6 th WWGC 2011 in Arboga Sweden about to begin
Alphen aan den Rijn Wednesday June 15 ritzdeluy@hotmail.com
Just noticed on the European weather station that a low pressure system is to the W of Ireland going to the E. The rest of Europe “should” have a nice morning but overcast and rain in the afternoon!! Except for Turkey and Spain.
Hope the beginning of the Arboga WWGC has a great first day today, though the influence of the “lows” is hanging around there, as well. Anyway the forecast for today ;it is dry , 15 dgr. and 10 km,+ visibility.For the next 10 days, the ladies are going to battle for 3 top positions in each of their classes. Good luck, girls!
The opening was yesterday evening, with all teams presenting theirselves in their team dress . A Hawker Hunter Show and aerobatics opened this 6th WWGC in Sweden.
Good to see 23 participants in the Swiss Junior Nationals.Also young pilots from France and Germany as I saw one of the well known soaring families from France , Adrien Henry from Bailleau on spot 1 after 3 days and German top junior Sebastian Nägel on spot 3. Final result after 4 days of flying; Adrien wins and Sebastian is 2d. They will be winners and the first Swiss young pilot will be champion.
The OLC shows a mix of countries where it is good soaring. 4 German pilots have “found” Morocco again to fly in their “long-ears” [ ASH 25 EB 28 and ASW 22 BLE] several 1000 km. distances. I counted 9 till now since May 20. Best speed till now; 133 km.
The Finnish Nationals for standard, 15 m. and the 2 seater class started last Saturday with super hot and good soaring-weather and …..400 km. tasks. On Sunday afternoon unfortunately it went very wrong for 2 pilots in 15 m class, who got involved in a midair- collision. They were on their way back home , on the last leg, when it happened around 4 in the afternoon. One bailed out and landed , unharmed, with his parachute, but the other one did not survive! It took some time to find him, but when the helicopter found him, he had not survived the collision.Tragic ! Investigations of what has happened are busy and the unharmed pilot involved, can give his opinion. Also the logger can “say ” a lot!
So time to reflect as well for me, as I love the gliding in Räyskälä and feel for all involved, specially the family and friends of the pilot who got killed and also specially Mari, “the boss” of the Räyskälä airfield!
Not much more to say today, sorry! To finish 2 more pictures from Arboga. courtesy; Mikael, who is for this occasion here in the 2 seater !THANKS! Mikael is so kind to send me pictures during the WWGC.
