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Tasks have
been cancelled for the day, so belatedly a rest day for all. Meanwhile
work continues. LG is fixing a leaking water valve on the
ASW.22BLE. Attie and his crew will probably
go sight-seeing, and the Friday 8th
August It was a long day yesterday with the first launch at 12.15 and the last pilots only landing after 7 p.m. Although the Open Class were launched, there followed a delay before the 15m and then 18m. classes were launched and airborne. Not sure if the organization thought that the Open class were falling down – in fact there was only one relight for technical reasons - the engine doors had not closed properly, and one pilot that re-started his motor. There were no secondary tasks for the two classes. With just 12 tug aircraft, it was only 14.27 before the gate for the 18m. class was opened and they had a 412km. task. For the 15m. boys there were no finishers at all – the closest to home was 365km. for their 405km. task. Attie managed to get within 33km. of Lusse, earning himself 7th place for the day – as he said, he just needed one more thermal. All credit to the two pilots who did manage to complete the task and they were also amongst the last of the 18m. pilots to start. In the Open Class Laurens was amongst the finishers and was 8th for the day – just under half of the pilots did not complete the task. The metman said that there would be big
weather moving in during the evening, two waves of rain, thunderstorms and hail – sure enough
at about 9.30 p.m. the heavens opened and there was some lightning and some
squally wind. Because of his
predictions of hail, the majority of the gliders were derigged. However the belt of second heavier weather
with possible hail did not materialize.
It would seem from the TV that there had been more serious weather to
the north of This morning the organisation had doubted whether there would be any flying possible, but a grid order has been given, although they are not yet sure which runway will be used. Most of the gliders are being rigged and readied for flying. There is some cloud around, some high cirrus, but certainly not conditions that would prevent flying (as yet!). The German team did us proud last evening with an excellent meal of pork, salads, breads, and copious amounts of beer. Sadly by the time Attie and his crew got home, the food was finished, however there was still beer! Well done and thanks to the Germans. |
