Condor Racing
Tuesday's task for the regulars was another visit to Switzerland, this time with a southeasterly wind and visiting DC's favourite cheese - Gruyere.
The task was 183kms and had been flown by Stewart, in the Condor Grand Prix 2020 and was classed as Moderate difficulty.
The 7 (+spectators) lined up in a variety of 15m ships and Chris led off promptly as usual as though he knew where he was going. The first thermal after the start was critical to climb up in after the low startgate height, as there were high mountains to cross on track.
The 40kms downwind glide on the first leg needed pullups over the ridges to assist all the way to Gruyere. The second leg was just as tricky into wind requiring rare thermals or extracting any possible energy from the spurs on the end of the ridges.
After another plunge across the Rhone valley to the working ridges, the third leg involved crossing one of two possible cols 7/8000ft.
Chris was way ahead plotting his route over the col and completed in 1hr 14mins, whilst Pete and DC were struggling to get high for the second turnpoint. Stewart hung around shepherding Geoff, John and Mike, but in the end all made it over the col. Pete managed to lose his way negotiating the final valley and ended up on a mountain.
One of those tasks that is always easier the second time.... but fantastic scenery and great fun as usual - come and join us.
In the evening, Dan Hender completed the 4th of 5 flights in the UK Junior Gliding e-Winter series 2 in New Zealand, with another great performance finishing in 1st place out of 41 competitors. With 1 race to go, and only best 4 flights to count, Dan is still overall in first place with all to play for. - J&P
