FAQs

Y.A.C.H.T. stands for Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team.

The purpose of YACHT is to inspire youth to enjoy the hobby of amateur radio, connect with others with similar interests, and create friendships. 

Anyone interested in promoting youth in ham radio is welcome to be a part of YACHT. While YACHT is focused on youth, adults are also welcome and encouraged to join and show support. Adult hams can also allow unlicensed youth to use their callsign to check in to the EchoLink sessions as third party as long as the licensed ham is with them.

Becoming a member is free, the youth section goes up to age 23 and there are plenty of adult members as well. All you need to do is either fill out the form here: https://yachtyouth.net/join-yacht/ or join one of the chat sessions and ask to become a member there. 

YACHT meets on the EchoLink app Monday through Saturday at 5pm Pacific Time, 6pm Mountain Time, 7pm Central Time, 8pm Eastern Time (currently 01:00 UTC*) on the YACHT EchoLink conference. Monday through Friday are the informal chat sessions which includes two rounds and you might hear some jokes as well. YACHT has its main net every Saturday which is more formal and includes one round.

*The United States observes Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November so from March to November, the YACHT net is at 00:00 UTC and from November to March it is at 01:00 UTC.

The EchoLink app can be downloaded on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop and you will need to download the official copy of your amateur radio license from the FCC website (Instructions here) and submit it to EchoLink to be authenticated. Once you are verified you can find *YACHT* in the list of conferences or search for node number 954283. 

If you don’t currently have an amateur radio license, you will need to get one before you can set up your own EchoLink account and become a member of YACHT. Only a technician class license is required. To get your technician license, you need to pass a 35 question multiple choice test. Check out this page on the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) website for more info: https://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license.