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After the AAT tasks for all classes, 2 ½ hrs. for both Open and 18m. classes, and 2 hrs. for the 15m. class. 18m. class will be the first on the grid today, followed by the 18m. class and then 15m. class bringing up the rear. The metman infers there is a small corridor of reasonable weather with cumulus, but to the north and south of this corridor there will be bands of showers, and the strong winds are expected to remain. First launch is expected at 13.15 p.m. and the gliders are currently being taken to the grid. Looks very tricky, and for those with sustainers that need to start the engine after release it could be a mixed blessing unless they find the lift quite quickly. So think I’ll head for the grid and see how everyone feels about the conditions. Don’t think it will be an easy day with these strong winds. On the bright side – the Australians are hosting a team party this evening and are also putting in a bid for the 2012 WGC to be held at Narromine. After 10
a.m. Briefing There is to be a 2nd briefing at noon. There are no tasks set as yet, and the grid order and positions will be announced in about 1.2 hr’s time. So many of the gliders were derigged last evening, because of possible squalls and storms , so pilots have now gone to rig and water the a/c. The metman is optimistic of a window of opportunity this afternoon from about 1 p.m. with moderate soaring conditions until approx. 5/6 p.m. However they are expecting quite strong gusting conditions and only maximum temperatures of 23°C. Bases starting at approx. 900 m. going to 1500/1700 m. Promises to be another tricky day. Briefing this morning recognised the first three placed pilots in each class with a prize, as well as the last pilot for the day in the class. So Laurens received a square inflatable cushion. Loek Boermanns, President of OSTIV has arrived and gave a short explanation of OSTIV’s activitives. Monday 4th August The first day’s flying was one of mixed fortunes for many of the pilots. Some of the best pilots flying in the 18m. class had outlandings, and when we heard that an increasing number of pilots had outlanded, (including Attie & Quintin) we had hoped that it would perhaps be a non-scoring day. Although more than half of the competitors did not complete the task there were 15 that did in fact finish. Maximum points for the day were 550 so both Quintin and Attie, as well as the other 18m. pilots now have some serious catching up to do. For the 15m. class it was easier in that their task was an AAT, so they could be a bit more flexible with their flying to fit in with the better weather. Most of them managed to complete the task. The majority of the Open class managed their task and Laurens did extremely well coming in tied 2nd for the day. He said there was a mixture of conditions and that it was a tricky day as conditions cycled a lot, and they could ‘die’ for perhaps ½ hr before conditions were soarable again.
So guess I’ll send you an update after the 10 a.m. briefing. [This is the
Lusse webcam ot 08h00 [valley time] this morning – Webbie] |
