Benalla on Sunday January 15
It feels for me,….. like a WGC NOT FLOWN in Australia. This weather!!?? But what can you do?
Another cancelled day, though all pilots were sent to the field.
Tasks were set but after a forecast of blue thermals , 1 to 1.5 lift and postponed first launches,… they all could go back to their swimming pool again and hopefully think about the solution HOW TO AVOID in the future mid airs!
For some who feel a bit scared , very understandable, now another rest-day to relax.
For TC’s and official’s MORE talking to get our beautiful sport SAFE/SAVER!!!
My late blog yesterday was about the glorious win of Stephen O’Donnell on day 5 in 1987. The same Steve who had to bail out yesterday. Thank god for parachutes.
Here is the comment from Steve and a picture they shared.
“As most of you are aware I was involved in a mid air collision on task while racing yesterday. Due to the amazing care and kindness of emergency services and Yerong creek locals, Michael (the German pilot) and I were air lifted from the crash site to Canberra hospital where we are undergoing treatment.
I have been overwhelmed by the care, kindness and good wishes of so many… my dedicated and loving family, my loyal friends and flying colleagues.
Here is a photo of two very thankful pilots sharing an experience that neither of us will ever forget.
Thank you all…”
With Michael in bed and Steve on his side.So good to see them smiling!!!
In between Michael’s wife has been flown over from Germany and she will be with him after the operation today, as Michael hopes to be out of hospital tomorrow ….?
As said the expectation for today was VERY blue thermals. You can see on Matthew’s picture that this is true and a wise text for a young man as he is.
“Day scrubbed. Right from briefing you could feel an absence of desire to fly, almost as strongly from the organizers as the pilots.”
Some pictures shared by Robert from how the town Benalla shares the fond feeling for gliding. All of them “adopted” a country to represent.
“and even live-tracking in one of the local pubs.”
————-
Another day at the 55th Nationals in Chile and Jeppe on track from Argentina to Chile.
Task 8 had a 2.30 AAT and the Vidal-show continued! Carlos won with 368 km. in in 2.36 so a nice fast speed of 141.45 km./h.
Rene was faster in his Ventus 2 cxa and flew 455.78 km. in time 3.07; speed 146.08 km./h.
Carlos “got” 841 points , Rene, 823.
all 17 pilots finished!
Sightseeing for Jeppe on his last day.
“Toured this national park towards cerro Tronador. This volcano is on the border with Chile. Again a beautiful drive through the area with lakes and mountains. Caught some wave: this time in the water. Tomorrow back towards Chile via the village of Villa la Angostura and the forrest of Parque Nacional los Arrayanes. Ciao.”
Thanks Jeppe!!!!!!
Volcan Tronador at the national park Nahuel Huapi .
———-
Cu later with “old news”
Cheers Ritz