Well
it would have been nice to end the competition on a boomer day as the
forecast was for good conditions in the area from Norsewood north. However the
westerly wind was stronger at lower levels than forecast and sheared off the
thermals and blued out the Takapau plains to leave the day to be “not as
advertised” and quite difficult.
The
conditions after launch were good with 3-6kt thermals to 5,500ft. Conditions
were similar for the start of the first leg to Kereru but with some big
gaps. Then it got progressively harder although getting down to Norsewood wasn't
too difficult. By then the sky was largely blue except for a long way to the
east. Some pilots went that way but the "faster" finishers went directly on
track and found a few reasonable climbs to get north again. The next leg south
to Ormondville was a challenge with just enough lift about in the blue to get there
and then a final glide around the last turn and home. All that effort for a 73km/h
flight when it promised to be 100km/h+ task at launch.
There
were a few finishers in the Open class but neither World class pilot went far enough to make it a contest day despite their best efforts.
The
final results saw Tony van Dyk take home the Open class trophy and Robert
Laskey the Club class with Richard Keir taking out the World class trophy.
Congratulations
all and a big thank you to all the volunteer help.
Next
year the Central Districts are scheduled to be held in Greytown in the
Wairarapa so come and join a friendly, relaxed contest. Start planning now.
