Celebrating the spirit of amateur radio and historical exploration, the WorldWide BOTA (Bunkers on the Air) Winterfest 2026 brought together enthusiasts willing to brave the cold and activate the silent sentinels of the past. Among the highlights of the event were two significant activations led by YO3BEE (Bogdan) and YO3DYL (Dana), joined by YO3BEL (Sara) and YO3GPH (Adrian), putting the historic fortifications of the Bucharest defensive belt on the air.
🛡️ Activation Highlights
The team successfully activated two historic locations, bridging the gap between WWII history and modern communication:
- B/YO-0040 – Fortul IV Tunari: A key site in the defensive ring of Bucharest, where portable stations handled a steady flow of chasers eager to log this historic bunker.
- B/YO-0018 – Fortul I Chitila: Another successful operation, navigating winter weather and challenging seasonal propagation to ensure the fort’s signal reached across the bands.
🎓 Mentorship & Elmering
Beyond the technical success of the activations, YO3BEE (Bodgan) and YO3DYL (Dana) stood out for their commitment to “Elmering.” Throughout the Winterfest, they took the time to mentor fellow operators, sharing their expertise in:
- Portable Efficiency: Techniques for quick station setup in rugged, cold environments.
- Logistics & Planning: Navigating the specific requirements of both POTA (Parks on the Air) and BOTA(Bunkers on the Air) programs.
- Operating Excellence: Teaching new activators how to manage pileups and optimize signal reach with modest portable gear.
Their dedication to growing the community ensures that the next generation of portable operators is well-prepared to take their radios into the field, regardless of the season.