Sun 29th November

 Condor Racing

It was a North Coast cliff run for the Regular Sunday evening Condor racers with a long aerotow to practice, and a tricky thermal return to North Hill. 

Stewart's briefing

103km  - Minehead Harbour - Lighthouse Keepers Cottage - Bull Point Lighthouse and return.
Wind 010/14kts - moderate thermals, cloud base ~3500’.
Club class With PDA.
Aerotow towards start to 5800' QNH.
Start below 1200’ QNH
Finish above 1000’ QNH
An energetic run along the cliffs. All doable - but care is needed in sections, particularly on the return. If in doubt stay high..
The aerotow with take you North under the airway - to just North of the M5. From this point you have enough height to reach the ridge West of Minehead. Set an MC of 4.1 and follow it on the glide - go straight!
NB - the parts of the Cardiff CTA stepping down during the glide - first 4500' and 3000' over Minehead.

After we have finished the cliff run we can follow up with - Escapology II ..! Get back to North Hill. It can be done with a little care. 

103Kms Cliff run

John Davis running from Minehead

Great fun for all, and some great speeds too, thanks to Stewart for setting the task.

Well done all

Come and join us - Fly, Spectate in Condor or watch a live stream in Discord, or just listen to the banter - it's great fun, and the weather is superb. - J&P

Tue 24 - Sat 28 November

Condor Racing 

Another week of expeditions, races and badge flights in the Alps for the Condor Regulars, and this time with the correct landscape for the Silver Badges - well done all. 

Pete Harmer in a Grunau Baby

Congratulations to Dan Hender for overall 13th (out of more than 50) in the UK  Junior Gliding e-Winter Series from just 4 out of the 6 races.  - A great first effort at competition flying. Well done also to Stewart Henshall who is consistently at or near the top of the  weekly races in the Norwegian Cup. 

Pete Harmer cruising a wave bar in a Cirrus

Come and join us - Fly, Spectate in Condor or watch a live stream in Discord, or just listen to the banter - it's great fun, and the weather is superb. - J&P

Sun 22nd November

Condor Racing

Stewart's Briefing:

" 116km  - NH2 (North Hill N) - TAU (Taunton) - CWC (Crowcombe Court) - LAG (Langport) - BWE (Bridgwater East) - WLS (Wells) - HAD (Halesland)
Wind 230/12kts - strong thermals, cloud base ~4500’.
School class :weary:
No PDA :exploding_head:
Winch launch.
Start below 4000’ QNH
Finish above 1500’ QNH
All TP's 1000m radius, 360 degrees. Turnpoints will only be visible within 2000m.
Task start 1 min after stop join.
Start window 30 mins. 

NH2-TAU-CWC-LAG-BWE-WLS-HAD

 This is another Nav task with 'No PDA'. Some preparation will be required for the task.

There is a fair tailwind component to most of the flight, and the lift is very good - it's a booming day. An average of 5kts is definitely achievable. Which is good 'cos you will need to spend some effort on navigation 'sans PDA'.

With the wind you may find some helpful ridge lift on legs 2, 3 & 6. "

 
Homework done, another group of Condor Racers took to the air on Sunday evening, and at North Hill it was booming. Heading off down track conditions started to get a little interesting - but then it was the Somerset Levels after all. Stewart had breezed round the task on his practice run, but true to form, the Levels became more than a bit tricky low down today, and even Dan struggled. 

But it was a good navigation exercise and true to life remember Pete Startup always says 'Don't go near the Levels', except when there's any East in the wind(PS edit). - J&P

Tue 17th- Sat 21st November

 Condor Racing

This week, the DSGC Condor Racers have explored more locations in the Alps.

 Dan took part in the UK Junior Winter Series in Slovenia, Stewart competed in  Norway, and we flew the Silver distance flight in Blaniks in Switzerland, - well Stewart did it in a Grunau Baby!

Silver distance in a Blanik

John tried out New Zealand and was suitably impressed.with the landscape. On Sunday we are planning a navigation task ending up at Halesland.

Exploring New Zealand

Come and join us - Fly, Spectate in Condor or watch a live stream in Discord, or just listen to the banter - it's great fun, and the weather is superb. - J&P

Sun 15th November

 Condor Racing

After exploring some ridge running in the Alps recently, Sunday's task was an expedition low-level on the Nympsfield Ridge.  Nympsfield - Bath Racecourse - Nympsfield. 

The grid lined up with Simon Leeson and James Hood joining in for the first time, and totalled 9 gliders plus spectators. Stewart Henshall gave a detailed briefing to help those who had not had time to do the homework. 

Winch launching at Nympsfield

A small glitch with the task and hosting was quickly sorted and then they were off. Simon and James immediately headed off south in their ASW20's. The other pilots took it a little slower testing out the conditions on the ridge. Dan Hender found a thermal just after the -less than 1500ft start- and got to a dizzy height before setting off  direct for the TP at a fast speed. 

Gathering before the start

 The return leg was much trickier with everyone conserving height as much as possible and finding the view very different at 800ft or below, there were even some landouts.

Those who managed to creep back along the ridge then had to spend some time gaining height as the finish was set at above 1300ft QNH. 

The race was won by Dan Hender at 103kph, with Chris Warnes  2nd place at a creditable 88kph, and Simon Leeson at 80kph. 

Lead and follow

 Thanks to Stewart for shepherding along the way,  (and spending more time outside his cockpit taking photos). I suspect those who landed out will have another go at the ridge again. The benefit of Condor - practice, repeat and improve! Come and join us  - the DSGC racers / expeditions on Tuesday, Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. - J&P

Thur 12th November

Condor Racing - UKJG eWinter Series - report from Dan Hender

A race in Slovenia along a 139km ridge apart from TP2 was 20kms  behind the ridge.

I flew the Junior Nationals on Condor. 35+ Junior competitors lined up at 8pm, for an 8.20pm start. I was first through the start gate in my EB29R, needing to finish quickly as I have my mock exams early (8.30am) the next day.

 
I lead the field for the first two legs, with one other pilot hot on my heels, we separated for the final leg, converging at the finish, with him beating me by a minute. 

 Taking the handicap into account I came third overall with an average of 204kph, in 40mins. This gave me 977 points, meaning I am now 3rd on average points on the leaderboard. (It also meant I didn’t get into trouble with mum and dad!!!) - Dan Hender

Wed 11th November

 Condor Racing

Today's task was to cross the Vercors Massif and finish at the foot of the Alps. Romans - Sisteron - Saint Crepin 179kms. Glider of choice for most was the LS4a, with Geoff Lawrence trying out his Pegasus and Pete Harmer opting for a Genesis. 

Geoff's Pegasus

 

Chris Warnes,   David Clements,  Geoff Lawrence and John Davis sped off and found a good thermal just after the start, Pete and Stewart Henshall  were a little slower to start and missed the good thermal, and had to make a dirty dash for the ridge to get some lift. Gaining height on the ridge wasted a lot of time and the racers were long gone down track. There was careful ridge running to Sisteron,but before the turnpoint a thermal was needed and fortunately one appeared in the right place just in time. 

Pete in the Genesis

 

The run to Saint Crepin was downwind, but lift was found on most of the jagged spurs  to enable a finish.   Well done Chris with another fast time. 

Stewart outside the cockpit taking photos

 Nice little task that wasn't quite as straightforward as we had expected, but the scenery was fantastic. - J&P

Tue 10th November

Condor Racing

Today's task was a rerun of Friday's excusion - mainly ridge-running task round the lakes in Switzerland, Meiringen - Gruyeres - Bern - Meirengen 172kms, David Clements  Geoff Lawrence, Jill and Pete Harmer and Stewart Henshall took part with everyone hoping to do it better than Friday.

On the ridges initially (David Clements)

 Stewart gave a briefing on where we had got it wrong last week and where we could hopefully improve...

David dumping water at the finish

 The idea was to take more height on the initial ridges in the hope that we could stay higher for the sometimes fickle thermals on the flatland and a little re-routing was also explored. 

Harmers get back eventually

The concept worked well on the ridges, with David completing at over 100kph, Geoff followed in behind, but Pete and Jill got stuck on the same low-level hillock at Bern Turnpoint 2. With Stewart they patiently waited for the thermal to appear and all scurried home. -  Come and join us, next race Wednesday 14:00. -J&P

Sun 9th November

 Condor Racing

Briefing - Task 00T10 - DSGC Dash With PDA!
And........ Regatta start!
This will be the club 100 in club class gliders.
The Standard Cirrus is the included club class plane in Condor, the LS4a will be popular. Geoff can bring his new Peg if he wants!

102km NH2-TIE-YEO-NH2

Note - the turn point helpers will be off - you will have to use that PDA you have been missing so much recently..

The Dunkeswell airspace around North Hill is  still there and you will have to avoid it -  penalty zone transgressions will cost 100 points each. Also for Merryfield and Yeovil ATZs.

Wind 306 / 7 kts
Moderate (highly variable) thermals, cloud base ~4500’. Some streeting is expected.

No start height restriction, finish at NH2 above 2000’ QNH. TIE and YEO are 90 degree sectors. The task will start exactly 10 mins after the stop join finishes.

I will be taking a break from shepherding tonight and will be racing! - Stewart Henshall

Club 100 NH2-TIE-YEO-NH2

Seven pilots lined up at North Hill grid plus spectators - welcome to Simon Leeson joining the regulars.

North Hill grid

 It all started so well with cloudbase being achieved before the Start, but the thermals downtrack were indeed variable (just like real life!)  Stewart did steam on ahead showing how to get the best out of the LS4, boy racers Dan Hender and Matt Howard following like limpets.

Positioning for the regatta start

Chris Warnes had a technical failure and restarted in stealth mode as did David Clements, but both gave regular position reports and completed the task. Geoff Lawrence and John Davies were both taking it steadily to finish with Geoff enjoying his new Pegasus. With another sticky point at Chard on the way back, Matt ended up in a field, but by the magic of Condor (and many penalty points) continued the task. 

Great viewing well done all. It's great fun and so realistic come and join us - fly, spectate, watch the live stream or just listen to the banter. - J&P

Fri 6th November

 Condor Racing

Another mainly ridge running task round the lakes in Switzerland, Meiringen - Gruyeres - Bern - Meirengen 172kms, David Clements led the way, with Chris Warnes, Geoff Lawrence, Jill and Pete Harmer, Stewart Henshall and John Davis (who had technical problems.)

First leg - easy ridge run (Condor)

David recognised the area from a school trip and honeymoon a few years ago.

Jumping across the ridges (Condor)

It all started quite well with the ridges working predictably, but a section on the flat land proved tricky for all with the thermals rather unpredictable. But the run home back on the ridges was quite easy.   Come and join us, regular Condor  races Tuesday, Friday and Sunday - fly or watch.  - J&P

Wed 4th November

Today's flying could be described as "two days for the price of one" with the flying list down to the bottom of the page.

Empty the hangar (Mike Sloggett)

Both Juniors,  both K21s and the Perkoz were walked up to the southwest corner and we started flying without delay, John Sillett and Mike Sloggett looked after the instructing and the other three gliders were used to get through the huge solo flying list, we started with one flight each to make sure everyone flew.

 

Pawnee was in demand (Mike Sloggett)

The tug was in great demand with everyone trying to keep current and the same applied to solo flying, the weather was kind so there was no issues with card colour. We managed 40  winch launches,  12 aerotows, and both Falkes were going all day.

Familiar view of North Hill (Mike Sloggett)

 Congratulations to Mark Wallis for completing his Cross-Country Endorsement  with a successful Nav Ex with Ian Mitchell in the Rotax Falke.

Last landing Mike Sloggett)

The flying continued without a break  and most had  two flights and this was due to the tremendous effort by all loggers, winch drivers, instructors, tug pilots and all who helped getting people in the air, it was a very gratifying day but also a little sad because of the covid  lockdown, it is unclear when we will all  be able to meet up again. 

Washing  before packing the hangar (Mike Sloggett)

So it is goodbye for now from your veteran blogger, I don't know when we will fly again and I don't  know if I should wish you all a happy Christmas or what!   p.s. I did sing a Christmas Carol to cheer people up after the hanger had been packed - to an amused and mixed response. -  John Street.

Tue 3rd November - Ad-hoc Day

The forecast predicted strong winds, generally westerly, with showers and sunny periods. Overnight rain meant a delay before we could get onto the field but a pitch inspection at 9:30 revealed the field generally and particularly the newly sown areas had drained well. Predictably a heavy shower then swept through.  Given a paucity of members present we only prepared one K21 for flight.

The field was set up with the winch in the north west corner and launch point a little way from the north eastern corner.   The wind sock was straining from the mast but straight down the launch run. First launch waited for low cloud to clear and Peter Smith decided on a Met flight  to judge in particular the conditions in the circuit and approach. Gordon Bonney volunteered to be ballast.  A very short ground run and a smooth climb delivered by Andy Davey in the winch produced a spectacular release height. Anxious to return to those on the ground we burnt the height with a loop and chandelles and found a very lively latter part of the circuit.

In between showers (Stu Procter)

 
The wind strength slowly decreased and the numbers on the list increased (wonders of the webcam and Spot the glider) sufficient to justify a Junior being brought out and put to good use. Showers and squalls were persistent throughout the day. A heavy shower mid-afternoon followed by an into-sun approach dampened the enthusiasm and the gliders were washed and put to bed by 16:30hrs . Everyone present flew and it was good to see Roly back in a glider. The newly buried  telecoms wire worked a treat.

For several of us unable to fly tomorrow it will provide pleasant memories to sustain us through the lockdown. - Peter Smith

Condor Racing

Late afternoon, the Condor racers and spectators headed for the Alps for a task from Puimoisson to Briancon, with Dan Hender and Matt Howard in EB28s, Stewart Henshall and David Clements in Discus2s and Jill Harmer in DuoDiscus. The 150km run was reasonably straightforward with the boy racers leading the field, David not far behind and Stewart hanging around to assist Jill. Stewart and Dan then dashed off to Norway for some more mountain flying in the Norwegian Cup. Come and join us. - J&P

Mon 2nd November - Ad Hoc Day?

The Chairman’s suggestion for an Ad-hoc day had some support but the weather didn’t play ball with blustery winds and rain squalls at least matching the forecast, and sufficient that we felt the gliders were best left in the hangar.

Those present, Nick Jones, Paul Medlock, Ruth Comer, William Pope and Wyn Davies all pitched in to help in getting the comms cable which has been laying in the weeds and ditch on the north side of the field underground. We uncovered the buried junction box by the triangle then retrieved the cable into the field only to find that it had been damaged in many locations exposing the inner conductors. Difficult to identify the culprits, best guess is squirrels. Nick and William did a trip to Exeter to buy a replacement cable which we duly installed.  The actual mole ploughing only took 20 minutes but after all the delays and having to reconnect it at both ends the light was going by the time William tested it with Richard Harris’s circuit tester and declared it fit for use.

Burying the comms cable (Peter Smith)

Many thanks to all who helped, much appreciated. - Hoping for a better flying day tomorrow.- Peter Smith

Sun 1st November

 Following a thoroughly wet and windy weekend, the regular Sunday evening Condor racing is growing in popularity. During the week, there were some small excursions to the Alps & Italian Lakes with mixed success. Back to North Hill for Sunday evening and six pilots lined up plus spectators, for a local navigation task. 

K21s heading off (Matt Howard)

No PDAs allowed and a good set of local turnpoints to get round - NH2- TIE-TIV-BAM-WEG-CLH-CLS- NHL, there were mixed abilities with pre- and post-solo pilots  all in K21s and a couple of internet problems causing dropouts. 

Photo shoot after landing (Matt Howard)

Matt Howard led off quickly and sped round the task following the energy, with just a slight delay as he had missed the elevated finish line, but even with the penalties he won the task. Second place was Chris Warnes  and having finished, he came back down the track to assist those struggling back into wind. Stewart Henshall (fresh from success in the Andes) was also marking thermals shepherding the stragglers.  

Hong Kong sunrise (Stewart Henshall)

 Thanks to Stewart for devising the task (and enjoying a beautiful sunrise in Hong Kong.) Come and join us for regular Condor racing on Tuesday & Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. - J&P