Post 1.405 on February 22 2023.

—–I finished my last blog with the hope that a lot of my Dutch “fellowmen” would donate for victims of the earthquake from Syria and Turkey.
They did ,……in the evening there was 89 million Euro, PERFECT!!!!
And,…the amount is still growing…..

——With the start of the 2-seater Nationals in Corowa [NSW.Australia] , I thought it would be appropriate to share this news from Chris Kiehn;
“Congrats to 30 years of the Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus. It’s been over 30 years in other words since I did my apprenticeship there as I helped build the wing plugs and molds for this aircraft that pretty much created a new class of aircraft that no one new they needed. Was it foresight or staunch belief from Klaus Holighaus that people would accept the idea of a 20m glider at the time? Either way, it’s rare to find a 20m 2 seat comp these days without a Duo or the Arcus being represented. Job well done

—–News from Tocumwal Aviation Museum
“On this day 79 years ago: 15 February 1944, Number 7 Operational Training Unit formed at RAAF Station Tocumwal.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s first Heavy Bomber training unit formed at RAAF Station Tocumwal on the 15th of February 1944 with an initial establishment of 473 personnel and 9 aircraft. This would grow to over 2,100 personnel and over 70 aircraft by mid-1945.
Over the next 18 months, 7 OTU would train over 4,000 aircrew and 2,000 ground crew.
Known primarily for the iconic B-24 Liberator, 7 OTU would also operate other aircraft including P-40 Kittyhawks for fighter affiliation, Vultee Vengeances for target towing and Airspeed Oxfords for transport and training.
7 OTU would become the largest and most significant of all Operational Training Units operated by the RAAF during World War 2“
Very proud to have been a very small part of this history by opening at our time the WW2 hangar for busloads of guests to see the WWII memorabilia’s in our briefing room.
We also got to know some of the survivors with great stories and many family members who brought memories from their dad to our little exhibition, ran by Gina and Bob Brown.

—–Dutch Nationals; 18/27 May 2023.

—–Jordan [Johnson] flew his first declared 300k on February 18!!!! He launched from Lleweni Parc in the UK and is a member of the Bidford Gliding and Flying Club. He had a bit of wave over beautiful Wales, but did ‘nt use that too much ,as he was on a 300 km mission. He flew an ASW 20 B.
https://bgaladder.net/FlightDetails/

—–Back to a competition!!!!

Dual Seat Nationals in COROWA.
18 February 2023 – 25 February 2023

Above you read the news from Chris already ,so in Corowa there are 9 teams and from them 6 Schempp-Hirth gliders.
3x an ARCUS M, 1 ARCUS T and 2x a DUO DISCUS and one ASK 21MI, an ASG 32 and a DG 1001.
It could well be that the Duo from the Hunter Valley is “our” former Duo sold for a very nice price at the auction in 2005. We were glad the Hunter Valley “had it”.
Adam [Woolley] arrived from Japan to fly with the new owner from Corowa Keith.
Good old Harry, in his nineties who flew the last WGC with Alan [Barnes] are as team reunited again in Corowa.
Brad Edwards and Bruce Taylor arrived from Lake Keepit and Lumpy with Joergen from Tocumwal. For them it is about 80 km, for Harry , Allan , Bruce and Brad about 844. A long drive over the Newell Highway,…we did that with the WWGC.

Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures started his stories as well both have pictures too.

Task 1 ; 141 km……on Sunday February 19, when we start our carnival- festivities here.
And,….when you start a NATIONAL COMPETITION, you have to use every possible window even if only a 141 km tasks fits in.
4000 ft in the blue , best climbs 4 to 5…….. according to Adam in his vlog.
So off they went, the 9 teams, for a day with not a lot of points to gain or loose,….but A DAY.
Daily winners as well; Brad and Bruce, …112 km./h….2 WGC pilots for a long time. I met Brad for the first time in Uvalde Texas in 91 when he became world champion.
With a late start at 4.03 they left, as did Keith and Adam; 295 and 291 points.
2 were “out”.
Bruce mentioned;”Again I was witness to the fine work of Brad, setting to his business in the front seat while I enjoyed the ride in the back. It wasn’t a day that could be called treacherous, but it wasn’t straightforward either.’ more Taylor’s Gliding Page day 1.
Task 2; 3.30 AAT..…much better weather much longer task. 445 km in time 3.59 was the best result and for 1000 points. They were for Bruce and Brad with as the day before Keith and Adam as runners up.
3 From the 9 teams were “out”.
Bruce was the “driver ” and part of his story was ;”Climbing out of the glider I felt totally drained and quite dejected. We’d come so close to doing a really nice flight and I’d managed to throw it away… … … until half an hour later when we’d heard everybody else’s stories and realized we’d had a great day. This gliding game is crazy!”
Interesting statement from somebody who is in this world already for such a long time.
The full story on; Taylor’s Gliding Page
Task 3; 221.86 km….. Interesting day as a DUO DISCUS was runner up. Brad and Bruce had their third successive win with a nice speed of 139.41 km./h. The Duo [handicap 990] was slower than the ASG 32, [handicap 1074] pretty normal, but they did well with 123 km./h.
Starts between 14.21 [ASK 21MI] and 15.36. [ASG 32]
Tocumwal Soaring Centre mentioned; “They say taking a Duo to the Nationals is like taking a knife to a gun flight !Jack and Dave have their knife very sharp !The team are flying our Duo and having a great time, well done guys.”

Task 4; 2.30 AAT….today…..
According to Adam ,…..Another cracking day, though heavily influenced by strong surface winds & wave on the first leg. Something happened on the 2nd leg, the day organized itself & it was all go go go!”
Indeed Adam and Keith won the day with a speed of 121.32 km./h over 327 km. They started 2 minutes behind Bruce and Brad.[121.27 km./h. over 320 km.]
Bruce mentioned about the day: “Quite a fascinating day today. Even as I was taking my morning walk down by the river the sky was full of alto-cumulus… for the non-flying populace that is puffy clouds with a flat bottom (like a cumulus) but not connected to lower level convection. Often if the day is good enough the lower level convection improves until the alto-cu actually becomes cumulus, but this is difficult to pick and to get your head around how best to use it.” the full story on Taylor’s Gliding Page
More next week.
Overall scores after 4 tasks; Brad and Bruce with 2.585 points,2. Keith and Adam with 2.498 p and david Jansen and Leslie with 1.981 p.[ARCUS T]

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It’s with HUGE sadness that I have to share this message from Belle Brockhoff. My LONGTIME good friend Bruce passed away not long after I had contact with him on his 80thiest birthday, on January 28!!!

Don’t know what to say, it’s a bit of a shock to me. Yes he was old but still……..only 80!!!
R.I.P. dear Bruce! You have been the most inspiring person to invite us to Australia , where we stayed to live for more than 10 years. Your introduction to Sportavia opened a brand-new world to us, with countless new friends….and a lot are STILL FRIENDS.
I wrote a long article on Bruce in 2012 which was published in SOARINGCAFE, GLIDING INTERNATIONAL and in my blog on February 16 2012.
You have to scroll down to February 2012 below and it is worth doing that. He was so much more than glider pilot Brockie.
www.soaring.eu
Title of the blog;

“Some pilots in life remain friends for ever…time to introduce Bruce Brockhoff“

Sad , yes I am very sad, as his longtime “best friend” as he called me till now, but glad to have known this outstanding man.

Ritz

Post 1.404 on February 15…hope you had a good VALENTINES-day yesterday.

Matamata N.Z. CLUB CLASS NATIONALS
3 February 2023 – 12 February 2023

They had already 2 good days of ridge flying and we continue with
Task 4 another 3 hour AAT…..and again good ridge soaring. This time DG 300 pilot John Robertson was the daily best with 285 km. in 3 hours at the dot!!!!! In his “ELAN” he was 1 km. faster than MOSQUITO pilot Steven Wallace. [283 km] The other Steven ,Care, flew in his ASW 20 also 3 hours but less kilometers.
Task 5 was much slower; a 3 hour AAT was set , the daily winner was again John, but now not for 1000 points but “only” 333. He had to fly for that, 265 km with a “speed” of 88 km./h.
Winning 2 days in a row, means for John that he leads the overall scores now, after 4 flying days , but only just; 3.189 for 3.166 for Steven W.
Task 6; 2 hour AAT....challenging day with start times between 13.10 and 14.22. Only 11 pilots started , 3 were out and the daily winner was Steven in the Mosquito, flying 206 k. in time 2.14. All flights under 100 km./h. A good day for him as he was back on spot 1 overall again.
As task 7 was not flown, the last day had to be cancelled, this win to be NATIONAL CHAMPION was important;
Here are the final scores after 5 out of 8 days.
1. Steven G Wallace in Mosquito with 3,980 points…NATIONAL CLUB CLASS CHAMPION
2. John Robertson in DG 300 Elan with 3,952 p.
3. Michael Strathern in ASW 20 with 3,717 p.

Task 5 a 3 hour AAT in the open class was a race again between Brett Hunter in the JS 3 and Tim Bromhead in the Ventus 2C. Tim flew 290 km with a speed of 97 km./h , Brett, 294 km with 96 km./h.
After 4 flying days their overall scores are very close as well; Brett 3.565 and Tim 3.623 points.
Exciting last days ahead!!!!
Task 6; 2 hour AAT …won by Tim 208 km in time 2.03. Brett was runner up missing out on 15 daily points.
No task the next day, so winners in this class after 5 out of 8 days are;
1. Brett Hunter in JS 3 with 4.619 points.
2. Tim Bromhead in Ventus CT with 4.602 p
3. David Johnson in Discus 2CT with 4.016 p.

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2023 NSW State Comps flown from NARROMINE

The continuation of the State comps was stopped for 1 day, due to the weather. The message on Thursday morning was; Thu 9th Feb Day Cancelled.
The reason will be clear when you read Anne’s report:
“A huge storm hit the Narromine area a couple of hours ago with reports coming through of 30 to 45mm in parts of town but so far no major damage. There was hail, around 30mm of rain at Tomingley and trees uprooted. The attached photo of hail was taken by Bev at Hamilton’s Pride, producers of the best eggs ever, around 50km s/w of Narromine .. but only about 7mm rain.
I contacted a friend who is taking part in the NSW State comp here in Narromine who advised that all gliders were safe as hangared this morning.“

The day before, won by Hunter Valley pilot Paul as written in my last blog, was specially for him and extremely good:
“Yesterday has to be one of the best days gliding that I have ever had!
10,000′ cloudbase, great cloud streets in line with the task and the vario on the pegs. I was leaving thermals at 9kts to look for better climbs and at one point, when I got low, I had to force myself to slow down and accept a 7kt climb to get back in touch with the clouds. 462km @ 127kph in a dry (no water ballast) LS3
Just magic Narromine weather!“
I have been many times in Narromine and indeed I have seen fabulous weather there, but sometimes it can turn violent, I have seen that too.
So no flying, but they still enjoyed the great weather from the day before, as that Wednesday was also good enough for a 1000 flown by Tomas Suchanek. He flew Adam’s VENTUS 3T over 1.072 km…good on him as it rather late in the season already. 120 km./h and even passing West from Lake Keepit .
It was G1’s 3d 1000 km. flight.

After rain there is sunshine, also in Narromine so off they went for day flying-day 4 , different and challenging.
Task 5: 2.30 AAT.…with 260 km, Peter was the daily best again with a speed of 103 km./h, the only one flying over the 100k-mark.
Task 6; 2.30 AAT…..”Unfortunately, because of high wind speeds over 25-30+ knots we have had to cancel the day.”
task 7; 3 hour AAT….Only 6 pilots started and 2 were out, but there was a daily winner as well; Tocumwal pilot Bernie in his PIK 20. He flew 246 km in time 3.17 and flew himself from spot 4 to 3 so on the podium. Well done!

Winners from the NSW state comps in CLUB CLASS are;
1. Paul Dickson in LS 3 with 4,410 points.
2. Richard Frawley in LS 4A with 4.110 p.
3. Bernie Sizer in PIK 20B- W with 4.077 p.

In the sport class they had the same task 5 and task setter Mick Webster won the day in his LS8. Miles was runner up.
In Narromine’s blog you could read;
“And it was fun watching Miles Gore-Brown managing his final glide from what looked like about 70k out. Miles roared down the final leg (LOL 70kts) without turning and then extended into the final circle and that is the tactic that got him into Second place today.”
No task 6 but yes a task 7 ….a 3 hour AAT for the LAST DAY.
Miles won the last day, Kerrie was faster but on handicap runner up. Mick was “out” but so far ahead in the overall scores that it did n’t harm him at all. Mick is like Paul a member of the Hunter Valley Gliding Club.
1. Mick Webster in LS 8 with 4,313 points.
2. Miles Gore-Brown in LS 8 with 4.293 p.
3. Kerrie Claffey in ASG 29/18 m. with 4.117 p.

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News from Kiripotib for those who have not been there yet:
Safety first! Those who have not flown in Kiripotib before often have questions about safety and safety equipment when gliding in Namibia. Peter Harvey has summarized the answers for you in a video.
YOUTUBE.COM FLY SAFE AT KIRIPOTIB SOARING….about safety procedures and approaches…
https://youtu.be/SH3CCcg49i4

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The down-under-season slowly reaches the Easter period and that’s mostly the end of the season.
When you look at the picture from Kingaroy, it looks more like mid season, with 20 gliders in the row for a launch last week !
They indeed had nice weather with Butch [John Buchanan] flying a 538 free distance in his 15 m. AS 33es.

SOAR COROWA is preparing for the 20 m NATIONALS. New owner Keith brought in German tables and German beer for some extra fun.
The 20m Dual Seat Nationals 2023, will be flown between February 18 and 25 .
At this stage there are 6 teams flying 3x an ARCUS M 1x an ARCUS T, an ASG 32MI and Duodiscus.
BUT,…”Sadly at present we don’t have enough entries for an official competition, due to a couple of late withdrawals.“
Hopefully a few teams will put their hands up. Corowa is a nice place with good weather and a swimming pool to relax after with a drink.
UPDATE; After Bruce [Taylor] spend news in his Taylor’s Gliding Page, ;
“Many thanks to all who chimed in, sharing messages and spreading the word. As of late this morning we had 9 entries, so we have a competition again! There’s room for more, and still an easy glider available close by. Come along and join in the fun“
That’s where friends are for……
More next week.

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Alexander Schleicher shared the winning pictures from their Winter Photo Contest.

——Last Monday 2 “kilometer-eaters” in an ARCUS M, Alejandro and Alejo, flew from Zapala in Argentina a huge distance 1.604 km…..with 177 km./h. At some places the fabulous wave was up to over 8000 m MSL [over 7000 AGL].

That’s it for today. Still shocked by over 40.000 people who died in the earthquake in Syria and Turkey and totally amazed that they found people alive after ONE WEEK under the rubble.
Some” who think to know”, predict up to 180.000 deceased people. Just incomprehensible ………not to understand……totally beyond me!!!!! Too SAD FOR WORDS!!!!!
In the Netherlands , people and government, already donated around 38 million Euro, for help now and in the future. Tonight it will be more as all day actions are on TV and radio.

Ritz

Blog 1.403 on February 8 2023.

2023 New Zealand CLUB CLASS NATIONALS flown from Matamata.
2 February 2023 – 12 February 2023

Club class comps are VERY popular and also in N.Z. there are a lot of participants!!!
The practice day, for this NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, was not too flash but for the next day they expected nice soaring weather up to 3000 m.
But the first couple of days the 22 club class pilots could not fly, yes they had a 2.30 AAT on February 5 , but it was not flown.
Along the club activities, 10 open class pilots had that day a 2 hour AAT, but no flying.
The first flying day however, was on February 7, with a 3 hour AAT for club, won by Steven Wallace in the MOSQUITO with 329 km in 3 hours at the dot!!!!
The open class had 340.98 km. and Brett Hunter won with a speed of 118 km./h.
Task 2;” Day 2, ridge task, good thermals around ” so hope for a GOOD day in both classes and it happened!!!!
3 pilots in club ,with a racing task of 329 km flew around and finished with the same speed and ALL 3 got 1000 points; Steven in the Mosquito, Michael Strathern and Steven Care in the ASW 20. They did NOT start together but finished together and all had a speed of 118 km./h.
Matamata mentioned; ‘Results for the club class champs are up, and they are weird. But we can confirm they are correct. Three 1000 points given today! Never seen that before.“
In open Brett won the 3 hour AAT with 408 km in time 2.59 in his JS 3 ;speed 136 km./h which was 10 k faster than runner up Tim [Bromhead] in the Ventus CT.
More next week.

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—–Better weather for the 2023 NSW State comps flown from Narromine, between February 4 and 12.
After 2 practice days with each a 3 hour AAT, the comps started on February 6 with another 3 hour AAT in both Club and Sport class.
The 8 pilots in club class all finished and the best for the day, Peter Brunton in his ASW 20 flew 324 km in time 3.02. He was followed by 2 Tocumwal pilots ,Phil and Bernie in an ASW 19 B and PIK 20 B each with winglets.
5 Pilots in the sport class and 4 finished. Daily best with 310 km in an LS 8 was Mick Webster.
Task 2 was even longer; 3.30 AAT with 422 km by Paul Dickson,[LS 3] with Peter as runner up.
In sport class it was good to see Miles [Gore-Brown] winning the day in his LS8a. Another long time mate.
Miles had a lay-day on task 1 but with 405 km in 3.33, he gained 1000 points, after a late start. Mick was runner up.
Kerrie [Claffey] , she was one of the participants in the WWGC in Keepit, had the fastest time in her 18m ASG 29,120 km./h over 439 km, but on handicap she was 4th. By the way she won the practice day!!!
Task 3; 3.30 AAT....The LS 3 from Paul is still a great and fast glider. He won the day again with 463 km. in time 3.37 so a speed of 127 km./h. All 8 finished and 5 flew over 400 km.
In open the 2 participating LS 8 gliders topped the list with Mick as daily best with 447 km in time 3. 26, speed 128 km./h.
Narromine Gliding Club Official posted;” Well Day 3 has well and truly started, with most of the fleet around the first turnpoint and well established on the second leg. Skysight is predicting strong climbs over 6 kts to 8-9,000 ft AGL later in the day so I expect we will see a lot of pilots extending well into the third and fourth turnpoints. Final glide should be a screaming jet ride from 7,000 ft well before the last turnpoint at Trangie. Expect some fast times today!”
More next week.

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—--In my last blog I wrote about Jochen who was back in Tocumwal and flew with Stephan, who was back too. I know them both for many years. Jochen since 1985. Stephan had his own LS 4 KYO in Tocumwal AND,…he still flies it!!!!!! AND,…even his sons came to fly in Toc.
Eddie was so kind to share a picture and here they are, for all other Toc fans who know them too

And….look at the weather in Alice Springs today. WOW!

Not too much news today. I have spend hours and hours on downloading Windows 10. So I struggled more or less through the week and hope I can keep this laptop as I like it.
I CAN,….a nice volunteer “for elderly people with digital problems”,mmmmmm……… visited me yesterday and he fixed it all…no worries!!!!
But to be honest he mentioned I prepared it all for him , he just had to finish it off. [Thursday- morning extra news]
More next week.
Cheers have a good week
Ritz

P/S….I should have started with this, though it has nothing to do with gliding.
The earthquakes from 7.8 and 7.5 in the South of Turkey and the North of Syria are not only a huge shock for all people living there, but also to ALL people in the WORLD. What a disaster!!!!! What a HUGE disaster. Already 8500 [the latest news speaks about 11.100] people died under the to pieces fallen flat -buildings and houses.
I am afraid there will be many more. HEARTBREAKING!!!!!!
It’s heart-warming to see private help/SAR/White Helms/Red Cross etc. from all parts of our world,…… which feels good in a time of hate and polemic, …..co-operating to find , also with special trained dogs, for survivors. I think of them.

Post 1.402 on February 1 2023.

Qualifying SGP from Worchester in South Africa.
21 January 2023 – 28 January 2023

They continued with race 3 on January 25, last Wednesday. At that stage ,2 German pilots [ Mathias Schunk and Michael Pfennig] on top with 15 and 13 points and 4 pilots with 11 points; Laurens Goudriaan, Sven Olivier, Erik Borgmann and Oscar Goudriaan.
Race 3; 322.39 km..…AND,….it was UYS who won the 10 points; During the day we read” The pilots have spilt into 3 groups each taking drastically different routes! Which one will be fastest?”
But in the end race 3 was cancelled.
Reason;”Following an accident during Race 3 of the Qualifying Sailplane Grand Prix of South Africa in Worcester, well-known German Pilot Mathias Schunk unfortunately had an accident while racing with other pilots along the ridges.
Mathias has been able to communicate with the local organisation and his wife Pia shortly after the accident. He was retrieved by Helicopter and transported to the Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town where he was diagnosed with a fractured L2 vertebra.
Mathias is in good spirit. He is very grateful for the support he has received, and we are all looking forward to seeing him back in the air soon.” as written by the organizers.
Mathias had a bad landing, was saved by SAR [Their story below] who had to land at the mountain and as Mathias said himself “I had what felt like at least 1 million guardian angels helping me“.” .

Race 3; again on January 26 339 km..…cancelled.
Race 3; now on January 27; 420.65 km…..After only 2 flying days due to weather and circumstances, the pilots had to get in the racing mood again to fly this penultimate race.
With 142 km./h it turned out a pretty good day, for all except of course Mathias in hospital, as he would have loved to defend his spot 1 overall. But he will recover totally so good to hear, even better!!!
Winner was Uys with as runners up Katrin [Senne] and Laurens with 141 km./h.
3 new overall toppers now; Laurens and Oscar both with 15 points and ONE day to go!!!!
BUT…Mathias had already 15 points as well……so he is still on 1 too.

Race 4 on January 28, very last day;
NOT GOOD NEWS...”Unfortunately due to low cloud and rain, today has been Cancelled. Prize giving will be held later today.”
The MAGIC left Worcester, with only 3 days of soaring, but will be back next season!!!!!
As they did not fly Mathias “lost” no points by not flying, so there are 3 winners with 15 points; Laurens, Oscar and Mathias.
Good on them!!!!

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WAGA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Beverley
20 January 2023 – 28 January 2023

With 27 pilots this West Australian State competition had a lot of participants even MORE gliders/pilots than in the Nationals. Something to think about.
They had already 4 out of 5 days [ day 1 was cancelled] and all were 3 hour AAT’s.
Task 1 was more than challenging, in many ways, with late starts after 3 PM and several “punishments” for airspace and exceeding start height .
Only 1 pilot managed to finish. Andrew Herwig in an 18m. Ventus 2CX. He flew 279 km in time 2.27. Norm Bloch flew a bit more [289 km] but did not finish.
Task 2 had better conditions NO penalty points and 3 toppers which could be the final 3 toppers; Greg Beecroft in LS 8, Don Woodward in Ventus 2B and Norm in JS 3/15m. Speed from Greg was 139 km./h over 421 km.
Task 3 Greg,Norm and Don were the top 3 with Greg as daily winner with 415 km and 126 km./h.
We continue with
Task 5 on January 25; 3 hour AAT and the weather looked like this.
They had to wait for a long time , but then they could go around 4 o’clock.
They still flew 326 km with a speed of 97 km./h. That was Norm[1000 points] who won the day with Don [981p]and Greg [933 p]not too far behind him. Only 18 started and 3 were “out”.

Task 6; 3 hour AAT,.….AND, very interesting the Geerlings family on top of the daily results .
Arnold as winner in the ASH 25E, with 362 km in time 3.09 and as runner up Joshua in the JS 1 [18m] with 352 km in time 3. 03.
Norm and Greg were on 3 and 4 and Don on 6.
Overall with 2 days to go; Norm,[4.571] Greg [ 4.283]and Don [4.039] and then Joshua.[3.776]
Task 7 on January 27…penultimate day…..3 hour AAT....and,…..Greg really went for the title. He had the best speed [handicapped] in his LS 8 over 413 km; 136 km./h. Norm was a tad faster in 15 m. the JS 3.
1000 and 955 points for them. But the lead from Norm is huge; 5.526 for 5.283 points.
Task 8; 3 hour AAT..…VERY LAST DAY..….Don also still in the race, when one of the 2 in front of him would outland on this last day, won the day 430 km. in time 3.18; speed 130 km./h. But the toppers did not outland….Norm was runner up and Greg 3d.
Overall scores after 7 out of 8 days;
1. Norm Bloch in JS3/15 m. with 6.441 points.
2. Greg Beecroft in LS8 with 6.152 p.
3. Don Woodward in Ventus 2B with 5.767 p.

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NZ multi class Nationals
Omarama…… 20 January 2023 – 28 January 2023

Pretty good conditions there in NZ on the South Island, in the end, meaning 7 out of 9 days.
Open class;
Task 7; Last Thursday they had another 2 hour AAT.
Keith [Essex] flew 304 km in time 2.53. He went for a longer time but also nearly 100 km further, something which is no problem for his ASG 32MI.
The last 2 days had to be cancelled,…NO weather to fly a task….
“ Unfortunately there is no task for today (the last day of the competition).”
Well, there was a CLEAR winner anyhow…here are the final scores
1. Keith Essex in ASG 32MI with 6.661 points!!!!!!
2. Derek Kraak in ASW 29E with 5.844 p.
3. Dickinson & Harrison sharing a Ventus 2CT with 5.251 p.

Racing class;
After his “off-day” earlier with an out landing in his LS 8, Tony [Van Dyke ] straightened his back and went full throttle on to the next day.
task 7; 2 hour AAT . And,…..he won….226 km in time 2.28. He won 142 points on Terry [Jones] in the other LS 8, but still needs 53 to be on top overall again.
On January 27 the task was cancelled, same on January 28.
“Despite the really striking looking wave cloud to the north west of us, there is way too much moisture in the atmosphere as you can see from the satellite picture. The conditions are going to get wetter as the day goes on so No Competition Flying Today.”
Overall scores for RACING CLASS;
1. Davy & Wallace in the Duo Discus with 5.502 points,
2. Tony van Dyk in LS 8 with 5.449 p. No possibility anymore to catch up…..
3. Terry Jones in LS 8 with 5.142 p.

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9th Club class Nationals in Argentina
Pigüé….16 January 2023 – 27 January 2023

Last Wednesday they were on Task 9 on January 25, with 3 men still in the race to be champion;
Jose Dentone 4.156 points, Javier Gaude with 4.146 and Felipe Girado with 4.124.
Task 9; 1.30 AAT……Quite a few flew over 130 km. Starts between 3.15 PM and 4.04 PM. Start games as in waiting for the best time to go on track. AND,…a day with great differences in scores but for some luckily the best score was “only ” 395 daily points.
A new face at the podium; Guillermo Spolita in an LS4. From the toppers “only” Javier did well on spot 2. Jose was 12th but only lost 87 points on the winner. Felipe was 17 th.
The brothers Goldenzweig 18th and 24th.
Task 10; 2 hour AAT ……and a great result for Damian and Lucas winning and nearly winning the penultimate day!!!! They started together and flew together and the difference in points was 2 on this day; 600 and 598.
Javier was 4th, Jose 11th and Felipe 13th.
Task 11; 3 hour AAT..…LAST DAY..…and another new face at the podium , this time Dino Ghioni in the ASW 20. He flew 344 km in time 3.02, speed of 113 km./h.
What happened with Javier, Jose and Felipe?????
Javier was runner up and flew himself in his DG 200 to the CHAMPION TITLE.
Jose was 5th, lost 40 points but as scores were close he dropped to spot 2 with only 16 points difference.
Felipe was 6th and hold on, on his 3d spot.
Final overall club class score after 8 out of 12 days;
1. Javier Gaude in DG 200 with 6.075 points
2. Jose Dentone in ASW 20 with 6.059 points.
3. Felipe Girado in ASW 20 with 5.908 points.
Lucas and Damian stayed on spot 6 and 7.

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Not such good news from Temora, …..in my opinion, a great place for soaring. At Temora the NSW State comps were supposed to be flown.
“As most of us already know, Work Safe Australia, in an extraordinary decision, effectively closed Temora Airport for all events and so Narromine Gliding Club was asked by the NCC and SDP to hold the NSW State Comps at Narromine from the 4th to 12th of February 2023.”

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As every year after the season, statistics from flying in the 2022/2023season in Namibia.
Busiest airfield according to the OLC.
1. BITTERWASSER; was the busiest again with 114 guests, flying 709.630,07 km., during 852 flights.
2. VERONICA; great runner up with 89 guests, flying 455.248,77km., during 577 flights.
3. KIRIPOTIB; 96 guests, flying 433.274,31km., during 632 flights.
4. POKWENI; 36 guests , flew 253.311,75km., during 345 flights.

All OLC flights , ….best for the season;
1. Elmar Erik Fischer[Germany] who flew between October 29 2022 and January 21 2023, from Bitterwasser ,a total of 35.448,42 km. during 56 flights in the ARCUS M. ; 315.13 hours
2. Nicolas Bennet from the USA….29.601,05 km, during 42 flights . Between November 9 2022 till December 31 2022 from Bitterwasser and then from January 2 till 23 in 2023 from Worchester in South Africa; 255.04 hours in the ARCUS M.

Longest OLC- flight;
1.879,95 km. by Jean Marc Perrin in a DG 808/15 m!!!!!! Flight was on December 3 in 2022. He flew in Argentina from the airport of Jose De San Marino.
By the way Jean Marc flew in his DG 808 /15 m another spectacular flight last week on January 24 ;
1.415, 73 km. also from Jose De San Mart in Argentina.

Champions OLC- plus;
1. Tobias Welsch with 8696,15 points
2. Guy Bechtold with 8286,57 p.
3. Bernd Dolba with 8082,12 p.

Kiripotib also said FAREWELL;
“Time flies … the season has ended. We would like to thank you for all the great moments and your trust in Kiripotib Soaring. We look forward to welcoming you again next year in Namibia. “
Book your gliding vacation for 2023/24 now: www.kiripotib-soaring.com/en/contact/

When you have time and money, Namibia is the best place for long-distance-flying.

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AND,……Great picture between 2 Cells from Marie-Christine in the ASG32 with her husband Mathias, flying from Lake Keepit. In the gliding season Jacques Graells organizes always “Lake Keepit Grands Prix” and not only club members also other clubs as Bathurst and Narromine participate there.Lot’s of fun and great camaraderie , as I am used to at Keepit.

—–Slowly we are looking ahead at the new season in 2023.
So do the French, here is their announcement for the next French Club Class Nationals.
AND, The famous well attended HAHNWEIDE competition.

—-News from Rieti;
CIM competition dates: 1-11 August
CCR competition dates: 14-22 August
Promozione: 14-20 Agosto
aeroclubrieti.it/w/?cat=324

—–COROWA is active again with Keith now as “the new boss”. They host the 20 m NATIONALS from February 18-25.
When you are interested; https://soarcorowa.com/20m-two-seat-nationals-2023/

—–-360km in January. Many great flights today but with an early start Andy Davis managed this one.
https://bgaladder.net/FlightDetails/106066
He was launched from Nympsfield in the UK and flew his JS 3 No secret,…he is a top pilot as well.
“With an 80km ridge, if you know where to go, some great flying is possible from Nympsfield.”

CU next week. AND,….absolutely WONDERFUL, to see that Jochen and Stefan are flying the Duo Discus together in Tocumwal. LONG- long-time die-hard Toc.- fans. Enjoy to the fullest, guy’s!!!!!
Cheers Ritz


The FULL SAR report, to learn from; published at most media and as ALL went well except for Mathias’ lower back injuries, I share it too for when you missed it ; Mountain Club of SA – Search And Rescue………HUGE COMPLIMENTS for them.

“A foreign gliding competition pilot participating in the African leg of the International Sailplane Grand Prix was rescued from high up a Western Cape mountain after his sailplane crashed (Wednesday, 23/1/25). Speaking from his bed in the hospital, he said that he was very fortunate to survive the close call and thanked the professional and efficient rescue coordinated by the South African ARCC (Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre).

It is understood that the pilot got into difficulties overhead the mountains West of Villiersdorp and was able to put the fixed-wing glider down on a steep slope some distance below the top of the peaks. Fellow pilots (also participating in the competition) that saw the crash raised the alarm with Air Traffic Control, which in turn activated the ARCC. This information and the location sent by the pilots’ onboard satellite tracking device, which pinpointed the exact crash location, assisted in guiding the Western Cape Department of Health EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter directly to the scene.

With no level terrain to land at the scene, a Provincial EMS paramedic and MSAR Rescue Climber were hoisted down by the helicopter to the wreckage. The pilot (who was conscious and managed to provide additional information via phone) was extracted from the wreckage and hoisted in a stretcher into the helicopter. He was flown to a Villiersdorp sports field, where Western Cape Metro EMS, SAPS Rescue, Overberg Metro Rescue management, and SAPS Villiersdorp assembled to prepare and secure a landing zone for further treatment and remain available should further resources to support the first team be required. Several other resources, including SARZA and K9 was also on standby. The pilot was admitted to Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital with lower back injuries. He commented, “under the circumstances, I feel surprisingly well; I had what felt like at least 1 million guardian angels helping me”.

He remarked that his survival is in no small part due to the cockpit of the Jonker sailplane that he was flying protecting him during the crash. Jonker Sailplanes is a proudly South African company that designs sailplanes for local and international markets (in fact, all the sailplanes participating in this leg of the International Sailplane Grand Prix were manufactured by Jonker manufactured).

The scene has been handed to the SAPS and SACAA AIID (Accident and Incident Investigations Division) for further investigation.

The South African ARCC is the legally mandated function (South African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Act No.44 of 2002, as amended) that coordinates all aviation search and rescue-related occurrences in South Africa. The ARCC reports to SASAR and the Department of Transport. Under international aviation agreements and ICAO regulations, the South African ARCC is responsible for aviation incidents extending South of South Africa across the international waters in the Southern Oceans down to the South pole. The Mountain Club of SA, along with many other emergency response organisations, is a dedicated SAR Unit to the ARCC.