Another reasonable forecast - that's 2 in a row and on a weekend! brought out a few members to fly club gliders and a good contingent of private owners hopeful for better conditions than Saturday.
Simon Minson got stuck in to the training list, with Sam Flory on a 1:1 with Dad James. The Trial lesson visitors (plus Dads) enjoyed their flights with Chris Wool / Peter Smith. Tim Petty successfully tried out his new metalwork ankle with John Street as safety pilot.
The Cross-country pilots were set a task by Pete Startup of Whiddon Down - Culmstock - Cerne Abbas for 203kms, Pete 230 was first to set off, and next up was yet another father and son combination with Pete Bennett taking Dad Martin in the DG505, this was followed by Wyn Davies in W7, and Eric Alston in G29.
The early starters set off towards Crediton, and increasingly found the going tough with some spread out, however they managed to get back to the good air at Culmstock.
Meanwhile, Simon Minson had finished his morning Instructor duty and set off in SM, with JB and Nick Jones in DD3 and Pete and Jill Harmer in OL. Simon struggled to Crediton but was heard to say that he had the wrong head (or hat on) and returned. Pete and Jill decided to follow the energy modifying the task to turn at Witheridge, and DD3 caught up W7 to help him out of a hole at Whiddon Down.
The conditions improved greatly heading downwind from Culmstock, (as it usually does going downwind!),
Pete and Martin in JZK decided to turn Yeovil reservoir and return for a good effort of 171kms at 58kph.
Having turned Cerne Abbas, OL decided to stay inland and eventually struggled back into the strong headwind and 6-8 knot sink streets to complete 173kms, also at 58kph.
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| Cerne Abbas Giant from DD3 (Nick Jones) |
DD3, W7 and G29 were all tempted by the south coast (not-working convergence) and DD3 and G29 had to get help from the iron thermal on the way home whilst W7 landed safely in a field at Crewkerne.
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| Friendly farmer at Crewkerne (Wyn Davies) |
So well done to the Task Setter who won the day, Pete Startup completing 203kms at 64kph - well done Pete.
Local soaring flights were enjoyed by all the other private owners, and the Club gliders. Devon was clearly the place to be today with pilots from The Park and Lasham visiting.
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| BGA National ladder 28 July 2019 |
9 aerotows and 40 winch launches, thanks to everyone for a great day out. - J&P
