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Here’s a view of the hotel where the team is ensconced …
…just thought you’d like to see it [Webbie] 3.15 p.m. I was right about the hurry up and wait!! The 12.15 first possible launch was delayed to 13.15. Then there was a further delay. Then the 18m. class task was cancelled, so they have pulled back to their trailers. There was a re-briefing at 14.30 for the 2 remaining classes, so the Open class who are still at the front of the grid are now waiting for a 2 hr AAT 181km/294km. launch time and the last announcement was for a 15.45 take-off. The 15m. class have a revised 1hr45min AAT 166 km/248 km. There was a brief spell when some small cumulus clouds looked promising, but in fact they have now passed on and the sky is somewhat flat looking and really does not look at all promising for a task. Either the task setter thinks there is still some better weather on the way, or they want to keep the visiting public occupied and optimistic!! Personally I think it will be cancelled. After Briefing The gliders are now being taken to the grid, again runway 24 with Open Class first, then 15m. and finally the 18m. class. AAT tasks have been set for all classes. 2 ½ hr for the Open class, 1hr 45 min for 18m. and 2 hrs for the 15m. The metman says it is a tricky day as the contest area is in front of a ridge of high pressure. They are hoping that the more stable air mass behind this front will allow for a window of opportunity for the pilots to fly. Trigger temperature for thermals will be 23° and there could be up to 3 m/s. Initially lift would be up to 1000m and later up to approx. 1500m. So it looks as if it might be one of those ‘ hurry up and wait’ days while we wait for the ‘ window’. First launch could be at 12.15. Wednesday 6th
August Last evening the wind finally was less and we all thoroughly
enjoyed a wonderful braai at the campsite. This was a treat from Benno
- he organized it and hosted the SA team as well as our supporters, namely
Art Grant ( Needless to say we are also delighted with Laurens’ results and
hope he can keep the opposition at bay – they are close behind. Yesterday he came 2nd. The flight into This morning is quite cool again, and there appears to be another weather mass. It all seems very still and stable, though there is some wind but thankfully a lot less than this time yesterday. There is to be no gridding until after the 10 a.m. briefing, so guess they are waiting to see how things develop. The TV forecast this morning was also different dependent on which channel you watched! Storms this afternoon on the one channel and a good day tomorrow, whilst the other channel showed storms further NW today as well as storms for tomorrow. This evening will see the official opening of the 29th OSTIV congress. (Organisation Scientifique et Technique Internationale du Vol a Voile = international scientific & technical organization for gliding). The congress is attended by many experts in their field, whether it be in relation to weather forecasting, glider design, development of technical aspects, etc. all for the benefit and further development for the sport of gliding. Johan (Bossie) Bosman will be giving a technical paper, and no doubt if there are some non-flying days I feel sure Attie would also attend the sessions. OSTIV has been going for many years and their bi-annual congress always coincides with the World Gliding Championships. We wish them a good congress. Meanwhile those back in SA reading my updates – I wish you well for the Cosatu strike today – hope it doesn’t disrupt your lives too much! |
