Repost: 3Y0K – Bouvet Island DXpedition

In less than a year, an international team of 24 experienced amateur radio operators will take on one of the world’s most challenging DX locations—Bouvet Island. As one of the most remote uninhabited islands on Earth (with 93% of its surface covered by ice and snow and ranking #10 on Club Log’s Most Wanted DXCC list), this expedition will operate under the callsign 3Y0K.

Key Details:

• Operating Environment:
  Bouvet Island is a Norwegian overseas territory in the South Atlantic. The team will aim to work all amateur radio bands from 10 to 160m using CW, SSB, FT8, RTTY, and QO‑100 satellite, with up to 12 stations active to maximize ATNO contacts.

• Logistics & Permits:
  The expedition has secured the necessary landing permit by helicopter from the Norwegian Polar Institute. The journey will start from Cape Town, South Africa, aboard an Icelandic-flagged icebreaker (a 7‑day voyage) with weather-dependent landings. Once at the island, two camps will be set up—one on the lower area of Cape Fie and one at an upper site optimized for North American contacts.

• Budget & Support:
  With an overall budget of approximately $1.65 million, the project covers expensive logistics such as icebreaker services, a helicopter (with two pilots and a mechanic), fuel, and other necessary costs like commercial airfare and winter gear. The expedition is generously supported by clubs, associations, and companies—with the Northern California DX Foundation pledging up to $200K (half matched by donations from outside North America) and support from DX Engineering, Icom, RF Power, and ACOM. The team is also seeking an additional $200K in donations to help offset expenses.

• Future Synergies:
  The team is exploring equipment synergies with an upcoming Peter I expedition to further streamline operations.

• Call for Participation & Donations:
  More operators are welcome—contact admin@3y0.no if you’re interested in joining this ambitious endeavor. To help cover costs, donations can be made via PayPal at donate@3y0k.com. For further details, updates, and the full operating schedule, visit 3Y0K.com.

This DXpedition promises to be the most expensive and challenging ever, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in extreme amateur radio operations. Your support is vital—thank you for helping make this historic activation a reality!

73 and happy DXing!