With the arrival of ex-hurricane Lorenzo expected during the afternoon, there was just a little hope that the morning would bring some flyable weather.
The normal moist air bringing low cloud across the Blackdowns was not yet apparent, and in the calm of the vicinity of the clubhouse, it looked quite promising. The windsock at the west end was outstretched, and when the launchpoint was set up in the North east corner, it was clear that the southerly wind was building as forecast.
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| Preparing to launch with two eyes on the windsock (Mark Courtney) |
Intrepid Duty Instructors Pete Harmer and Peter Smith decided to take a launch for a weather check. The launch to 1200ft was a bit lumpy especially low down, but having got to the top they headed south into the 40knot wind and near Broadhembury found some smooth 2 knots lift. With a little more exploring there was gentle sink to 800ft, then the turbulence got going again in ernest. They felt happier with a 70 knot approach in the significant crosswind and turbulence, and came gracefully to a halt in the wind shadow of the clubhouse.
The Instuctors concluded that they couldn't teach much in these conditions and the risks were greater than the benefits on this occasion. So it was back to the hangar for all. - Good try!
Eagle eyes on the photo will spot the new electric golf buggy for glider retrieves. Sealing the aircraft hangar floor was completed, and some more reference markers were replaced. - J&P
