Welcome to the World Beauties Award! The WBA TEAM and the dx DA-RC group have established, starting from 2024, a permanent Award aimed at enhancing and promoting the greatest possible worldwide number of sites of historical, cultural and tourist interest on a beautiful 11 Meters Band.

WBA Activators

A further novelty introduced by the WBA is the establishment of an Activators Ranking.

WBA Specific Regulations for Activators

The World Beauties Award (WBA) promotes amateur radio by activating sites of historical, natural, and touristic interest (Lighthouses, Islands, Castles, Archeological sites, Parks, etc.) in Sardinia and worldwide.

Art. 1 – Reference Selection & Validation

🌎 WBA: Site Definition and Regulations

The World Beauties Award (WBA) aims to combine amateur radio activity with the promotion of global heritage. This award goes beyond simple radio contact; it celebrates the discovery of locations distinguished by their exceptional aesthetic, historical, or natural value.

1. 🏛️ Entity Eligibility Criteria

Activatable entities for the award are divided into macro-categories that integrate existing international references while opening doors to new prestigious sites:

  • 🌿 Natural and Landscape Heritage
    • Includes National and Regional Parks, Lakes, Islands, and Beaches.
    • Note: If a site is not already listed in the WWFF or POTA databases, eligibility is subject to proven tourist-attractive relevance (e.g., Blue Flag beaches, protected areas, sites of high scenic interest).
  • 🏰 Architecture and History
    • Castles, Fortresses, Watchtowers (COTA), Lighthouses, and Lightstations (LOTA).
  • 📜 Archaeological Sites & Places of Worship
    • Surveyed archaeological areas, Museums, Churches, Abbeys, and religious complexes of proven artistic and cultural importance.
  • 🏘️ Settlements and Villages
    • Historic villages, “Most Beautiful Villages in the World,” ghost towns, or abandoned hamlets with particular narrative charm.
  • 🏭 Industrial Archaeology
    • Decommissioned industrial sites of significant historical, documentary, or aesthetic interest.

2. 📡 Integration with International References

To assist both hunters and activators, the WBA recognizes and integrates references from the most established amateur radio programs:

  • 🏝️ IOTA (Islands on the Air) & IWI (Inland Waterways Award)
  • 🌲 POTA (Parks on the Air) & WWFF (World Wide Flora & Fauna)
  • 🚨 LOTA (Lighthouses on the Air)
  • 🛡️ COTA (Castles on the Air)
  • ⚓ SWOTA (ShipWreck on the Air)

3. ✅ Validation Process and Quality Control

The WBA is a qualitative rather than a “quantitative” award. Therefore:

🛡️ Prior Approval

Every new activation must receive prior authorization from the WBA Team. Activators are required to provide documentation (coordinates, photos, or informative links) proving the site meets the “local beauty” criteria.

🚫 Exclusions

The Team reserves the right to exclude sites deemed irrelevant, neglected, or lacking the aesthetic and cultural impact that defines the spirit of the award.

Activators must identify sites aligned with WBA philosophy and propose them via the WBA Activators WhatsApp Chat.

  • Approval: For references involving IOTA, IWI, COTA, LOTA, or WWFF, the WBA Team will handle authorization with Delta Alfa HQ upon receipt of the QTH Locator.
  • Scoring: The Team assigns a dedicated ID and points based on the following:
    • 5 pts: Minor Islands (IOTA/IWI) accessible only by boat/ferry (1 pt Basic + 4= 5 )
    • 3 pts: Private sites requiring specific authorization (to enter inside) (1 pt Basic + 2= 3 ).
    • 2 pts: Field setup activations (1 pt Basic + 1= 2 ).
    • 2 pts: POTA, SOTA, COTA, or LOTA activations (1 pt Basic +1= 2 )
    • 1 pt: Basic activations.
  • Note: Points are cumulative except the 1 pt Basic activation (for exemple a private island field activation = 5+3+2 = 10 pts / a POTA activation performed by a vehicle radio setup is valid 2 pts / a COTA activation carried out within the private area relating to the castle property’s appurtenances is valid 3+2= 5 pts ).
  • ⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Starting in 2026, all WBA referrals activated for the first time will be considered NEW ONE and will receive an additional 1 bonus point. SIBA and SBA referrals activated in 2024-25 will be reset.

Anatomy of a Field Station

​A field station consists of four essential modules, coordinated to ensure maximum performance with a minimal footprint:

  • ​Radiating Module (The “Arm”): Directional antenna (e.g., Skypper) mounted on a telescopic mast and lightweight tripod to maximize gain.
  • ​Power Module (The “Heart”): Lightweight, Smart LiFePO4 battery paired with a ventilated linear amplifier for a constant, dominant signal.
  • ​Control Module (The “Brain”): Compact transceiver housed on a raised surface (aluminum table), interconnected with high-quality coaxial cables and a professional headset.
  • ​Defense Module (The “Shield”): Quick-protection systems (shack-in-a-bag, waterproof covers) to isolate electronics from the elements.

Flash Definition: A raised, lithium-powered, directional system designed for high-power operation with maximum climate resilience and effortless portability.

🚗🧳WBA ACTIVATORS MILEAGE BONUS SYSTEM🧳🚗

Section: Logistical Merit and Distance Points

Art. 1.1- Objective

The WBA TEAM recognizes the significant personal, financial, and logistical commitment required to activate remote sites. To reward this effort, a Mileage Bonus is established to supplement the standard activation score.

Art. 1.2 – Criteria for Point Allocation

Bonus Ratio: Activators shall be awarded 1 (one) additional point for every 100 km traveled.

Calculation Method: The distance is calculated from the activator’s official municipality of residence to the destination site using the shortest route provided by Google Maps.

Minimum Threshold: Distances under 100 km do not qualify for this specific bonus.

Art. 1.3 – Rules of Application

Single Credit Rule: The Mileage Bonus is applicable only to the first reference activated during a single trip or expedition. Subsequent activations performed during the same stay or on the same journey do not grant further mileage points.

Holiday and Long-Distance Travel: The bonus applies even if the activation occurs during a vacation or holiday period. The distance will be calculated from the primary residence to the activation site, acknowledging the effort involved in transporting radio equipment over long distances.

Multi-Operator Stations: In the case of collective activations involving multiple operators, the Mileage Bonus shall be granted exclusively to the Station Master (the owner and/or person responsible for the transport and provision of the technical equipment).

Art. 1.4 – Verification

The WBA TEAM reserves the right to request proof of distance (e.g., a screenshot of the route or location data) during the log validation process to ensure the integrity of the scoring system.

🏆 Activator Performance Bonus (APB) Regulations.

The WBA TEAM, aiming to recognize the technical expertise and dedication of activators in maximizing propagation windows throughout the day and achieving excellence in operational goals, hereby establishes the following additional scoring system.

Art. 1.5 – Purpose

This bonus system is designed to reward activations that stand out for high traffic volume, geographic diversity (DXCC), and global reach (Continents).

Art. 1.6 – Traffic Volume Bonus (QSO)

An incremental score is awarded based on the total number of valid QSOs:

+1 point for every block of 100 QSOs completed.

Example: 100-199 QSOs = 1 point; 200-299 QSOs = 2 points; 301 QSOs = 3 points.

Art. 1.7 – Countries Contacted Bonus (DXCC)

Points are awarded based on the variety of DXCC entities contacted, with the initial threshold set at 30:

30 Countries: 1 point.

Every additional 10 Countries: +1 additional point.

Example: 30 Countries = 1pt; 40 Countries = 2pts; 50 Countries = 3pts, and so on.

Art. 1.8 – “Worked All Continents” (WAC) Bonus

A special award is recognized for achieving total global coverage during the activation:

+1 flat point if all 6 continents (Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Oceania) are contacted.

Art. 1.9 – Validity

Bonus points will be calculated automatically upon the submission and validation of the official log.

Art. 2 – Positioning

The activation station must be positioned, where possible, within a 500-meter radius of the site’s boundaries. In exceptional and duly justified cases, a maximum distance of 750 meters (+50% of 500 m) is permitted, subject to WBA TEAM approval. Activators are required to verify the location in advance through site visits or digital tools such as Google Earth.

Art. 3 – Management & Promotion

Upon validation, the WBA Team will:

  • Add the site to the “WBA Award Sites” and “WBA ACTIVE NOW” maps.
  • Publish a dedicated article and calendar entry on sbota.org.
  • Provide the activator with exclusive access to the LIVE LOG and relevant instructions.

Art. 4 – Proof of Activation

To ensure transparency, activators can share real-time GPS proof in the WBA DA-RC News WhatsApp Chat dedicated to Hunters via:

  • A Google Maps screenshot from the location.
  • A grid-data screenshot (e.g., “Ham QTH locator” app).
  • WhatsApp Live Location sharing (up to 8 hours)—highly recommended to inform hunters of your arrival.

Privacy: If the location is sensitive, proof may be sent privately to the WBA Team via the WBA Activators WhatsApp Chat. Additionally, photos of the site and the radio setup are required for validation.

C.R.A. | Commemorative Radio Activation

Bringing History and Tradition into WBA

A C.R.A. (Commemorative Radio Activation) is a special event that a WBA activator can perform from their home Base Station (valid 1 Point Basic Activation). It is designed to celebrate significant milestones, cultural traditions, and the public heritage of one’s country or geographic region. Whether it is honoring a Patron Saint, celebrating a national holiday, or remembering a historic anniversary, the C.R.A. brings local events to the global attention of the WBA Hunters!

C.R.A. is the latest WBA breakthrough for 2026!

C.R.A. is the new WBA highlight for 2026!

The C.R.A. reference will be assigned directly by the WBA TEAM after your request, for example: 1DA/CRA001

Why activate a C.R.A. within WBA?

  • Cultural Preservation: We use the 11-meter band to tell the story of your patron saint festivals, city anniversaries, and public celebrations.
  • Global Reach: A local celebration is instantly transformed into an international event, connecting your community with radio operators all over the world.
  • Exclusive Recognition: Hunters will be awarded special digital certificates, creating a tangible historical record of the anniversary.

Focus Areas

CategoryExamples
Patron Saint FestivalsReligious traditions and local “Festa” celebrations.
Public HolidaysNational days, liberation anniversaries, or cultural jubilees.
Historical AnniversariesCommemorating the founding of cities, institutions, or landmarks.

Our Mission: To ensure that important dates are not just remembered locally, but broadcast globally through the skill and passion of the 11-meter band community.

For example 165DA101 Alex will planned for 2026 an activation on April 28 in occasion of “Sa Die de sa Sardigna” and the 10 june in occasion of the Portoscuso Patronal Festival (the small Village where Alex lives).

For our activities, we will typically employ high-performance portable antennas, such as the 3-element BIRD YAGI, DELTA LOOP (single element), and BAMBY. When portable antenna deployment is unfeasible due to adverse weather or restrictive locations, we will utilize top-tier mobile antennas (e.g., the SIRIO TWIN LOG 5 vertical antenna with a magnetic base). Recognizing the increased difficulty in achieving QSOs under such circumstances, 1 point will be awarded to the Hunters.

WBA Activators will automatically have the score of the reference they activated and approved in the hunters ranking credited to their Callsign.

All Sites can be activated maximum Three times during the year and up to a maximum of three consecutive days.  Activations can be rescheduled if a minimum of 30 QSOs is not reached in the first session.

The goal is to activate as many WB Sites as possible in one year.

The WBA Activator’s Regulation can finally be summarized as follows:

📡 WBA Activator Quick-Start Guide

Follow these 4 steps to successfully launch and validate your WBA activation.

1. Identify & Propose

  • Pick a Site: Choose a location of tourist, historical, or natural interest.
  • Request Approval: Send the site details and QTH Locator to the WBA Activators WhatsApp Chat.
  • Wait for ID: The Team will assign a Reference ID and calculate your potential points (1–12 pts).

2. Setup & Location

  • The 500m Rule: Your station must be within 500 meters of the reference site.
  • Setup: Use a field setup or private site access to maximize your score.

3. Go Live

  • Share GPS Proof: Before starting, send your location to the WBA DA-RC News Whatsapp Chat.
    • Option A: WhatsApp Live Location (recommended for 8 hours).
    • Option B: Screenshot of Google Maps or Ham QTH Locator.
  • Live Log: Use the provided link to log contacts in real-time so hunters can follow your progress.

4. Validation

  • Photos: Take a few clear photos of:
    1. The reference site/area.
    2. Your radio station in action.
  • Submit: Ensure all proofs are sent to the WBA Team for final points confirmation.

💡 Pro Tip: If your location is sensitive, send your GPS data directly to the WBA Team Admin instead of the main group.

About WBA (the Story)

I’m Alessandro 165DA101 passionate about portable activations in the 11 meter band.  I decided in may 2024 to create SBA, together with the SBA TEAM, by combining in an original way the characteristics of an AWARD with those of the classic OTA challenges, the main purpose of which is to activate over time the greatest number of sites carefully chosen among the prestigious archaeological, tourist and landscape beauties that the Sardinia Island offers its inhabitants and visitors. 

SIBA (Sardinian Italian Beauties Award) was born in January 2025 to extend this philosophy to the Italian territory of division 1, concluded at the end of 2025 with 3072 verified Hunters (SIBA+SBA). The WBA (World Beauties Award) was launched in 2026 to extend the participation of activators belonging to the DA-RC group from all over the world! It will be a very exciting permanent award because by following us on our DX adventures we will be able to go on a fascinating journey together to discover wonderful places, which maybe one day you will visit in person!  You can collect them as precious references by connecting and entering in the LOGs of the various activations.  At the same time, secondly, we will be able to collect the references of the geographical Regions, Provinces and Municipalities in which the WB sites are located (note that in the other awards it is the main and only target… ).  Furthermore, to make everything even more compelling and exciting, we will face an annual challenge with relative Hunter ranking and awards with diplomas for the top 3 ranked Hunters.  We will strive to do as many as possible activations in a year!  Obviously we will all commit to respecting the regulation to carry out everything in complete correctness and serenity.  In this Award there will never be disqualification measures for Hunters, only possible exclusions from the Log in the event of proven incorrect behavior in the QSO of the single activation. So don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to share this fantastic experience on the air together!

This image beautifully captures the essence of the WBA award’s spirit, symbolized by the embrace between a Site Manager and the activator.

The activator is at the heart of a dual mission: to enhance and promote an important historical and tourist site, while simultaneously lending prestige to the activation itself simply by being close to the location. As shown, every one of our activations represents a double victory, an objective achieved by both parties!

Becoming a WBA activator offers a unique and rewarding experience!

Here’s what you stand to gain:

🔴 Promote Historical and Tourist Sites

At the heart of the WBA Award is the mission to highlight and publicize significant historical and tourist sites. As an activator, you play a crucial role in bringing attention to these locations, while your activation gains prestige by being associated with such important landmarks. Every activation is a win-win, achieving objectives for both the site and the activator.

🔴 Grow Personally and Socially

While it’s true that being a WBA activator demands time and effort—especially in organizing events and successfully negotiating with site management for permission to operate a portable station nearby—the challenges are well worth it. This endeavor is an opportunity for significant cultural and social growth. You’ll continuously forge new relationships with individuals working in cultural and historical sectors, expanding your network and deepening your understanding of these fields.

🔴 Be Part of an Elite Group

Being a WBA Activator isn’t for everyone. It requires dedication, “savoir-faire,” and a passion for promoting heritage. However, for those who embrace the challenge, it offers a deeply rewarding experience and the chance to be part of a group dedicated to a unique and impactful mission.

WBA TEAM.