week-long gathering of hams from around the world, climaxing
with a competition of fifty 2-man teams during the IARU contest.
 
I have been asked by PY5EG to serve as part of the fund-raising team for
WRTC.  Hosting the WRTC is a huge effort - requiring years of
preparation, hundreds of volunteers and more than $300K of resources.
As in the past, it is easy - and tax-deductible - to give whatever you
can.  Just send a check to the Northern California DX Foundation and
denote it as "WRTC 2006 support" and it will get to the right place.
 
But I wanted to let you know that not every WRTC is the same, and this
one is shaping up to be the best one yet.  The rules for team selection
are the most friendly to central/western US hams ever.  Of the six
"open" slots for US teams, two are reserved each for W8/9/0/5 and W6/7.
Also, for the first time, contests like the Sprint and SS are included
as part of an applicant's contest rating.  See
www.wrtc2006.com/criteria.pdf for more details.
 
We should all thank the PY's for the recognition that there are some
good operators west of the Appalachians!
 
But WRTC is not just a competition - it's also a party that you will
never forget.  Hundreds of hams from around the world will be attending
- whether they are officially involved in the event or not, and its easy
to understand why.  It's a blast!  Just show this web site to your
spouse and see if you get approval!   
 
http://www.costao.com/versoes/ingles/
 
This is the (tentative) hotel that will host us in Florianopolis in
southern Brazil.  It's considered their off season there, and rates are
quite reasonable.
 
One of these days perhaps the NCC will help host a WRTC.  Why not?  We
are certainly as dedicated a group of contesters as you'd find anywhere.
If we were to host a WRTC, we'd certainly ask for the support of every
other group and club we could find.  
 
That's why every one of us in NCC should support the PY's (Araucaria DX
Group) in this event.  Thanks in advance for whatever you can give.
 
  - Pat
    N9RV