48th Internode Australian MultiClass National Gliding Championships

They've gone

The last glider has launched on the last day of the comp. The conditions seem slightly better than predicted and they are certainly above 4000'. Simon didn't take a launch today, he has derigged so we didn't get a chance to try the Helium.

The last gate opens at 14.24 for 18m who have a 2.5 hour task, so they should start coming home around 5pm. 

Down to the Wire

A few comments from yesterday:"I've never gone down so far, so fast, so often""Before I started the engine I had an L/D of 4""When I crossed into Victoria I felt the hand of God pushing me down into the scrub"Yesterday's winners said:Helge; "I just followed BB until he got low and then I flew my own flight"Dion; "The two 8kt climbs really helped"Bruce; "I found it much better in Victoria and better than the previous day as there was less wind"The aggregate scores are very close in 15m and Standa...
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They are coming back

I can still see a few gaps on the grid, and I know that GEM has outlanded near Wunkar. The pilots all look exhausted and are glad to be home. They all seem to have stories of very low saves. Climbs were mixed, occasionally to 5000' with light winds.Scores will again be slow, it seems that SeeYou takes longer to calculate scores for an AAT and the more turn points the slower it is, (there were lots today) so be patient :-) 
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All gates are open 14.10

Terry has relaunched, but Simon Brown who also landed back, is still on the ground.I've just heard that Terry had a technical problem and landed back deliberately. 
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Just a few left

Only 3 left to launch. WVX had a relight - but I'm not sure why? It looks as if they are getting to around 5000' and I've heard reports of 5kt climbs. Simon Brown called that he was climbing through 3500' and David Wilson quipped "What are you doing down there?" PIT is on back on line, but not it time for today's launch.They are all doing the A task. The last gate will open around 2pm so all of them will be back together around 5pm.
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Another blue day

From yesterday;"On Sunday I never got below 5000', today I didn't get above 4000'.Mike the Standard Class winner averaged 4 to 6kt climbs and did not get below 2000', Bruce 18m winner also averaged 4kts and tried but didn't succeed to stay above 2000'. David who won Open class didn't go below 3500' all day.Today there will be more subsidence, and we will have "Good European Weather". There will be a southerly wind with no significant cloud. A maximum of 30C is forecast for Renmark, but David pre...
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They are coming back

15m and Standard are mostly back. Although I heard a rumour that GAX has outlanded.Conditions were not as good as expected with climbs rarely above 4000' and more wind than was forecast. 
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The pilots are revolting

With a southerly wind we are gridding on runway 20 for the first time. Marshalling starts at 11.30 and first launch is scheduled at 12.30, at which time they expect thermals to 4000'.The task was a 3 hour AAT, but the pilots weren't happy with the maximum distances of 401km for Open and 18m and 368km for Standard and 15m set, so they are reconsidering the task and will rebrief on the grid.Tomorrow will be 'post-troughal' and warmer, Friday warmer with light winds. Both days will be taskable. 
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A change in the weather

Last night most of us went to Banrock Station for dinner, which was  a very pleasant evening, they are a sponsor for the comp.This morning we were treated to an air show by the local jet glider which was a very unique sight (and sound).Adam Woolley has a dilemma. Anita took his video camera and said she would only give it back if he got 900 points. He got 911 points and quite likes the fact, so he's not sure that he want it back.Greg Schmitt has left for Temora this morning. Yesterday whilst sta...
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It's not raining yet!

I just saw the task setter walk by carrying a Tea Urn so I think there's a message there. 
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