From March 19–31, 2026, a team of seasoned amateur radio operators will activate CY0S, transmitting from the remote and windswept shores of Sable Island, Nova Scotia.
Though Sable Island is officially part of Canada, it is recognized as a separate DXCC entity due to its geographic isolation and unique administrative status. This DXpedition is more than just a technical challenge — it’s a rare opportunity for the global amateur radio community to connect with one of the more elusive entities on the DXCC list.
A Signal from the Sandbar
Sable Island is a crescent-shaped sandbar located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the North Atlantic Ocean. Measuring just 42 kilometers long and barely 1.5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, the island is famous for its shifting dunes, wild horses, and over 350 recorded shipwrecks. It’s also a designated Canadian National Park Reserve, protected for its fragile ecosystem and unique biodiversity.
Access to Sable Island is strictly controlled by Parks Canada, and only a handful of scientific and environmental missions are permitted each year. For amateur radio operators, this makes CY0 one of the most difficult and desirable DX entities to activate—and to work.
Why CY0 Matters
In the world of DXing, rarity drives demand. CY0 (Sable Island) currently ranks #59 on Club Log’s most-wanted list overall, but its scarcity is even more pronounced in regions like Asia and Oceania, where propagation challenges and limited activations make it a top-tier target. In North America, CY0 is less rare but still highly sought after, especially on low bands like 160m and 80m. For European operators, CY0 typically appears in the top 30, and in Asia, it is estimated to be in the top 20 most-wanted.
With multi-band, multi-mode operations planned—including CW, SSB, FT8, RTTY, satellite, and EME—the CY0S team aims to maximize reach and provide opportunities for stations across all continents to log CY0S.
The Challenge of Getting There
Planning a DXpedition to Sable Island is not for the faint of heart. The island has no permanent residents, no commercial flights, and no harbors. Access is via chartered Britten- Norman Islander aircraft, which has a payload capacity of approximately 1,440 pounds— including the weight of the team members. This significantly restricts the amount of gear that can be brought. To manage this, the team has arranged two flights to the island.
Each operator is limited to just 35 pounds of personal baggage for the entire two-week stay. To save weight, team members will bring freeze-dried meals, a strategy that has proven essential in past activations. Every piece of equipment has been weighed and scrutinized for necessity and versatility. If the final load exceeds the aircraft’s limits, some gear may have to be left behind.
They will stay in a building used by scientific teams. This arrangement significantly reduces logistical complexity and weight. This arrangement significantly reduces logistical complexity and weight.
Flexibility is key. Although the team has been authorized to arrive on March 18, only three members will land that day to begin antenna setup and equipment staging. Full operations will commence on March 19, and all public announcements will reflect this start date to avoid confusion and disappointment among DXers.
Weather and flight conditions are another major variable. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) must be met for both Halifax and Sable Island throughout the flight. Crosswinds at Sable must remain below a strict threshold, and the beach landing area must be neither flooded nor too dry—conditions that have previously delayed or even canceled DXpeditions. The team is prepared for potential delays and has built contingency plans to adapt as needed.
FlexRadio Aurora: The Right Tool for the Job
To meet the unique demands of operating from Sable Island, the CY0S team will be using FlexRadio’s Aurora series transceivers. These cutting-edge SDR radios are designed for high performance in compact, lightweight packages—ideal for remote and portable operations.
Each Aurora unit weighs just 18 pounds, yet delivers a powerful 500-watt output, with the radio, tuner, and power supply all housed in a single chassis. This all-in-one design simplifies setup and minimizes the gear footprint—critical advantages when operating in a location with strict transport limits and environmental regulations.
The Aurora series also incorporates highly efficient Class D amplifier technology, which dramatically reduces power consumption without sacrificing performance. This efficiency is especially important on Sable Island, where energy resources are limited and every watt counts.
For the CY0S team, this means more radios, more bands, and more redundancy—all without exceeding weight limits or compromising reliability.
The Team Behind CY0S
The CY0S DXpedition will feature a powerhouse lineup of experienced operators: WA4DAN, W0GJ, K0IR, N2IEN, WW2DX, K4ZLE, W4DKS, K9NW, and NE9U. Many have participated in previous activations of rare entities and bring deep expertise in propagation, antenna design, and digital modes.
The team is committed to transparency and community engagement. Updates will be posted regularly on the CY0S website and social media channels, including propagation forecasts, operating schedules, and real-time logs. QSL information will be available via both direct and bureau routes, and LoTW uploads will follow shortly after the expedition concludes.
What to Expect on the Air
Up to six HF stations will be active simultaneously, along with operations on 6 meters, VHF, satellite, and EME. The team plans to operate around the clock for the duration of their stay, with multiple stations active across bands and modes. Priority will be given to underrepresented regions and bands, and operators will rotate to ensure coverage across time zones.
Split operation will be standard, and the team encourages DXers to listen carefully and follow instructions to maximize efficiency. FT8 will be used strategically to reach areas with poor propagation, and CW/SSB will be emphasized during peak conditions.
The team also hopes to make contact with youth and educational stations, promoting amateur radio as a tool for exploration and global connection.
A Rare Opportunity
For many operators, CY0S will be a once-in-a-decade chance to log Sable Island. These remote and environmentally sensitive areas are becoming increasingly difficult to access due to stricter permitting and infrastructure guidelines. This may be the last Sable Island activation for many years, so the team will work hard to use every propagation window to ensure that everyone who needs CY0 gets into the log.
Sable Island also holds special significance for awards chasers: it’s part of IOTA NA-063, POTA VE-0120, ARLHS SAB-002, and located in Grid FM93xw—making it a multi-award opportunity for collectors worldwide.
To follow the team’s progress and support the mission, visit the official website at https://t-rexsoftware.com/cy0s/.
Help Make It Happen
Flying to Sable Island is expensive, and the team welcomes support from the amateur radio community. Donations will help offset the high cost of transportation and logistics. Every contribution helps bring this rare activation to the airwaves.
