Updated!!!!!

9 AM;
Compliments to the SRGC for their VERY WELL organized smorgasbord yesterday evening. Had a nice young table-gentleman and he kindly “filled” me with good Brown -Brothers- bubbles.
Busy ,….as the sun room was full. President Ingo was there and Judy and her team had it all under control.
Where would we be without volunteers!?

Most pilots were a bit worn out after the tough day. As said some could nearly look in the eyes of the farmer busy with his harvest. Some just made it in, some were just out.I guess you looked at the scores as I did. Those from 18 m. were under OPEN. It took a while for some to sort that out.
Congratulated Adam with his win and he seized my camera to make a selfie.

Here is Adam’s story from day 1:
“Great way to start the comp off, all went exactly to plan. Tactically I could see easily how the day would unfold, so I played my cards & I got it right!

I didn’t win by flying skills, it was all done off the start. Effectively one competitor called their starting & another said they’d follow. I could see this triggering the gaggle to start. So I flew 180° to the first leg, watched everyone depart, then it was time to go!

Unfortunately I didn’t get the climb I hoped for pre-start, so departed 800′ lower than the gaggle & at best LD. I put that behind me & flew my best flight.

Significant great decisions during the flight were the 2nd & 3rd leg, staying well upwind of track & avoiding the gaggle at all costs. It worked, as I had clear air until...”

..right at the last TP I decided, its day one, take a chill pill, join the gaggle & let them take you home for the day win 

Side note, sucks to see Dad have to fire up his engine 800m before the finish. He was looking at a possible day win too, awesome flight Dad, I’m just sorry about the end, you’re flying really well atm!

I just missed Adam on the radio ;ABC Live Shepparton

Casey Lewis , from Lake Keepit, who is ,or already has organized my “bed” over there, was a great runner up in JS 1C /18m.
A total of 29 pilots.
In standard/15 m. it was Michael Durant in his LS 8 who won together with Bernie Sizer in the PIK 20. Good job …..he more or less started competition flying in Dundee’s old ASW 15.
Ayala and Akemi will be here soon.
A total of 16 at this stage.

The tasks for today December 12, are already set;
18 m/open …331 km;
St/15 m…243 km.

Very interesting day by the way as the elections are on in the UK!!
Off to briefing soon .

11.AM;
Briefing December 12. Day 3 , flying day 2 task 3.
—CD Phil had a few items:
He mentioned the sponsors as he does every day. 2 Of them today are the Antique shop from my friend Lynn where you can have a special lunch and browse for hours and the Terminus Hotel and I know the food is good there.
You HAVE TO HAVE stickers on your car and a flashing light . It’s compulsory and the shire might show up to check it, which would not be good for the soaring operation here, if you do not stick to the rules.
That’s not what we want.
There is a new airspace file.
Winners from yesterday Adam and Michael/Bernie got their prizes and told us how they did it.” Stay away from the gaggle ” and that was what they both did”. Extra compliments to Casey who was runner up, as this is his first competition.
Michael by the way is the gentleman at table in the blue shirt to th r. of Lisa.

—-The tugmaster had a few items:” stay out of the release area” ,…Kerrie straight away answered,”we would not be there if we could“

Safety officer Greg;
On gaggles…Please be predictable.
Don’t be too aggressive
Land long.
Don’t drive faster than 25 k [speed limit here] at the field.

Mandy with words over how dehydration has an effect on the performance.
If you loose 2 kg after a flight you must drink 2 to 3 liters in a time frame of 4 to 6 hours and not too quick.
The weather. Jenny was short; “ It will be a bit stronger“
Ingo had said in the morning;” It should be quite a good day after the front has gone through“
Wind 20 km.h plus.
The grid closes at 12. First start estimated at 12.30.

They set B tasks too;
For 18m/open it will be the task from the smaller ships.
The small ships get an 1.45 AAT then.

You are up to date,…except…there was a raffle yesterday evening. I had given my ticket to Tim as I went home early.
The number was 11 and Tim straight away knew it was mine. Won a hat!!!!
Never win something!!! Was pleased.

12.45;
The first launch was at 12.45!!They fly!!!!!

13.30;
Some pilots were really struggling low over the field here in the blue, dumping water to not have to return to the strip for a restart. I guess 1 or 2 returned. The weather indeed improved and they got eventually higher. Start line opens at 13.50 for open and 18 m. and the other one at 14.15.

14.00 Still relights at the moment!!!
CU Later,…. it’s up to them now!
Time to visit town etc.

3.30 PM.
Back from shopping and I noticed great cu-clouds up the the SW.
It might be a better day than expected !!!

5 PM;
At 4.30 cars drove to the field. Some action again.
The first one I heard was DW , Don Woodward.
Most have a straight in at 18 long. Some have not enough energy to make “the long”.
They came in first one by one , later in “bunches” of 3/4 .
One trailer is in front of the office and has just left.

5.15;
Gliders still come in one by one.

5.20;
An exciting view ; around 15 gliders arrived some at same height as a pair ,one for the “bitcherman” ,one for the grass. Great to see. All looked very disciplined.
That’s more than 35 minutes later than the first glider.
There will be pretty big differences in time today. Have a look at www.soaringspot.com for the latest on the scores.
you can see already now that Adam left about and half hour later as the ones who started straight when the gate opened.
I am off for dinner with some friends.
CU tomorrow. Had a good day, you too!?