Day 1 Result

We got a day and were whooped by the foreigners. Brexit I say!

The first Brit was Nick who did a splendid job of staying with them. I started a few minutes later with Tim Z3 and Leigh Wells LE. We had an excellent run to Wallingford then took a weak climb at WTN before making the THM turn. Then it was quite easy as far as MAM and back to Swindon although I was cautious until I stumbled on a 5.9kt average climb at WRO.

A long glide across a hole towards RIV and WH2 area before a last climb in the company of a bunch of big wings. 40k to go around a whole load of checkpoints made choosing the time to leave on climb a bit tricky. I left with 2000 over ALW but chickened when I looked better at the sky down track. I was now a couple of k down glide but chose to go back for a top up. This cost me 6 minutes or so but put me fat on glide so I then finished high. Despite having flown well up till then, I finished well down the field in 15th. Had I carried on and got home it might have been top 10. Going to study the trace and work out how to plan the final glide better.

Anyway, camp set. I stayed in the tent last night. A bit chilly and I rose at sun up! Will have to take to my own bed when it rains Monday.

Day 1 Weather

A good night's kip but overnight the weather seams to have got a bit uncertain. Whilst Wynn at the BBC says it will be sunny with the odd shower, RASP looks poor - this at 1600

If we can get away from LAS there might be a day. Good breakfast required!

Arrived

Things a bit trying today. First the M4 was at a standstill so I went cross country. Arrived OK. Control didn't have any of my forms that I had sent them, so 30 minutes later 6 forms completed and in the comp.

Set up tent etc, good spot but looking at the sky decided to head for a hotel. Good price, good location, but the idiots on the M3 had all crashed together blocking both sides and costing me an hour. Good jerk chicken at the hotel and now to bed...more tomorrow (hopefully with piccies)

Jim 

Lasham Glide 2016 and 15M Nationals

Hi all

So we start again. Saturday marks the start of the 15M Nationals 2016. Am I ready? Hell I am! I have been so busy at work that nothing is prepared. Fortunately we had a good week at the Booker 'Red Kite' Regionals and I managed to get the glider well fettled and, for me, a little practice.

I hope to be able to give readers a little flavour of the competition and to encourage others to have a go. Tim Scott is also flying the competition but I am not taking an official crew. If any one can offer an afternoon or two of assistance, should I land out, that would be really welcome.

There are 34 competitors in the 15s and many more flying in the other classes so Lasham is going to be busy place for a week. See http://www.soaringspot.com/en_gb/lashamglide-2016/ for daily news, tasks, and results.

You can also follow me live at http://live.glidernet.org/#c=51.19063,-0.99201&z=12&s=1&u=i

Jim

ps: A note for other competitors: In this blog I will state my personal point of view about what happens during the competition including any observations about flying tactics and other happenings during the competition. This may not coincide with your own assessment from your viewpoint.

If I upset you by writing these things, that is not my purpose. Please accept that I post in order to inform and entertain my friends and encourage those that do not do competitions to have a go. This blog is not aimed at you so if you do not read it, you cannot be offended by it.

If, however, you do read my blog and consider that what I have said is in any way untrue, then please feel free to post a rebuttal comment, or contact me in which case, and if justified, I will offer a full retraction and apology.