The SS Badger steamship is an auto carrier ferry that runs between Manitowoc, WI and Ludington, MI. Built in 1952 and launched in 1953, the S.S. Badger has provided ferry service across Lake Michigan for 60 years. The Kankakee Amateur Radio Club will activate special event callsign W8S on the Badger September 14-15, 2013 for a Special Event Station and Cruise.
UPDATE: September 11, 2013: Operating Frequencies, times and QSL information can be found here.
Lake Michigan Carferry will be hosting an Amateur Radio Special Event onboard the SS Badger September 14-15 to celebrate 60 years of service on Lake Michigan.
Come be a part of a unique opportunity to talk to fellow radio enthusiasts around the country and across the globe. Even if you are not a radio enthusiast, under the observation of a licensed operator, you can operate the sea going radio stations.
The special event call sign of W8S is authorized. Participants will receive a special event QSL card confirming their contacts.
A special Ham Radio Cruise rate of $180 (possible group discount if over 15 reservations) will allow you to board the vessel on Saturday, September 14 in Manitowoc, Wis., about 1200 CDT, and sail to Ludington, Mich., arriving there about 1800 EDT. Eat dinner on either the vessel or go on shore. Then spend the night sleeping on the vessel, or operating one of the numerous on board ham stations.
During the morning of Sunday, September 15, you can savor an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the vessel as it sails back to Manitowoc.
Contact the SS Badger reservations (with your call sign) directly at: 1-800-841-4243 to secure your passage and sailing into this history-making voyage. Licensed radio operators please bring a copy of your license.
For the brochure and a picture of the special event QSL card please visit
http://www.w9az.com/Steamship_Badger/Specail-Event-Steamship-Badger.pdf
What about those of us from the east side of the lake? Do we need to drive 6 hours both ways (through CHICAGO) to do this?
It certainly is a bummer if you are located on the Michigan side of the lake. I didn’t set up the cruise or the special event station, You’ll have to take that up with the Kankakee Amateur Radio club. (Link is in the article above).
Michael