PACC 2026 on PA6Y
Every February the Dutch radio amateurs have one weekend that is all about them: the PACC contest of the VERON. For 24 hours the whole world is hunting for Dutch stations, and every Dutch station hands out its province. Suddenly a PA call is the most popular thing on the band.
On 14 and 15 February 2026 I was part of the PA6Y team at Radio Club Kennemerland in IJmuiden, the club of VERON department A20. My shift was on Sunday. Coffee next to the radio, headset on, and the first “CQ PACC” of the day. From that moment the clock goes fast.
Propagation was not the best. But in a contest that counts for everybody, so you just keep calling and keep smiling. And when a big pile-up comes in, you forget about the conditions very quickly.
A big thanks to the real experienced contesters of our club. They made a handout on how to operate: keep the exchange short, keep the rhythm, and log it right the first time. For me as a not-so-experienced contester that piece of paper was gold.
And then there is the antenna park. Where I am used to a dipole in a tree or a vertical next to the camper, PA6Y has a 2-element 40 metre Optibeam. Turn the beam to the right direction and the stations come in. That is a different game!
PA4TK made a nice video of the PACC weekend at the club. Watch it and you get a good feeling of the atmosphere in the shack.
▶Hamradio PACC contest · Radio Club Kennemerland IJmuiden · Feb 2026 · PA4TKWATCH ON YOUTUBE →
It was a great weekend with a super team, and I am proud to be a member of this group. Till next year in the PACC!
Best 73, Willem PD5WVE