Saturday, 12 July 2008
Saturday's task
A task has been set and all the aircraft are on the grid waiting for the weather to co-operate.
We have rescored day 3, Thursday, after a secondary logger was provided. This considerably increased his distance and made it a 1000 point day.
We have rescored day 3, Thursday, after a secondary logger was provided. This considerably increased his distance and made it a 1000 point day.
Briefing Delayed
Briefing has been put back to 1130hrs. Competitors have been told to grid before briefing. The latest weather forecast shows an improvement from 1100hrs with 5 knot airmass thermals. Unfortunately the freezing level is at 7000ft and the tops of the thermals bust this by a considerable amount indicating showers.
Saturday
The bad news is that we have 8/8 cloud, the good news is it is not raining. Hopefully the cloud will burn off but an early start is unlikely. If we do get a break it is likely to be showery again. No task as yet.
Dave, the tuggy from Biscester attempted to return there but had to turn back because of low cloud.
Dave, the tuggy from Biscester attempted to return there but had to turn back because of low cloud.
Friday, 11 July 2008
Open Posting
The facility to allow those who are not logged in to post comments on this blog was provided to allow sensible and informative comment to be made. It was NOT provided to allow snide attacks on individuals. If there are anymore such comments the facility will be withdrawn. It is a shame that such action would have to be taken because of the immature actions of a few individuals.
Preliminary Scores
Published on the web. Not a high scoring day but a result nevertheless. The showers spoilt the day for many.
Angus had an adventure today
Angus had an adventure today
Results
The results for most of the fleet have now been computed and published on SoaringSpot.
Awaiting 4 loggers, 2 of which we assume are still airborne.
Awaiting 4 loggers, 2 of which we assume are still airborne.
Todays Task
A 2.5 hour AAT north Suffolk to North Norfolk. We hope to get the task in before the weather from the West (Hus Bos) gets to us.
First launch scheduled for 1130 hrs
First launch scheduled for 1130 hrs
Friday
The weather today is much the same as yesterday with a more unstable airmass. There is a strong chance of showers today with Thunderstorms later on. It looks as though the showers will start earlier in the west so the task reflects this. The grid is out and one glider is on the way to the grid. The intention is to get the task underway as early as possible to try and complete the task before the worst of the showers and the thunderstorms.
I am wearing my bullet proof vest at briefing today as we have an AAT in mind
I am wearing my bullet proof vest at briefing today as we have an AAT in mind
Thursday, 10 July 2008
15 Metre Nationals
Just seen the results from the 15 metres and it seems they did not fare as well as the big boys. We were all flying in the same general area but fate or the weather has not been so kind. Lets hope for a better day tomorrow for the inadequate winged :-)
Trust me people SIZE MATTERS lol
Trust me people SIZE MATTERS lol
Tibenham
Looks like Tibenham is the place to be this week, scores are finished (2 landouts excepted) and on the net, planning for tomorrow has already started. 4 days flying so far with 3 contest days can't be bad, and maybe some to come.
Hot news, Angus only took one launch :-)
Hot news, Angus only took one launch :-)
Thursday 10th July at 17:55
All loggers are now in except fo the 2 land outs.
Peter Harvey is the lead so far with 859 points though this will increase as both of the landouts have passed Y.
Peter Harvey is the lead so far with 859 points though this will increase as both of the landouts have passed Y.
Pics from the day
Finishers
We have 10 finishers so far
RC
48
128
46
M25
82
N1
110
374
970
LO/LB
HLX at Littleport (Fens ooooooooooooooooooh)
Y7 at Ely (Fens again, will we see them again?)
Z7
954
FWW
One competitor left out there somewhere 176
**Stop Press 176 5 mins non comp)
RC
48
128
46
M25
82
N1
110
374
970
LO/LB
HLX at Littleport (Fens ooooooooooooooooooh)
Y7 at Ely (Fens again, will we see them again?)
Z7
954
FWW
One competitor left out there somewhere 176
**Stop Press 176 5 mins non comp)
Finishers
All aircraft away with only 3 land backs.
3 finishes so far with 3 just called 5 min.
Awaiting the loggers, first results expecter soon.
3 finishes so far with 3 just called 5 min.
Awaiting the loggers, first results expecter soon.
Start gate open
All aircraft away, no re-lights.
Start gate has opened, at 12:34. Max height 3000 feet.
Start gate has opened, at 12:34. Max height 3000 feet.
Thursday 10th July
Flying has started with the first launch at 11:45.
The sky is currently looking good.
Just 3 left to go
The sky is currently looking good.
Just 3 left to go
Grid has formed
Interesting Met
Thursday 10th - Task
Today
The sun is shining, the satpics look good so here is hoping.
Most forecasters seem to think that the air is unstable enough to produce showers, however the soundings from Cambourne at midnight do not seem to support this. Also the satpics show significant wave east of the Welsh hills and the pennines indicating that the air might be a little more stable than at first thought. Forecast cloud base seems to be between 3000-4000ft with tops to 9000ft, very close to the zero degree isotherm but not through it.
Most forecasters seem to think that the air is unstable enough to produce showers, however the soundings from Cambourne at midnight do not seem to support this. Also the satpics show significant wave east of the Welsh hills and the pennines indicating that the air might be a little more stable than at first thought. Forecast cloud base seems to be between 3000-4000ft with tops to 9000ft, very close to the zero degree isotherm but not through it.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Tomorrow
I have just finished looking at the weather for tomorrow and it looks fairly hopeful. The ground will be a little damp although it has just stopped raining, it will have all night to soak in. Looks like it will be a day on the well drained chalk so get your geology maps out :-)
Thou shalt not phaff.
Oops I spoke too soon, the patter of raindrops on my caravan tells me so :-) however the rain radar shows an end in the next hour.
Thou shalt not phaff.
Oops I spoke too soon, the patter of raindrops on my caravan tells me so :-) however the rain radar shows an end in the next hour.
Comments
I opened up the comments so people who wanted to say something useful could without signing up to a Google account.
There have been some apparently misinformed comments that have been posted - you will glad to know that I am moderating the comments. If you want to question Don's directing please either post with a Name and Email address or direct the questions directly to Don.
A few quotes from the Comp Handbook 2008
- All gliders of a task group should have the opportunity of a competition launch within one hour. This can normally be achieved by having not more than six gliders per tug.
- Pilots who refuse a launch shall follow the relight procedure. A pilot who is unready for his grid order launch shall be deemed to have refused a launch.
- 19.4. Start open time. The start for each task group will open not less than 10 minutes, plus 1 minute for each 200 feet or part thereof by which the start height exceeds 3,000 feet, after the last competitor in that task group has had the option to launch.
On the other hand if you are a competitor, which I doubt, and know better then please take it up with Don in person ...
There have been some apparently misinformed comments that have been posted - you will glad to know that I am moderating the comments. If you want to question Don's directing please either post with a Name and Email address or direct the questions directly to Don.
A few quotes from the Comp Handbook 2008
- All gliders of a task group should have the opportunity of a competition launch within one hour. This can normally be achieved by having not more than six gliders per tug.
- Pilots who refuse a launch shall follow the relight procedure. A pilot who is unready for his grid order launch shall be deemed to have refused a launch.
- 19.4. Start open time. The start for each task group will open not less than 10 minutes, plus 1 minute for each 200 feet or part thereof by which the start height exceeds 3,000 feet, after the last competitor in that task group has had the option to launch.
On the other hand if you are a competitor, which I doubt, and know better then please take it up with Don in person ...
The forecast was right!
Scrubbed
The rain has reached TIB and the day has been scrubbed. The cracked pots have been awarded to Angus, RC and Steve the RC P2 (see Fat Cat story below).
Briefing delayed
The forecast rain has not appeared and as I write it is thermic. Briefing delayed until 1100hrs.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Advertising
Some free advertising for It's a wing thing ...
It's a wing thing are very pleased to announce that they are the Official Clothing Suppliers to the British Gliding Team for 2008.
Even better, you can now help us to support the team by buying from our new line of "British Team Supporter" clothes - wear them with pride! 10% of everything in the range that you buy will go directly to the British Gliding Team funds and help support them in being one of the most successful British sporting teams of recent times.
Results
The results are published and on the web. After a long day we are closing down an off for well earned rest or a few beers.
Bad news for somebody ...
One P2 and the blog author visited one of the finest pubs in the country last night - The Fat Cat in Norwich - as they were leaving the P2 passed comment about the staff. A hasty exit followed. Earlier this evening the non-guilty member of the terrible duo returned for some light refreshment to be informed that he and his companion were no longer welcome. One deep and sincere apology later and I have been allowed back - however my partner in crime is not so lucky ...
We have a finisher!
Ian Ashdown in 128 has finished in two and a half hours. Distance unknown but I imagine it's minimum.
No other finishers and everyone else accounted for.
No other finishers and everyone else accounted for.
More starts
374
M25
have started - I'm going to have to setup my spies with the ability to blog via SMS. Could be a long training session involving a few beers - I think I will be on my way down to TIB fromwork surfing the web this evening.
M25
have started - I'm going to have to setup my spies with the ability to blog via SMS. Could be a long training session involving a few beers - I think I will be on my way down to TIB from
Comments
I have opened up the Comments section to allow comments from people without Blogger/Google accounts.
Sensible comments please ;-)
Sensible comments please ;-)
Recalled and regridded
According to my spies the director has recalled those remaining airborn and has regridded the comp.
News
I'm told that the rain isn't as bad as feared but 3 land backs and the tugs being out of crosswind limits could mean a "scrub" in the air ...
Grid Closes at 13:00
Weather looking more reasonable at TIB - My syndicate pilot is rigging and covers apprea to be coming off Open Class gliders on the other hand the rain radar shows lots of showers - live link here
Tuesday 8th - Task Set
Don obviously knows more than I - well I am at work and working ...
News from TIB is
"A task has been set
AAT - 3 hours
BSE - 10km Radius Circle
OAK - 20km Radius Circle
EDE - 15km Radius Circle
DIS - 10km Sector 130/230
Distances - 144 / 219 / 300km"
Looks like an exercise in dodging showers to me.
News from TIB is
"A task has been set
AAT - 3 hours
BSE - 10km Radius Circle
OAK - 20km Radius Circle
EDE - 15km Radius Circle
DIS - 10km Sector 130/230
Distances - 144 / 219 / 300km"
Looks like an exercise in dodging showers to me.
Monday, 7 July 2008
Today is Scrubbed
Next briefing at 10:00am tomorrow. Looks like we're back to traditional Norfolk weather.
The Author is at work ...
As promised I am "working" but that hasn't had much effect on the weather.
Some photos and links to photos from Saturday courtesy of Keith Sowter
Gliders in the Competition
GCJCT / 176 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116982
DKIOJ / 110 Nimbus 4M (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116965/
GNYMB /970 Nimbus 3DT (new
photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116966/
BGA4443 /N1 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116984/
GCHNU / 48 Nimbus 4DT (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116970/
GSINK /RC A= SH25 (old photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1111231/
GCHZA / 374= Nimbus 3 (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116969/
GCFFK / 128= Nimbus 3 (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116976/
GCHFX / 82 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116979/
GCFZO / 954= Nimbus3DT (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116967/
GDRCS /M25 ASH25E (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116978/
GKOYY /Y7 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116972/
GWYDE /461ASW 22B (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116975/
GDCDC / Z7 Antares 20E (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116964/
GCFWW/FWW ASH 25 (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116973/
Sniffer
G-BSOM DG400 (old photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1111905
Tugs
D-ENBW Robin (new photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116962
G-ONGC Robin (New
photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116961
(old photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1111212
G-OTIB Robin (old
photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1057187
Visitor
G-BUDB T61 (old photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1113542
Local Gliders
G-CHNC (new photo) - http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116983/
G-CFGP (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116981/
G-CJWM (old photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1106230/
Some photos and links to photos from Saturday courtesy of Keith Sowter
Gliders in the Competition
GCJCT / 176 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116982
DKIOJ / 110 Nimbus 4M (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116965/
GNYMB /970 Nimbus 3DT (new
photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116966/
BGA4443 /N1 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116984/
GCHNU / 48 Nimbus 4DT (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116970/
GSINK /RC A= SH25 (old photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1111231/
GCHZA / 374= Nimbus 3 (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116969/
GCFFK / 128= Nimbus 3 (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116976/
GCHFX / 82 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116979/
GCFZO / 954= Nimbus3DT (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116967/
GDRCS /M25 ASH25E (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116978/
GKOYY /Y7 Nimbus 4T (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116972/
GWYDE /461ASW 22B (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116975/
GDCDC / Z7 Antares 20E (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116964/
GCFWW/FWW ASH 25 (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116973/
Sniffer
G-BSOM DG400 (old photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1111905
Tugs
D-ENBW Robin (new photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116962
G-ONGC Robin (New
photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116961
(old photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1111212
G-OTIB Robin (old
photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1057187
Visitor
G-BUDB T61 (old photo) http:/www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1113542
Local Gliders
G-CHNC (new photo) - http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116983/
G-CFGP (new photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1116981/
G-CJWM (old photo) http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1106230/
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Sunday 6th - Briefing in progress
Prizes were awarded for Day 1
1st Kim Tipple
2nd Steve Jones
3rd Richard Smith
Cracked Pot for Al Nunn - who was at the grid with no batteries or parachute and had to be removed when launching started.
Task A is on SoaringSpot here
Task A - 202km
RAT
FAK
GRF
Task B - 165km
RAT
EDE
GRF
Late Arrival to breifing
1st Kim Tipple
2nd Steve Jones
3rd Richard Smith
Cracked Pot for Al Nunn - who was at the grid with no batteries or parachute and had to be removed when launching started.
Task A is on SoaringSpot here
Task A - 202km
RAT
FAK
GRF
Task B - 165km
RAT
EDE
GRF
Late Arrival to breifing
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