9 p.m.

Well, the third contest day was definitely not the best for many – there were many outlandings.  As the gliders were launched, the development in the sky was quite rapid and soon there were some showers.  Some of the pilots battled to get up, whilst others were quick to start and the rest only started later on.  Before long there were several pilots that opted to land safely back at Welkom and not do the task, then there was a short lull before the calls started with reports of outlandings, initially pilots in the club class.  Then it was just a matter of time, before we received calls from the 18m. class pilots.  Those with motors used them and motored back to Welkom.  

Some managed to land on airfields and others were in fields, some a lot muddier than others.  Leaving from Welkom a/f on a retrieve, it has been a long time since I have experienced such heavy downpours and such strong winds that were blowing the combination of car & trailer sideways – not pleasant, and thankfully the vehicle I was driving was strong and sturdy.  Unfortunately one combination has not been as lucky and jackknifed en route to the glider.

As I write the southern horizon is lit up with lightning, so tomorrow could well be a day of cleaning up but perhaps not a flying day.  But we’ll see what the morning brings.