The first launch was at 12.30 sharp. Pilots and crew were waiting under a very hot sun again.Even with "only" 11 tugs, they were quick!While launching there was ONE cloud to the S. , but it disappeared quickly! During the afternoon we had about 1/8 to 2/8 of clouds , exactly as predicted. Glider 70 with toppilot Andy May arrived back just after 3, but he did not finish the task.The German Team had the day off." They have flown enough here, so they can relax for one day " , is what TC Rainer said.
This morning I got some news_small from Bart this afternoon from Andre. Both were winners yesterday.Andre , who flies a Discus A, loves flying here while it is a great combination between flatland- flying and mountain -flying. His very early start was perfect timing , team -flying with KG was even better, though at some stages they took their own decisions.The first part of the flight was just good! They only thermalled once and flew under cloud streets " nur gerade aus" , only in a straight line. KG ,with Patrick Gai , no not the son but the nephew from former German TC Fred Gai, flying an LS8 , was in the Grand Sasso area about 400 m. higher. Andre had to fly around the mountain . To Foligno , the 3d turn point, he had another cloud street and again it was " immer gerade aus" without losing any height. Climbs were 3.5 to 4.9 .up to 2900 meter.They found each other at Foligno, but Patrick , decided to go straight on track while Andre wanted to fly over the mountains. That was a good decision , he said, as it was really good there. But....They " found " each other again about 23 km before the finish and rushed home. Andre won with ONE point more cause he flew 138 km. p/h and Patrick 137,9! What a small difference!!!So...Patrick is a very good number 2. Only now I found out that I know them. They have flown with us in the past at the Sportavia Soaring Center. Good to hear they loved it there, in good old Australia!
As our schedule is pretty tight today this will be the last news_small for the 27th.The first TC meeting at 6 is very important for everybody and straight after that, we have the " cocktail " with the sponsors and mayor in town.Very important for the organization!
From now on I will be " live " on line! The internet is fixed , Visa Matti got my laptop up to date and " Ritz corner " seems to work. Hope you enjoy reading the articles .
Just to let you know! My job as juror has priority over being editor, but for sure you will understand this.
Look for the results from today under "results". Andrej , the SEE YOU man and web master Maurizio will take care of it! I hope!!! As I can\'t find them to check it!
Ritz