—–The last post in this year 2021!!!

——With Christmas we had minus 8 here in the Southern part of The Netherlands and the Northern part had a code-yellow for freezing temperatures; minus 18 with the wind chill factor.
With New Year , only one week later we will have 14 dgr. PLUS...
Bizarre!!!

Some short news as I still have not totally recovered from being sick after the booster-jab.

—–After the Argentinian Nationals, the friends and top 1 and 2 in 18m/open, Damian and Santiago continued soaring , this time from Alvear Aeroparqu (Santiago] and San Felipe [Damian] On Boxingday they flew 885 km in their 18 m. Ventus 2CM.

———Kiripotip, was one of the places where Ludwig Starkl, together with Wolfgang Janowitsch, brought their dream of fabulous gliders combined with the most talented glider pilots, to reality.
Rent-a-glider, Flying with the champions, these are all their ideas. MANY pilots enjoyed the great soaring in Namibia.
Just before Christmas Ludwig announced his retirement. A more quiet life in Austria, not in the hot sun, but in the Austrian snow.
On December 17 he wrote;
” Last day in Kiripotib.
After eight successful years, an intensive time in Namibia came to an end yesterday. Eight times “Flying with the Champions”, with a total of 125 participants.“
The beginning of this success story was not too good. Ludwig started together with Wolfgang Janowitsch, they were ridiculed at first, but later copied worldwide, “what more could you want.”
“But everything comes to an end. Therefore, yesterday was the last time I saw the event and flight operation in Kiripotib organized“
He says THANK you to all and we can only say THANK YOU LUDWIG.
Wolfgang continues together with Wolfgang Zimmermann.
So 2 Wolfgang’s now.

——-With up to 500 km. flights in Africa over the last couple of days, Australia had a tad better weather with 870 km. in a 15 m. Ventus 2ax, by Toby Geiger.[800 km. FAI Triangle] yesterday!!

——-Not long ago I got in contact with Herrie ten Cate, who wanted to know something about the last WWGC . He worked in the past for CBS news.
This time I got news about a podcast he is involved in and of course it’s about gliding. I share it with you.
“In this Episode of The Thermal a 1600 KM wave flight over the Canadian Rockies at a blistering average speed of 140 knots. We talk to Arcus pilot Chester Fitchett.
We also hear from the Air Traffic Controller and glider pilot who helped facilitate this flight through controlled airspace.
And the story behind a lovingly restored Robin glider from the 1930s. We talk to glider pilot and restorer Doug Fronius.
And last but not least…a moving poem about the big inevitable Final Glide… that all of us glider pilots will all eventually face.

That and a whole lot more on this episode of The Thermal.”
https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/21609902?fbclid=IwAR2wnXlUsmsj9yDYOTgFBRvtxF04YrEf7_5ZXNqz9ahDZPFHVfdmIfwTMmc

–——-News from Lake Keepit; they need a tuggy…. here is the news for my Aussie mates.
“Lake Keepit Soaring Club is seeking the services of a full time tug pilot to commence early to mid-January 2022.
Ideally we are looking for a Pawnee endorsed/qualified pilot.
We occupy a unique position in the Australian gliding/soaring scene being a full time, year round operation in a wonderful location. This position offers the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful flying with a  very interesting client base.
Should you be interested in this opportunity, please contact me by phone or email ( manager@keepitsoaring.com ) to discuss conditions etc.
Alternatively, should you know of someone who may be interested, please feel free to pass these details on.”
That’s what I do , as Lake Keepit is an awesome place to fly with great people.

–——On December 27 it was 34 years ago that Kees Musters passed away after a freak hang glider accident in France. His wife Gretha and I had a long phone call to memorize what impact he had on gliding, pilots and …still has. I just noticed that somebody put a link to that glorious AUSTRAGLIDE video [an ABC documentary] on FB.
https://youtu.be/BR1SXYs2rPk

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR FRIENDS!!!!

Hope to be fully fit again in 2022.
Cheers Ritz