Carol relates this afternoon's happenings ...
Sadly Gintas Zube flying the Nimbus # HS has packed up the glider and returned to Bloemfontein. A problem on the glider was discovered that needs to be fixed, so he is not sure if he will be able to return to Welkom or not. Also having problems is John Coutts - not with his glider, but rather his vehicle. Hopefully the local mechanics can repair it. Arriving for a day or so’s visit is Martin Attwell.
It seems to have been a good day with both Club and 18m./Open class pilots excited about their flights and the conditions for the day, with strong lift, but there was also patches of quite strong sink too. All the pilots have thoroughly enjoyed their flights, though Daniel Rodic got low just short of final glide and battled for ages to get back up with enough height to get home.
Of note is that the Twin Astir cleaned up the Club class with a speed of 100.9 kph, Wayne was 2nd with a speed of 114.7 kph. He retains 1st place with Stephan v.d. Berg 2nd and Konrad Stark 3rd.
In the Open/18m class there were speeds of 151.7 kph with Arne Boye-Møller leading the way with Oscar and Attie both close on his heels at 149.7 kph, and Uys just behind at 149.3 kph. Still in the lead is Oscar, 2nd Ronald, and in 3rd Arne.
There are big storm clouds visible on some horizons, but we hope that we will get another good day’s flying tomorrow.
Until then.