🧭 ZS8W – Marion Island DXpedition Recap

📅 April 21 – May 13, 2025
👤 Operator: Yuris, YL2GM
🌍 DXCC: Marion Island – #11 Most Wanted (April 2025)

After years of persistence, Yuris (YL2GM) finally activated Marion Island as ZS8W from April 21 to May 13, 2025, completing a high-demand DXpedition from one of the most sought-after DXCCs.

🚢 Timeline Highlights:

• Departed Cape Town on April 18 aboard S.A. Agulhas II

• Arrived on Marion Island April 22, QRV from April 27

• Went QRT on May 13 at 1115z

• Over 30,000 QSOs logged across FT8, CW, and brief SSB operations

• Limited 80m/160m activity due to antenna issues, but managed contacts with JA & EU

• Final QSL preview shared while returning aboard ship

📻 Operating Summary:

• Modes: FT8, CW, SSB (rare), RTTY

• Bands: 10m–160m

• QSL: Via Club Log and QSL card (preview released)

🏅 ATNOs galore! With Prince Edward & Marion Islands being #2 (CW) and #3 (Digi) on the most-wanted list, ZS8W provided a rare chance for DXers to fill this elusive slot.

🎞️ Recordings and photo galleries from the DXpedition are available on DX-World.net.