I think the majority of those who turned up probably thought that with the prospect of the advancing rain in the strong gusty south westerly wind there was little chance of flying today. Then Duty Instructor Mike Sloggett burst through the clubhouse door announcing that he has seen little sign of any rain on the trip up from Plymouth and the wind was not yet as forecast. The aircraft and ground equipment was quickly DI'd enabling the first two flights to be at reduced cost. Mike's plan was to get everyone in the air with at least one flight before deciding on Plan B. 
Shadows are getting longer (Mark Layton)
The gusty yellow card conditions required careful planning on the launch as well as the bumpy approach with plenty of height and speed required on finals. The strong thermals were to be had in amongst the gusty which made things interesting. Shaun Dayman managed to dodge a few rain clouds and bagged the longest flight of the day with 34 minutes before airbraking down due the advancing rain. His only regret was not being able to get his phone out of his pocket to take photos of the spectacular rainbows in the stormy sky (that's his story anyway). The rain showers proceeded by strong gusty conditions appeared at regular intervals, sometimes almost biblical!
Sunny at times (Mark Layton)
After everyone had flown and having wiped down the rain covered gliders for the umpteen time with only the prospect of circuits it was decided to call an end to the day at mid afternoon.
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| Storms passing by to the south (David Clements) |
Whilst the remaining few were still flying those who had already flown derigged the Perkoz to the workshop for an inspection of the airbrake controls as requested by the BGA Technical Officer, the Junior FZF was rigged after having a new canopy fitted and the DG505 was derigged for it private hire trip to Portmoak.
Checking the Bumblebee trailer (Mark Layton)
Also the Bumblebee tug was being test fitted in its new trailer for its forthcoming holiday in North Wales and Scotland. - Mark Layton
