Marconi Cowes Centenary August 1998
A report on the activities of the Amateur Radio Section of the IW Community Club. 
Background
In 1898, Queen Victoria asked for a radio staion to be set up at Osborne House 
so that she could communicate with the Prince of Wales who was staying on the 
Royal Yacht moored off Cowes. Marconi set up the equipment on the Yacht and at 
Osborne House in August. Over 100 messages were sent (using morse code).
To celebrate this centenary GEC-Marconi organised a re-enactment of sending 
messages in morse code between Osborne House and a 'Tall Ship' over the 
weekend at the end of August. Douglas Byrne assisted. (The 
IWCPress 4/9/98 has details). Princess Elettra was present. 
 
To co-incide with that re-enactment a few members of the IWCC Amateur Radio section 
operated a station with the call GB4JAM on HF, and VHF, voice.

About 50 contacts were made around Europe in about 5 hours of operation, 
including two stations active for "the Festival of the Sea". One station was 
operating from HMS Victory's 25ft cutter, actually being rowed at the time of 
contact.