The DXpedition to St. Lucia during the 1988 CQ WW SSB contest was a big success for everyone involved. The crew's mix of experience added to the excitement of this contest. First, the leader of the group was WB4ZNH, Carl Henson. Carl, organizer and operator of many previous DXpeditions, got this operation started and taught us all a trick or two about contesting. Next was J6LAH, Atze Vanderkooi, our wonderful host. Atze and his lovely wife Merlyn allowed us to invade their home and office and run this contest. This was Atze's first contest and he did a great job. Then there is W4GTS, Phil Latta, previous DXpeditioner and mentor of the group. Phil, on the DXCC Honor Roll for many years, brings a spark and experience to any group. The prettiest member of theis group was KL7JAR, Sandi Jorgenson. Excellent DXer and contester, Sandi can really break a pile-up. Next up is KC4I, Jack Fisher, first time contester and great operator. Jack learned a lot about contesting but also helped everyone with his ideas. Lastly, is WA4CUG, Tad Williamson, an occasional contester who also learned a lot about contesting. Tad was the "Hot Dog" of this group, operating until near voice failure to get those last few contacts.
The crew operated J6LAH from Castries for a total fo 4,122 QSOs, 118 zone multipliers, 347 country multipliers adding up to a total of 4.746 million points. St. Lucia is a wonderful island and we would recommend it not only for a DXpedition but for an enjoyable, relaxing vacation.
From Tad, WA4CUG
It all started for me with a phone call from Sandi. She knew I contested and chased DX and began the call by asking me if I'd be interested in going on a DXpedition.
I said something like, "I think so, but why did you ask me?" She replied, "We have a group together, but we need a 'Hotdog' to round it out." I said, "What do you mean by a 'Hotdog'?" She replied, "Someone who can operate non-stop, for several hours at a stretch, with minimal breaks and sleep, over an entire contest weekend." I said, "I'm your guy" before I knew where we were going and what a talented cast of players had already been assembled.
When I found out we were going to St. Lucia, that Carl Henson and Phil Latta would be my mentors on my first DXpedition, there was no way I could pass up the opportunity.
Jack Fisher and I pretty much ran the points station while Carl, Phil, Sandi and Atze ran the multiplier station. Of course all of the four on the multiplier station were training/helping Jack and me.
Jack and I traded four-hour shifts (with some fill-in by the other operators) from Friday evening, through Saturday evening and into Sunday Morning. Jack was exhausted after a couple of hours into his Sunday morning shift so I took over early and finished the entire Sunday with a few breaks from the rest.
After about nine hours (or so) straight, my voice was a little above a squeak. I still had a blast and learned a tremendous amount on my first and (hopefully not) only DXpedition so far.
