Saturday:
A great forecast presented us with the opportunity to attempt some
epic tasks. 400km for the Pundits, 305km for the Intermediates and 150km for
the Novices caused a certain amount of muttering in the earlier-than-usual 0930
briefing, but the tasks were set and we would do our best to complete them. We
launched into a promising-looking sky that yielded both heavy sink and awesome
lift - 8kt average thermals were great fun. There weren't really any big
streets and the going was a bit scratchy at times, but most people from every
Club completed the tasks. Peter Sm, DG101 was our Novice, and came second in his
class. I flew Intermediate, Cirrus, with more than a little trepidation at attempting
such a large task, but somehow managed to not only complete it, but win the day
as well. Steve, Discus put in a great effort in dying conditions to make it
home in third place for the Pundits. Overall we were third in the League at the
end of the day, but with only two points to make up to first
place.
Sunday:
The forecast was slightly less promising today, with
RASP showing signs of a narrowing band of lift into the afternoon. Tasks were
accordingly much shorter, with 300km for Pundit, 200km for Intermediate and
120km for Novice. Good climbs south of the start line suggested that it might
be another great day, and the rapid run down the first two turnpoints increased
confidence, albeit with a tailwind. However, the day started to die off
rapidly, with a lot of spreadout and a sea air killing off most of the lift.
A few people completed but many abandoned on their way to the TPs West of The
Park. Henry, Junior flew Novice, but despite a great effort to get to the final TP
at Glastonbury, only came fourth after a GPS issue meant that he missed the
Devizes TP. I had a great run to Westbury, and some good streets carried me up
to Membury in good time, but a lack of lift around the TP put me in the weeds.
I battled back up and made it back to The Park, but conditions wouldn't allow me
to get to the final TP at Langport, however with those around me struggling as
well I still managed a respectable second place. Simon M, ASW20 had similar
issues getting to his last TP and also returned to The Park for a second place
finish.
Thanks to all the pilots this weekend, an awesome job, roll on
the home leg in two weeks time.
Andrew
(Ed - Congratulations to the Team and a big thank you to Andrew for organising the weekend)
