Chris, VK2YUS, will be active again from Port Vila on the island of Efate, Vanuatu under the brand YJ0CA on August 20-30, 2025. Operation will be SSB only. The expected broadcast time is mainly between 21:00 and 10:00 UTC. It uses a 1/4 wave vertical antenna with elevated radials for the 40m band and various dipoles and verticals for the other bands. On previous visits to Vanuatu its signals were excellent on several bands. QSL via home brand (H/c), not via LoTW.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a Pacific island nation located in Melanesia, approximately 1,750 kilometers east of Australia. It consists of more than 80 islands, of which about 65 are inhabited. The capital is Port Vila on the island of Efate, where a significant part of the population lives and where the main port and airport are located. Vanuatu has a tropical climate with a rainy season and frequent cyclones that hit its territory.
The population of Vanuatu is ethnically diverse, predominantly of Melanesian origin. In addition to English and French, the official language is Bislama, an English-based creole that serves as a language of communication between different ethnic groups. The culture of the islands is deeply rooted in traditions, dances and rituals, but at the same time, a modern lifestyle is increasingly practiced in the cities.
The country's economy is mainly based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. Vanuatu is known as an attractive tourist destination thanks to its sandy beaches, coral reefs and volcanoes. A popular attraction is the Yasur volcano on Tanna Island, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Vanuatu has a reputation as a friendly and hospitable country. In 2006, the UN ranked it among the least developed countries in the world, but despite this, it is known for the high satisfaction of its inhabitants, who are among the "happiest" people on the planet.