Post 1.469 on December 12 2023

SMOKE!!!!!!!

YES tasks,….but cancelled…..
I was VERY worried ,when I heard about bush-fires not that far away, about 200 km. In Lake Keepit it cost a day or 2 as well at the WWGC , [though they flew also through the smoke] , so I hoped the wind would drive them away. But I just see that did not happen.
Such a pity when the comps are going so well with great tasks and mostly happy people.

I heard that there was a milky grey sky today. They were unlucky to be over -run by a narrow band of smoke. Impossible to forecast of course. All 3 classes were gridded and ready to go and the tasks were cancelled one at a time, with the last class [Club] at 2.40.
I also heard that visibility was thick 500 m.

My Czech mates shared these pictures, also the one above;

Tasks were, but that’s irrelevant now ,281.20 km for 15 m, 282.41 km for standard and a 2 hour AAT for club. They hoped that club could be launched and fly the task direction South away from the smoke, but not such luck.
Then there was the OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE ORGANIZERS;
“Heavy thick smoke from the fires in the Piliga Forest today have shut down flying for the day. Day cancelled.”

Anne mentioned;”it was so thick that when I went out mid-afternoon I could hardly see gliders on the grid from the aero club! Hopefully it will clear for tomorrow.”

Belgian Gliding Team shared an interesting picture as well;
“With the heat wave in Australia, the bushfires have picked up… Needless to say that this is impacting the air quality and the weather. The smoke and dust decreases the heating of the ground.
Task cancelled y’day, and delayed today.”

For yesterday’s prize winners you have to go to Sean’s interviews on https://www.facebook.com/people/World-Gliding-Championship-2023/100093208068838/
they shared NO pictures today from Yves from Switzerland winner in 15 m, James in Club and Tomasz from Poland in standard class.

Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures today
“Just three possible days to go now before the WGC is all over, I’m currently sitting in 5th place with 108 pts behind the leader & 29 points behind 2nd place – you could say things are hitting up!
I’m feeling good & charged with positive energy to fly strongly to the end, my eyes are firmly set on the prize – “I Can” do this, words that George Lee helped me believe in since my course with him in 2004″

I just spoke with my family and they are very optimistic about the weather AND flying over the next 3 days.So I am in better mood again.

–—-Looking back to Narromine 8 years ago.
The JWGC was won by Matthew Scutter and Dutch pilot Robin was there as runner up; silver for him!
8 Years ago time flies!!!

I updated the international post with NZ and Luxembourg, Italy and Poland.

CU tomorrow, 3 days to go!!!!
Ritz