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4DA496 Marino: From Challans with an Italian Heart and a Hunter’s Soul! 🇫🇷🇮🇹🎯

In the World Beauties Award (WBA) galaxy, there is a star that shines with impressive regularity. That star belongs to Marino, 14DA496, an operator who has turned his passion for radio into an art of precision. From his station in Challans, in the Pays de la Loire region, Marino has become a cornerstone for all the activators in the circuit.

A Record-Breaking 2026: The “Perfect Hunter” 📈🔥

This year, Marino has decided to raise the bar to an almost unbeatable level: he hasn’t missed a single reference! His presence in the logs has become an absolute certainty. Whether it’s a remote lighthouse or an inland castle, his signal from France arrives on time, clean and sharp.

His contact list on sbota.org tells a clear story: Marino is in amazing radio shape. His ability to “pierce” through the pile-up is the result of a lethal mix of patience, excellent technique, and a very sharp ear. 🐧⚡

Between France and Italy: The Charm of Origins 🍷📡

As we shared in our previous profile, Marino carries a unique cultural background. Living in France but with a heart that beats strong for Italy, he perfectly embodies the international spirit of the Delta Alfa group.

This dual identity makes him a particularly attentive and curious Hunter: for him, every contact with an Italian reference (and beyond) is a way to embrace his roots and discover new beauties. His on-air charisma is infectious, making every QSO a pleasure that goes beyond just the technical report.

A Veteran Always Keeping Up with the Times 📡🗼

Marino is no amateur. His dedication to the WBA circuit stems from long experience in the DX world. His station in Challans is optimized to perform at its best even when propagation seems uncooperative.

Beyond his expertise, what stands out about Marino is his extreme politeness and fairness: a true “gentleman of the radio” who knows how to wait his turn but makes his voice heard with authority when it’s time to log the point. 🏆✅

Conclusion 🌟

Marino, 14DA496, is proof that geographical distance is nothing compared to the magic of radio. With his record of “zero missed references” in 2026, he confirms his status as one of the most respected and feared Hunters in the entire circuit.

Congratulations, Marino! Keep that signal roaring from Challans. We’ll hear you on-air for the next reference! 🎙️💙

73’s de SIBA/WBA Team

Here an extract of the old Article:

SBA TEAM: Marino 14DA496 what sacrifices does a Hunter as assiduous and present as you have to face?
” It’s a fair balance of time between family and radio, and of course the hazards of propagation. I like the discovery of the historic and pre-historic sites of Sardinia following Alex’s Activations.
On SBA i like also a competition of quality and respect for everyone.

I followed Alex during all his previous I.M.A. activations (when he was AT member) and as long as the propagation allows, I will stay on his SBA activations.

Alex offers us quality activations even with big pileups he always has an ear to listen to the radio operators with big or small signals. I think that like any country, Sardinia has many treasures and Alex is here to make them known to us, through his photos and information, a big thank you to him and good luck in the SBAs
I will remain one of your loyal HUNTERs from SBA“.

.“

Thank you Marino for your beautiful words, we greet you cordially and look forward to seeing you in the next SBA activations!

SBA TEAM.