Stretching over a distance of 305 miles from east to west, the nine populated islands of the Azores count for a single DXCC entity and three IOTA groupings. A group of radio amateurs from eight countries and the Azores will be putting these islands on the air September 28-30 for the Azores 9 Islands Hunt, offering an opportunity for the world to contact these nine islands during one single weekend.

Throughout the world Amateur Radio has played an important role in providing communications during disasters and emergencies for more than 100 years. The team gathering in the Azores for the Azores 9 Islands Hunt will also be promoting the role of Amateur Radio disaster communications. While the Azores enjoy year-round nice weather, the islands are not immune to natural disasters. The Azores are situated on three of the largest tectonic plates, making the islands susceptible to powerful earthquakes. In recent years, heavy rains have created mudslides severely impacting the infrastructure and resulting in evacuations.

This 24-hour operating event is scheduled for Saturday, September 29 at 1200 UTC to September 30 at 1200 UTC. According to organizers, the stations will be active starting Friday, September 28 as soon as they become operational. The stations plan to be operating 40, 20 and 17 meters on CW and SSB as follows:

• CW: 7.000-7.015 MHz; 18.080-18.090 MHz; 14.050-14.065 MHz
• SSB: 7.175-7.195 MHz; 18.120-18.135 MHz; 14.250-14.275 MHz

The following islands and stations will be on the air:

• Santa Maria: CU1ARM
• San Miguel: CU2ARA
• Terceira: CU3URA
• Graciosa: CU4ARG
• Sao Jorge: CU5AM
• Pico: CU6GRP
• Faial: CU7CRA
• Flores: CU8ARF
• Corvo: CU9AC

All QSOs will be confirmed with special full-color cards through via the bureau network. Direct QSL requests should be made via Jose Melo, CU2CE. Prizes will also be awarded. Please visit the Azores 9 Island Hunt website for more details.

The project is organized by the Azores-Finland Friendship Consortium in partnership with the Amateur Radio Associations of the Azores Islands and supported by the Azores Promotion Agency (ATA) and Azorean Airlines (SATA). For more information see www.visitazores.com