Today's DSGC virtual task went with flying colours (mostly from the tips of Charlie Broderick's wings)!
The task was set up and hosted by Dan Hender, with conditions requested by Jill and Pete Harmer. We did the familiar triangle, but in reverse so NHL - Wellington - Tiverton - NHL, with the wind from the East at 10kts, making the TIV - NHL leg into wind so not quite as straight forward as you may like.
The task was set up and hosted by Dan Hender, with conditions requested by Jill and Pete Harmer. We did the familiar triangle, but in reverse so NHL - Wellington - Tiverton - NHL, with the wind from the East at 10kts, making the TIV - NHL leg into wind so not quite as straight forward as you may like.
The runners and riders in no particular order were: Stewart Henshall, Dan Hender, Matt Howard, Geoff Lawrence, Phil Morrison, John Davis, Charlie Broderick and Rob Hender and we had Jill and Pete spectating / acting as ATC for those brave enough to do a radio call to enter Dunks airspace. We also had some silent spectators of Robert Lee, Ben Watkins and David Clements, who hopefully will join in next time.
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| On the grid at virtual North Hill (Stewart Henshall) |
After the initial winch launch and time allowed to gain altitude, Dan opened the start gate and the task began.
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| Geoff at the top of the winch launch (Stewart Henshall) |
Early leaders were Matt and Rob, but that was never going to last and we were passed before the first turn point by the Condor Pro’s. (You know who you are!). Further into the task, various pilots started to thermal to gain height, (some sooner than others), Dan nearly left it too late and had to make the big decision, pick a field or try the big cloud on the right. Fortunately the big cloud, that Stewart was marking, worked and he went up like a train (would he have made the same decision if he was flying the real thing)?
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| Stewart and Dan racing for the finish (Stewart Henshall) |
Eventually, all but one finished and everybody seemed to have a great time. Stewart narrowly beat Dan, with Rob coming in third.
Thanks to all participants and spectators. Join us next time on Sunday evening - details will be on WhatsApp. - Rob Hender
