With yesterday's weak front cleared through to the south and the High rebuilding we were expecting a reasonable day, although RASP was being a bit cagey about the conditions. Initially the northeasterly wind was still quite strong and gusty, so the first hour was spent with Pete Harmer talking about joining and recentreing in thermals for both Course members and Thursday regulars.
The wind abated as forecast and the gliders were readied, it took a while to get all the gliders to the west end as one of the ground vehicles was off line. But once we started the the Juniors were the first to show some extended circuits. With Peter Smith and Mike Sloggett running the course line and Pete Harmer and Chris Wool leading the Club line, the flying lists progressed steadily.
 |
| Thick Cirrus at times (Mark Courtney) |
However, RASP was correct and soaring conditions were rather sporadic and limited to small, strong, but short-lived thermals up to an inversion at 2500ft. For most of the day there was thick Cirrus mares tails around the sky, and several flights around half an hour.
 |
| Perkoz and K21 landing (Mark Layton) |
Both Aston Key and Tom Sides were finishing off their BI training and Aston enjoyed a simulated rope break in the Perkoz recorded by Mark Layton.
 |
| Simulated rope break (Mark Layton) |
So with 45 winch launches and 5 aerotows, it was a busy but pleasant day.
In the evening the Course members helpers and extra enjoyed Course Dinner at Keepers Cottage. - J&P
