[NCC] WRTC report

[Tim Duffy]

A total of 58 teams have made their way to Bologna, Italy for the delayed
WRTC2022 competition that will run concurrently with the IARU Contest this
weekend.  Lots of handshakes and hugs as contesters from around the world
renew friendships or meet for the first time. The opening ceremony last
night brought everyone together for this first time.  It began with an
opening by S50A, speeches by the leaders of the Organizing Committee, the
president of the Marconi museum, and the president of the ARI national
society.  A great kickoff!

The weather has been fantastic.  Well, except for a line of Thunderstorms on
Monday evening that caused one site antenna to blow down.  It must have been
a strong storm as it also broke trees and powerlines in the area.  The WRTC
committee accepted this as one more challenge and have already made
necessary repairs.

Lots of chatter among the teams and referees.  You can feel the tension as
some teams are happy to enjoy the experience and others are focused on
getting to the starting line with the hope of a podium finish.

The teams received their referee assignments this morning.  There is the
usual referee + competitor meeting this afternoon to review any questions
about the rules.  Teams will be notified of their site assignments tomorrow
morning and the adventure will really begin.  It is only when you arrive at
your site that you know the site terrain, accommodations, food situation,
and noise levels.  This uncertainty has always been part of the WRTC
competitor experience.

I am writing this from the lobby of the WRTC hotel as I wait for my turn to
test the online logging connection that will be used for live score
reporting and QSO tracking for producing live stations worked info for all
"hunters".

Rumors are swirling that some exciting and never before seen callsigns may
be in use for the contest.  Look for the list to be published on Friday at
wrtc2022.it.

The race begins at 1200z on Saturday July 8.  Be there!

73

Randy K5ZD