Post 1.412 on Wednesday April 5 2023.

—–News from WeGlide:
After 26 weekends of flying, the Australian league came to an end last Sunday. Here are this year’s winners:
—–Kingaroy Soaring Club – 314 Points
—–Gliding Club of Victoria – 261 Points
—–Lake Keepit Soaring Club – 212 Points.
And, the fastest :
Individual; Matthew Scutter had 132.82 speed-points.
Team rating: Kingaroy Soaring Club, 384.28 speed-points.
Here is the overall ranking for the 22/23 league season:
https://www.weglide.org/league/AU?type=total&round=25…

I shared already the African season with world wide OLC updates and now we start here no, have started here, the European season.
Looking at the OLC figures for the down-under-season on the last day of March, these are the results;
OLC -plus CHAMPION; Mac Ichikawa with 5357,05 points, followed by Toby Geiger with 5328,62 p.
Best flight; Norm Bloch with 1.116,90 points.
Distance record since 2011;Mac Ichikawa with a flight from Tocumwal on December 27 in 2018; 1.389,85p.
Stats from all flights; Mark Bland from Mount Beauty with 25.306,20 points [87 flights/ 18.565,94 km]
Busiest airport ; Beverley with 118.752,26 p. [106.779,42 km in 363 flights by 43 pilots.]
Busiest club; Beverly Soaring Society; 134.966,36 points [120.754,76 km in 412 flights by 40 pilots]
Note on distance record by Mac; 1.193,14 km. in an LS 8.
Note on busiest airport; runner up Benalla with 91.018,14 points [ 78.775,45 km in 233 flights by 30 pilots and 3d Tocumwal 82.260,31 points [ 73.170,28 km. in 197 flights by 25 pilots.]

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The Perlan Project had news; Very interesting reading…..
“Einar inspired us to dream more and do more. . . On a recent afternoon, a group of family, friends and colleagues gathered at the University of California Botanical Garden to celebrate the life of Einar Enevoldson, whose vision inspired The Perlan Project. He was truly an incredible pilot, dreamer and statesman. More in our latest blog“
https://bit.ly/EinarCelebration
Einar passed away already, after a long fight against cancer ,on April 14 2021 but the celebration of his life was now in March 2023. Covid delayed easy access to visit.
R.I.P. Einar.

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50 thiest TROFEO CITTA DI TORINA /18 m NATIONALS
31 March 2023 – 10 April 2023

On March 31 2 parallel comps started in Italy; The 50thiest Trofeo Citta di Torina including the 18m class Nationals with some well known pilots. Though I missed a few as Giorgio, Vittorio, Alberto and Tomas.
They might fly different comps now. Indeed Alberto flies in Torino but as team in an ARCUS T.
Anyhow 13 pilots in the 18 m Nationals.
They missed out on day 1 but started with
Task 1 on April 1 with a 2.20 AAT; a strong day with 8m./s …not bad.
331 km in time 2.33,46 [speed 129.15 km./h] was the winning combination for 18 m pilot Alberto Pozzi in the JS 1. On spot 3 and 4 the Ventus 3 FES from Giancarlo Grinza and The Ventus 3T/18m from Stefano Ghiorzo.[318 km/ 126.81 km./h] and [306 km /126.62 km./h]
Later these preliminary scores changed due to “penalty points; the new scores were; Giancarlo won , Stefano was runner up and Andrea Ferrero in an AS 33ES was 3d with 292 km with 125 km./h.
Task 2 had a set racing task from 342 km…..Another pretty good day with a 2800 m cloud base and lift up to 6 m/s
With 124.94 km./h Stefano was just a tad faster than Ciancarlo; 124.63 km./h. and won the day.
AND,…Alberto [Pozzi] was IN as well, with about the same speed ; 124.55.
All 3 started together at 2 .04/5 PM and landed before 5 PM at 4.49/50 PM and all 3 are close overall; 1.668, 1.664 and 1.633.
But only 2 days yet! For the Torino Cup those 3 are in the lead too, On spot 5 is the ARCUS from Alberto Sironi.
Now they wait again till Friday to continue with another 3 flights.

More next week..3 more days to go …nice picture, very nice!
Volo a Vela Torino – Competizioni & Performance Sportive

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It was busy last Sunday at the Glider place Terlet. Cold yes but still pleasant. A beautiful spot where I spend MANY hours in awesome nature. When my kids Dennis and Inge were at the field, long time ago, I walked, read books , visited friends , had numerous drinks and conversations together or cooked for all those who came back with my kids , to our caravan.
The VELUWE belongs to one of the most beautiful areas in The Netherlands.

Cold but nice opening of the season though in the beginning of March we had already a few very good CC days.
DOWNUNDER, they continue with nice flights in their autumn; 607 km in the JS 3 by Lumpy from Tocumwal [yesterday 615 km and 578 FAI triangle] and 461 by Gerrit in the EB 29 R from McCaffery field.
At McCaffery they fly the Easter Regatta 2023, but unfortunately only the practice days had flyable weather, till now. They continue till the 9th.
GREAT WAVE FLIGHTS;
Even better was the Sunday in the USA ,Spain and in France.
Let’s start with a WOW flight from 2000 km in the ANTARES 20 by Klaus Ohlmann, from Serres La Batie. He tried a triangle but, as he commented” The triangle was not possible. First turnpoint under rain and clouds. So, plan B was to make a 3 TP flight. The Pyrenees were excellent. Great thanks for all the controllers, essential to fly in all these airspaces.” He used the Alps and the Pyrenees . 12 hours and 47 minutes!!!!

From La Cerdanya in Spain, Czech pilot Milos Pajr, left in a HP304 MS [18 m SHARK] for a 1.542 flight . Speed 161. 68 km./h. Good on him…… 9 hours and 32 minutes of sitting! Pfff….
Even faster were the flights from James Lee in the JS 1 and Gordon Boettgher in the ARCUS J from Minden in Nevada in the USA; 185 km./h over 1.517 km and 194.23 km./h over 1.315 km.
“Only” 6 hours and 46 minutes for Gordon and his mate and 8 hours 12 for James.
Great wave , not all was working as expected but “Minden area had the strongest lift all day.”
great comment with lot’s of pictures on OLC and WeGlide.

Talking about speed…one day earlier on Saturday April 1 Jim Payne flew his wave flight from 1.020 km. with a speed of 211 km./h. A fast run in 4 hours and 50 minutes in an 18 m Ventus 3M.
Talking more about speed. The Andes in Argentina gave Juan Pablo Verdura a fabulous day; 1.679 km free distance with 187.17 km./h in a Ventus 2CM/18m.from San Martin
WeGlide added” Absolutely breathtaking images from Argentina Juan Pablo Verdura once again surfed the waves of the Andes yesterday, and what a spectacle it was! After enduring mostly blue conditions for much of his flight, he was rewarded with spectacular lentis in the south. From there, the sprint scoring started, rocketing 457 km to the north in just 2 hours With a speed of 228.56 km/h, Juan Pablo earns 198.75 sprint points, solidifying his position at the top of the current worldwide sprint ranking. Congratulations “ https://www.weglide.org/ranking/free?season=2023… for the current speed ranking

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Yesterday the first long thermal flights already in Germany 905 km [533 FAI]. Philipp Keller flew “around” Munich in his Ventus 3M /18m. Looks amazing. Good on him.
Also from Hahnweide a nice 863 km-flight by Max Maslak in his Ventus 3T/18m.
He does n’t want to know what could have happened when he would have started earlier. The air was crisp, clear and cold with mega -cloud-streets. I saw them at the weather news on TV.
Before 10 the clouds had popped up already. Not bad!!!!
His first European flight again after he flew 4x a 1000 in Bitterwasser in Nov/Dec. 2022. He was 1 of the young German pilots invited for the 1000 km-camp.

More about the Torino Cup and Italian 18 m Nationals next week….and more interesting “stuff”
AND,…what a great F1 race we saw in Melbourne, drama, hectic, red flags, 3 starts and a less first start from Max and an unexpected finish behind the safety car for him,….but HE WON!!!!

Wishing you all VERY HAPPY, SUNNY, EASTER DAYS!!!!!

Cu then,
Ritz

Post 1.411 on Wednesday March 29 2023.

——The Dutch squad settled in St. Auban for some serious mountain soaring.
Peter Millenaar was one of the pilots. Peter was JWGC Champion in Standard class in 2013 in Leszno [Poland]
Jonker Sailplanes shared this news on him
“ Peter Millenaar shares some epic pictures flying his JS3 RES in the southern French Alps from Saint Auban. Have a look and enjoy.” https://www.weglide.org/embedded/flight/238252?baro=true
Peter; “Once again an awesome day in paradise… Can’t get enough of these views.” Indeed a spectacular photo story over the mountains there. Have a look.
They flew with mentors as Bas Seijffert , Hermann Moeller and Erik Borgmann in an Arcus T and in an ARCUS M , and in 18m ASG 29 E, JS 1CTJ /21 m and an 18 m JS 3 RES.
Quite a few are members of the Gelderse. Some still junior as Lars Groot or former junior Nick Hanenburg , who was already 13.5 m WORLD Champion .[2022 in Pocuinai]
Lars gained his 5000 m height and has gold now with 3 diamonds. Good job! Hermann was one of the mentors who taught him how to fly best in wave.
Lars praised SkySight for their brilliant accurate overlays on the LX 9000.

On March 23 Peter flew into the Barcelonnette Valley. His comment; “Nice challenging flight . Not so easy to get out from low…. Got rewarded with some nice wave in the end.“
Powered by MillenAir Glider Supplies; http://www.millenair.eu
AND,…on the other side of the world on a trailer along the side of the road, on the way back from Narromine also MillenAir on Adams trailer.

Also in St. Auban, but between March 12 and 18 was the Fly Pink squad from Italy. Though the weather was not on it’s very best, lots of wind, the ladies had an interesting ,good time in which they learned a lot. A fabulous team-spirit helps of course too.

Talking PINK in Australian gliding;
“Female aviators from across the country and New Zealand are in Mount Gambier for the Australian Women Pilots’ Association annual conference. ‍
The not-for-profit first met in 1950 with 49 members to develop and assist women with a passion for aviation.
About 130 members are in attendance this year.”Yesgirlsglide
Happening this weekend.

Talking -more- on Women in Gliding.…there is an action to collect money for Ukraine pilot Olena to participate in the Spain WWGC at Soria between July 1 and 14 2023. The action has as goal Euro 3.700. At this time they have received already 2.320 E.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ukrainian-woman-pilot-to-attend-wwgc2023

Strong women in Gliding as shared by Cosmosphere ,a Smithsonian affiliate located in Hutchinson, KS. USA
“Marta Bohn-Meyer (1957-2005)
In 1991, Marta Bohn-Meyer became the first woman to crew the triple-sonic SR-71 Blackbird. She was assigned as a NASA flight engineer and, after 22 years, was named chief engineer at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. Widely known as a precision aerobatic pilot, Bohn-Meyer died Sept. 18, 2005, when the Giles G-300 she flew in an aerobatic practice routine crashed near Oklahoma City.
Today we celebrate Bohn-Meyer’s remarkable career. Learn more in our blog
https://bit.ly/3ug2aQl.

We talk PINK in the Netherlands as well. Enthusiastic young glider pilot Lizzy, who represents “us” in Spain at the WWGC in Soria, has set up “Dutch Soaring Sisters.” To make women stronger in the soaring community, she started 5 years ago a FB site with Sanne.
This week they restart their project and Lizzy wants us to share , the next words;
” This is a group to feel safe and comfortable in your own environment, where you can ask questions you might not be able to ask in your own club , certainly in a club where nearly no women fly“

Last but not least another top-soaring-lady in gliding Frauke Elber. She is important in the USA with her Women Soaring Pilots Association …..WSPA. Founded in Tucson [Arizona] on June 11 1986.
 “WSPA is a place where women gain new skills, build their piloting dreams, and motivate each other. Women exchange ideas and knowledge, meet new friends, and find mentors. WSPA provides scholarships to support women to fly gliders and offers a yearly flying seminar. WSPA inspires us to confidence in our abilities and to gain new heights!“
https://womensoaring.org/membership/
After a year delay due to Corona she finally got her very deserved award at the convention in Reno;
Schweizer Nomination – Frauke Elber.pdf (ssa.org).
CONGRATULATIONS Frauke.

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The MSC GRAND PRIX in Matamata in New Zealand was flown between March 17 and 25. Form 7 ,they had 5 soarable days, in a Class A open as well as in class B with racing class gliders .
Day 1 was cancelled, day 2 was difficult with in A only 3 from 10 finishing.
Task 3 …NO TASK,. due to rain but then 4 days in a row with small tasks , but they could fly.
The last day showed the best weather with in A, 284 km. with 126 km./h. for Brett Hunter in his 18m. JS 3. And in B 237 km with 97 km./h in a DG 300/15m. by Anton Lawrence.
“It’s all over! The Great MSC Grand Prix has finished, congratulations to Brett Hunter, Open Class/A, and Anton Lawrence, Racing Class/B. Some very exciting racing, with 3 seconds down to the wire between first and second on the last day.”
Brett had 38 points which was 10 more than both Tony van Dyk and Jason Shields as runners up.
The margin in the racing class B was small….36 for Anton and 35 for Steve!!! Only ONE point. AND,….that happened all on the last day, when Anton clearly won being 7 km./h faster than Steve in the ASW 20; 10 points and 8.
Anton moved up from 3 overall to 1 and Philip Rees in the St Libelle moved from 1 to 3. He had only 5 points on this last day.

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Another “soaring-master-piece” by Baptiste Innocent and Gil Souviron. My goodness me, soaring so long over the sea is pretty scary and epic, but of course they know what they are doing.
In the Stemme S12 they started at Ajaccio Campo in France for a flight with a scoring distance of 1.158,86 km.!!!!! It took them 10 hours and 27 minutes.
The best height was just over 6000 m MSL. the lowest 117 AGL not over water/1627 MSL. [OLC]
We Glide wrote;”
Baptiste Innocent and Gil Souviron continue to be unstoppable. Today, [March 25 2023] they accomplished another spectacular flight towards Corsica, and for the first time, they dared to make the jump to the southern neighboring island of Sardinia – with great success!
The thermal connection in Italy initially worked well, but unfortunately, it came to an end in the Po Valley. However, it’s still early in the year, so there’s plenty of opportunities ahead Congratulations to both, we’re truly impressed What’s next for them?“

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Next Sunday the Aussie F 1 Grand Prix will be as usual in St Albert Park. I was there MANY years ago looking at the event from a flat looking over the circuit with a glass of champagne in my hand. I then was mostly struck by the noise.
Since “we” have Max Verstappen I am a real fan from F1.
More next week.

You are up to date,…….. we are waiting for the REAL spring!!!! Everything out side was WHITE from frost last Monday.

Cheers Ritz
P.S. Last week I wrote about the trailer from Tony Condon with the glider in it. The fuselage fell through the ply floor…Tony made it to Forbes, where he stopped at Bunnings, not intentionally but forced, so did 2 of his team mates, Jack and Steve, who HELPED him.
I found these pictures and want to share them as well.
In between Tony is safely home in the USA.

Post 1.410 on March 25 2023.

AUSGLIDE 2023
15 March 2023 – 24 March 2023

With only 2 more flying days to go and scores VERY CLOSE, this pre world competition might feel in the end, like a thriller . BUT,….the first of the 2 days on March 23, had in each class a cancelled 2 hour AAT.
Such a pity!
Bruce; “The day was forecast to be very short today; the eventuality was a day that lasted longer and we could have added an hour to the flight time… but that is easily said after the fact. This morning it was obvious that the air in our nearby trough line was very moist and unstable, with a couple of showers passing by before briefing.”
And,…a bit later…..”Today was cancelled at about the scheduled launch time of 1230, and at 1520 it looks to have been a great decision. Heaps of mid-level rubbish around and some very solid development down to the south.” more on Taylor’s Gliding Page

March 24 VERY LAST DAY!!!!
From Narromine Gliding Club Official I received messages as ‘The tasks are set, same for all three classes with separate Start Points but approx 230k AAT with a 2 hour minimum time :

* Start 10.00 km Line (Radius 5.00 km)

* 70Nevertire 53.38 km 313.2° Cylinder R=30.00 km

* 14Armatree 84.15 km 59.2° Cylinder R=30.00 km

* 00NarromineAF

Gliders are gridding and should be launching shortly.
And….
“If the Skysight forecast is accurate today then fortune will favour the brave late starters with the strongest conditions on track around 2pm.“
And…
“Last day of the competition and it is down to the wire for team selection and the competition winners. A big day today.”

So what happened on the last day!!!!
Standard class; Task 9..2 hour AAT….Starts between 14.39 and 15.00.
Greg [Beecroft] as early starter, won the last day . He was only a few points behind Bruce overall. Was this the “game chancer”???
No it was not. Bruce , who started at 15.00 remains on spot 1 overall after being only 1 km/h slower. BUT,…with only 30 points difference. Yes , I know, only ONE point would have been enough too.
Greg flew 231.90 km with 103.93 km./h and Bruce 214.05 km with 102.24 km./h.
Bruce and Greg are the well deserved winners and they will represent Australia in the WGC in Narromine end of this year. Bruce even after an outlanding on task 2!!!! Gutsy way of working your way back to the top. But then he is an old hand in our soaring world.
Bruce; “The final day is done. It was a tough one, with a short window and everything to play for. Climbs were pretty weak and hard to find with fast cycling and wet air. I kept afloat and came home with a very close second to retain the lead from Greg Beecroft.” more in Taylor’s Gliding Page

Final results in standard class after 8 out of 10 days
1. Bruce Taylor in LS 8 with 5.737 points.
2. Greg Beecroft in LS 8 with 5. 707 p.
3. Scott Lennon in LS 8 with 5.462 p.

The Narromine Gliding Club Official analyze; “We cannot look past the amazing efforts of our Standard Class winners and almost winners. Firstly congratulations to Bruce Taylor, Greg Beecroft and Scott Lennon! Three worthy Champions and we all watched your fantastic efforts today on the live tracking. Greg an outstanding Day Win and it almost got you there. Bruce won the Championship despite outlanding early in the comp and that may well be a first.
Commiserations though for two of our top pilots, David Jansen and Mike Durrant. Had David not missed his start point on day 2 he may well have been a podium finisher. Similar story for Mike who was confidently leading the comp until day 6 when he outlanded and got 47 points to Bruce’s 876.
That’s it for this competition and we hope to see you at the Worlds in December!!“

15 m class; 2 hour AAT
Matthew in a tough race to be in for the WGC team, just missed out on 11 points, even with the glorious “all or nothing” win of the day; 220.91 km. with 107.50 km./h much faster than runner up Norm who flew 223.08 km with 95. 79 km./h. He gained 605 points.
Adam and Toby were 3d and 4th for 475 and 457 points.
Adam was pleased he won the AusGlide ; A day of many emotions, for the first time since I won my last nationals in October 2019 (with the original G1), I’m again National Champion in 15m class flying this absolute rocket, the Ventus 3TS-15“more on Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures

Matthew was a bit sad “it looks like I don’t have a chair for the Worlds later this year. 60pts from 1st, 7 points from 2nd – top two get picked. My first ballasted single-seat nationals loss since 2013(?), breaking a streak of 8(?) wins.”, but realized he was not at his best in the beginning of the comps. I am sad with him, because he belongs at a WGC. The full story on Matthew Scutter’s Gliding

Final results in 15 m. class after 8 out of 10 days.
1. Adam Woolley in VENTUS 3/15m with 6.121 points.
2. Tobi Geiger in VENTUS 2 with 6.068 p.
3. Matthew Scutter in Diana 2 with 6.057 p.

Club class; 2 hour AAT
Ryan in his ASW 20C won the day; 201.20 km in 89.12 km./h. with a start at 14.42. USA tony started at 3 PM and was 5th whilst Jo and James were “only” 8th and 9th .
That meant on this last day a few changes.
James was after day 8 the leader of the clubbies with Jo as runner up and Daniel as number 3.
That changed, though James remained on spot 1 as he had a clear lead.
Daniel was on 3 and moved to spot 2.
Ryan was on 5 and moved to 3.
Tony; “Tough day in the office. Hardly ever above 5k. Hot and humid and weak climbs. I managed to do pretty well considering. 5th for the day and 7th overall. Very pleased with that considering my outlanding.“

Final results in club class after 8 out of 10 days.
1. James Nugent in LS 3 with 5.848 points.
2. Daniel Summers in LS 3a with 5.415 p.
3. Ryan Driscoll in ASW 20 C with 5.396 p.

“I am so happy for everyone that competed in Club Class at this event. The new generation of Australian Competition Pilots has arrived and swept all before them. Such a great result.
And let’s not forget that two of the top three 15m Podium winners are also former Juniors.
We are looking forward to the World Gliding Championships in December at Narromine and hoping to see you there supporting the Aussies! “Narromine Gliding Club Official

Tony got a beautiful trophy called after Swaantje who died a couple of years ago on cancer. Lovely lady, great pilot. The last time I saw and spoke Swaantje was at Narromine, she then was already very sick.
This trophy is for the highest placed foreign pilot and that was Tony.

Talking about Tony, his trip back to Temora was more than eventful!!! He was dam lucky;
“Not what you want to see at fuel stop…plywood hanging below the trailer, fuselage resting on the brake actuator. Trailer brakes had been dragging. Thankfully stopped right next to Bunnings.”

An interesting AusGlide. A pity that not more overseas pilots tried their luck/practiced , but I know it’s far and expensive as we travelled more than 30 times up and down from the Netherlands to down-under.

This weekend we move our clock ONE hour ahead, meaning that the time difference between here and parts of Australia is now 8 hours instead of 10.
And,…it’s spring here ,it feels more like autumn.

CU again on Wednesday ,
Cheers Ritz

Post 1.409 on March 22 2023

Aus Glide 2023
Narromine 15 March 2023 – 24 March 2023

We continue with day 2 in all 3 classes with a racing task on a BLUE day!!!!!!
Standard; Task 2…..255.61 km…..A bit of a weird day with a top-pilot “out” and a winner in an LS 8; Mike [Durrant]. His speed was 117.42 km./h and UK pilot Jack [Tonkin from Lasham] was runner up with 113.93 km./h.
Allan, who won day 1 , was now 7th.
Bruce was the one who was out and shared this:
“I’m just crawling into bed after being retrieved from a paddock out near our first turnpoint. Yes, I bit the dust after a bit of a battle. It was blue, windy and soft around Narromine and to the south-west on the first leg, and I didn’t manage my flight as well as I might have.”
The day was even worse for David [Jansen] as he missed the start line [1.5 km] and got “zero points”.
15 m; Task 2….313.72 km…..with 125,68 km./h Ray [Stewart] won the day in his JS 3. Brad [Edwards] Matthew [Scutter] and Adam [Woolley] followed.
Matthew found the day difficult as well and explained the situation for us;”
“A very tricky day, with blue climbs to 7000ft and thermal wave above. I’ve never climbed into wave on task before, but today the wave was actually stronger than the thermals below!
I was never really in control of my situation, getting repeatedly dumpstered by the wave but generally managing to play the cards I was dealt fairly well, probably 3rd for the day and still leading overall. I’m just glad to have got around cleanly.”
Also Adam was not so bubbly as on other days.
“Wow, this flight required some mental strength! My late start was not by choice & not for lack of trying, it felt like everyone was in a different sky, all I could find was 2kts to 5000′, while everyone else seemingly were climbing at 5kts to 7-8000′ – once on task, I found out that they were!“
Club class; Task 2…..210.30 km….and ..3 YOUNGSTERS at the podium. Good on them. James[‘Nugent] in LS 3 with 110.93 km./h. Runner up Ryan [Driscoll] in ASW 20C with 105.47 km./h and David [Collins] with 104.86 km./h. [ASW 20 F]
6 from 19 flew with over 100 km./h. Tony was “out” :
“Well that wasn’t ideal. 20 knot headwind on the first leg…miss a climb or two and that’s what happens. Beautiful field. Long walk out to the road.”

What can you say……Tomorrow is another day!!!!

Task 3 2.30 AAT in all classes…..a very challenging and very stable blue day for ALL.
“Looks like a challenging day today!
A 2.5 hr 250k AAT with 30k and 20k circles. Altitude can be expected to 5,000ft maximum with projected thermal strengths of 3.5kts. Our competitors are going to be working very hard today. Good luck everyone.”
Narromine Gliding Club Official
Standard class; Bruce won the day with 240 km. in time 2.35.48. None of the 10 pilots flew over 100 km./h. and all 10 got back! Some serious “fighting against the odds/weather”.
15 m class; 9 started and 2 were out. Winner; Norm [Bloch ] in his JS 3 , runner up Tobi [Geiger] in the Ventus 2 . Norm flew 255 km in time 2.37,09[ speed 97.23 km/h. ] Toby from Benalla , a real good kilometer eater, 252 km in time 2.37, speed 96.28 km./h.
Club class; 14 from 20 were IN. Daily winner Neil [Bennet] in the MOSQUITO with 220.47 km in time 2.33.speed 86.53 km./h.
Runner up James had 228.39 km in time 2.48,38 so a speed of 81.26 km./h.
Kansas Soaring club member ,Tony did well with a 5th spot!!

Task 4; 3 hour AAT in all classes. “We’re having a run of low, blue days and it looks like more to come.” Bruce on his Taylor’s Gliding Page
Standard class…. young overseas guest Jack, staying for a while down under, won the day;325 km with a speed of 104,42 km/h. Just a tad faster than Scott who flew 317 km.
Allen was 3d and Bruce 4th.
Bruce had a tough day and he showed how tough at some moments. NEVER GIVE UP, is what Brad said lately when they flew together during the 2-seater Nationals…he did not!!!!!! Good on you Bruce.

15 m. class; a “young-hot-shot-day” with Adam winning and Matthew as runner up. Adam flew 349 km, Matthew 342 km and both finished after time 3.02 , for 1000 and 981 points.
Toby was a good 3d.
Matthew was not overly happy with his flying ;”I have definitely forgotten how to handle this kind of ratty blue weather with bubbly thermals, and my glider handling has become sloppy from too much solo flying, letting myself get outclimbed and out-glidden in gaggles, but once I fell off the back of the pack my AAT planning got me back ahead and I was home cleanly and on time while most struggled.” more in his blog.
Adam; “The key to today’s flight was trusting in my own ability & being patient with my first tow off climb. I took a slow climb which drifted me over the line at 5000′ by gate open. Only 2 pilots were in a position to follow me, though they didn’t, excellent!” More in his blog……Matthew Scutter’s Gliding
club class; James flew 304 km in time 301.55 and was the daily winner. All 20 pilots started AND finished. Tony was a bit slow on spot 18….”Much better day. Lift not quite as high but lighter wind. Made it around. I started early. A lot of clubbies started pretty late. Will see what the right strategy was!”
We know now.

Task 5; on a fast, high blue day.
Standard class; 319.27 km.
Bruce is back to his “Normal” soaring -self and won the day; speed 127.31 km./h. and quite more speed than runner up Mike Durant who flew around with 121.89 km./h.
9 Started the first 7 were LS8’s, .
Bruce, after a re-start; “About 20km out I climbed in 7 knots to 9,000 feet, and I was up and racing!“
Taylor’s Gliding Page
15 m; 345.54 km
Matthew straight away said a lot about the day.
“Psychotically cruel day – long task, short window, wave around the start. Only Tobi and Wool got into the wave and started FIVE THOUSAND feet higher than the rest of us, effortlessly gliding over the tricky first leg, then getting home before the day started to pack in.”
And,..indeed Adam and Toby were the best for the day. Adam had a speedy-Gonzales-speed; 141.86 km./h whilst Toby flew around with 137.77 km./h. Both fly a Ventus 3 and 2.
That was still 10 k faster than number 3 Matthew in his Diana 2.
8 started, 8 finished!
Adam has the full story in his blog., here is part of it
“A classic Australian blue day, one that went my way with a staggering 142kph over 345km. We experienced climbs up to FL130 (ground level approx 500-1000′) with occasional 10kt climbs! Today I had a similar focus to yesterday, climb safely straight off tow, then head to the line, start by 1445 as I has I could, then go like the wind! Fortunately this is what happened & I was lucky to core a climb from a hotspot which took me to 9500′ for the start, when my mates were forced to start from around 5-7000′..” Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures
Club class; 229.19... Jo was the best for the day; 123.72 km./h. When everything would have gone correct at the WWGC in Lake Keepit, she would have been world champion. Jo is a real good pilot. In her ASW 20 she was a tad faster than James.[122.60 km./h]
Tony mentioned; “ Ripping day today. Late start to a sprint of a task. Reminded me of a Monday night soaring condor task. 107 kph for me which is almost hair on fire speed in the little Cirrus.”
He was 9th from the 19 who started in club.

Task 6; with hope for CLOUDS!!!!AND…the 6th successive day of soaring. Blue conditions locally, with 14,000ft cu. GOOD!!!!!
SO…the announcement of a rest day on Tuesday March 21 ,yesterday was in time for all.
Standard; 2.30 AAT....356 km. in time 2.41 for Bruce and with the speed of 132.24 km./h he was the glorious winner for the day. AND,…for only 876 points.
Young Jack from Lasham is doing great with a runner up spot;375 km in 2.55, so 128.21 km./h. Miles was 3d.
Bruce was short and to the point; “This happened today. I think I connected with this climb at 5,000 feet and topped out at about 12,000, with an overall average of just under 8 knots. Huge climb! Best heights were above 13,000 feet.” After 6 intensive days the overall scores at this stage are; Bruce 4.463, Scott 4.426 and Greg 4.352 points.

15 m. class ; 2.45 AAT……. Daily winner Matthew !!!!……but he is n’t the happiest young man in the world.
“I’m not particularly enthusiastic about comps in general at the moment, frankly I’m dreading the idea of going to the Worlds in Narromine, and that’s leaking into my racing with lazy preflight prep and poor attention to detail – but I also don’t like losing and my current position is undoubtedly focusing the mind, for the second time in as many months!
Today was really the last chance to turn things around for me, and with a rest day likely tomorrow, I really gave it absolutely everything – meticulous planning and clearly focused.” more in Matthew Scutter’s Gliding
IT WORKED HE WON THE DAY…..BUT…it ain’t over yet.
The Diana 2 and Ventus 3 started at the same time , so Matthew and Adam both young eager pilots. They both really did their utmost best; Matthew 416.73 km in time 2.51 speed 145.98 km./h. and Adam with 411.91 km. in time 249.52 so 145.49 km./h.
Ray was 3d with 424.83 km with 143.75 km./h.
Adam was a bit less confident as on other days too.
“I wasn’t feeling myself in the sky today, not sure why, so I backed off the pace a fraction & let those around me do the work. It’s hard to put a figure on my effort today, but somewhere between 90-95%?Why wasn’t I feeling it? Just wasn’t thinking sharp & I had an uneasiness about the airspace, so played it cautious. Humming conditions otherwise though.….” more on Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures

So after 6 days of pretty intensive soaring, the overall score at this stage is; Adam with 5.057p, Tobi 4.962 and Matthew with 4.868 p. Mind you on the first 2 are allowed to participate in the WGC end of this year beginning of next year.

club class; 3 hour AAT….and great to see that Jo won with 373.44 km ,speed 120.26 km./h. and,…1000 points for the winner…….that’s adding up nicely. James flew a bit further, 386.17 km. but needed more time, speed 118.98 kn./h. Tony was 11th.
Tony;” Fun technical day today. Weather was going to be excellent to the west. But first we had to get there. And get back. Caught a thermal right over the field where I landed a few days ago. Take that!
Got to the clouds and had an awesome run. They were too tempting and I stayed out too late. Had to make a giant diversion to stay with the clouds, then worry about making the turn point.“Tony Condon

Task 7; with the expectation of showers.
Standard; 2 hour AAT....after a well deserved rest day a short task was set. Greg [Beecroft] was quite a bit faster than Bruce; 263 km in 127.11 km./h for 269 km in 124.83 km./h. Greg won the day!
15 m; 2 hour AAT....Matthew mentioned about the weather;
“forecast for smoldering showers forming out of 6000ft cu, and it was apparent from the start that at the very least the showers were behind schedule.”
“I completely lost the plot today.” Interesting reading on Matthew Scutter’s Gliding He was 6th for the day not what he hoped for but ” On the positive, we may still have two more short window flying days.“
We had not seen high scores yet from Mac during this pre-worlds ,but he won the day with 658 points! Starts between 13.28 and 13.45 and Mac belonged to the 4 first starters. His speed was 130.83 km./h over 281 km.
Tobi was the fastest with 135 km./h over 287 km but he flies a Ventus 2 [ handicap 1050 and LS 8 1010]
between number 1 and 7 there were only 100 points difference in scores .
Adam was 4th and a bit more positive;
“Another fabulous day over the skies of Narromine! It was anticipated to be a strong day, but with showers coming at the end of the day, which is exactly what happened!” Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures
Club class; 2 hour AAT….And I am very pleased to see that Tony won the day; 220 km with 109.13 km./h. And also very pleased to see that Tocumwal pilot Bernie [PIK 20] was runner up together with James.
A tough day for Jo who was on 15 from 18.
Tony; “Everyone was on edge about what was going to happen. Didn’t help there was a big rain shower southwest of the airport this morning. 2hr AAT to try to squeeze in a quick task.” More on Tony Condon

With 2 more days to go the final of this competition will be exciting, as scores are pretty close. Have a look at www.soaringspot.com . Tasks might be flown in by weather dominated windows. Let’s wait and see. I will be specially back on Sunday with the LATEST on the Aus Glide.
By the way the day 7 scores are still preliminary.

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Latest news from WeGlide
“Exciting news from Worcester, South Africa! Local matador Sven Oliver made an impressive flight yesterday, taking advantage of the Skysight wave forecast. Worcester is mainly known for its ride flying, making this flight even more impressive Furthermore, Sven has set his sights on a bigger flight of 1068km with turnpoints in the Atlantic Ocean, showing that anything is possible in Worcester. Well, there is still something to dream of. Congrats to Sven on a job well done“
Sven added; The flight is here https://www.weglide.org/flight/237906
AND,….https://youtu.be/-iumspfmF0o
Enjoy! Great job Sven….. 689 km

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The PERLAN PROJECT.

“official… it’s a go! The Perlan 2 spaceglider will soar above the skies of Argentina in the name of science again.
With a rather austere budget and countless hours of volunteer work to prepare, Airbus Perlan Mission II will attempt to soar to 90,000 feet this year.
Find out what preparations are already underway and how you can help“
https://perlanproject.org/argentina-2023-its-a-go/

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Senior Championship in Seminole Lake

Seminole is in FLORIDA and looking at my TV the weather there is horrible with landslides after a huge amount of rain. Houses fall from the cliff,…not good.
So I was worried , but no NOT necessary!
On March 11 they flew with start times between 3 and 3.52 PM over a 1.30 AAT as the weather was poor that day .
Greg Shug won this task 1 in an LS 4 and Joe Reeves in an LS 4 B was runner up whilst good “old” Gary Ittner was 3d in his Discus 2A.
The ladies did well ….spot 5 from 59 participants!!!
March 12 showed contest day 2.Winner of the day….Bob Fletcher in an ASG 29.
Further on a weather-forced- rest day was set on March 13 the next day was cancelled and…..contest day 4 on March 16 at least had a briefing and a group picture was made. Mostly not a good sign as there is time to make one.
So it’s waiting and waiting. BUT they flew contest day 4 and pilot Jared Cranzow on the bottom of the overall- list won the day in his ASW 27.

The last flying day also showed a 3 hour AAT and cloud bases were getting to 5,000-6,000ft and 5 knot lift was not uncommon. Daily winners; THE LADIES, Sarah and Susan !!!
In the end Jim Lee wins the 2023 Senior Nationals at Seminole Lake Gliderport in Florida, USA flying a JS3 jet sailplane (A8) in the 15m configuration. Congratulations Jim.
The ladies in the ARCUS, the first ALL FEMALE TEAM at the seniors, Sarah and Susan, were runner up, whilst the 2012 Uvalde WGC director Ken Sorenson, was 3d.
Good “old” Karl Striedieck was 5th.

Here is a short impression from my friend Rick who was the scorer THERE!!!!
“The first contest of the 2023 soaring season, the 33 rd Seniors Championship, took place
over seven days in early March. What started out as an informal “festival” for pilots of a
certain age in 1991 has evolved into a serious contest with entries from across the
country.
We had 59 entries this year. There were 13 current and former members of the US
Soaring Team, including 3 WGC medalists (Doug Jacobs, Karl Striedieck, and Sarah
Arnold). Pilots came from as far away as Alaska to celebrate the official beginning of the
US soaring season. It is a handicapped competition, and 11 of the gliders were 2-seaters.
All tasks were AAT.
The task area is narrow and runs north and south, both because of airspace restrictions
and because Florida is a peninsula. Despite this, our Director, John Good, set a variety of
interesting tasks that challenged all the pilots each day.
Our weather was mixed, but we were able to race on 5 of the 7 possible days. The lead
changed hands a few times, but in the end the winners were:

1. Jim Lee (JS-3) 4729 pts
2. Susan Simmons and Sarah Arnold (Arcus) 4725 pts
3. Ken Sorenson (Ventus 3 FES) 4597 pts

To finish something totally different but for sure interesting. My Dutch/Aussie friend Gerrit flies when he is has time, but he is mostly busy with his farms. Look at this;

That’s it for now, enough updates, so CU next week with the final exciting days of AUS Glide.
cheers Ritz

Post 1.408 on March 15 2023.

AUS GLIDE
13 March 2023 – 24 March 2023
NARROMINE

The club, standard and 15 m pilots rushed from all parts of Australia and even from the world to Narromine for the Pre Worlds. I noticed Jack from the UK and Tony from the USA.
Tony went via Temora where he borrowed glider C2, from the Gilbert Family. It’s a Cirrus with LS8 tips and Discus panel.
Long ago in 1984, the world arrived in Australia too, to fly the AUSTRA GLIDE. There is a beautiful video from this event, an ABC documentary ,about this 1984 gliding competition in Benalla, Australia. It was the largest gathering of gliders in Australia ever, and a precursor to the world championships in 1987.
Austraglide 84 is still to be seen at YouTube.……and WORTHWHILE looking at, [just under 30 minutes] when you have not seen it yet. I just looked at it again and it still impresses me.
It’s mainly about Ingo [Austr] , Kees and George [The Netherlands] Herbie [Eric Moser USA] , Griffo [Peter Griffiths Austr.] ] and shows all in’s and out’s of soaring in that time .

To AUS Glide now. Adam had to travel/commute again via Singapore and Japan to Sydney for these Pre Worlds. He mentioned ;
“this is the selection event for the Australian team, cut throat, 1st or 2nd make the team, 3rd does not. “
So tension enough and expectations HIGH for a great COMP.
Official practice day was yesterday and today the comps start. I will post what I hear and find.
Adam Tony and Bruce share their posts so you can follow them for “hot DIRECT news”.
Tony Condon…..”It was nice and cool up at 10,000 ft! Final leg made sure that it wouldn’t all be easy. Good tour of the area.”
Taylor’s Gliding Page “We had a nice practice day today, great weather for this time of year with mostly 7 knot climbs to about 11,000 feet out west“
Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures…”This was a fantastic leg towards Condobolin, classic Australian weather, 7.7kt average up to 10,000′, confirmed by SkySight XC Speed predictions beautifully” about practice day.
Matthew Scutter’s Gliding about the practice day on the 14th. “We got about halfway through the morning met brief before Telstra cut all phone comms in Narromine for ‘maintenance’, and with a nasty blob of altocumulus locally we didn’t even have a satellite picture on the grid to know whether it was moving or breaking up. Eventually the day was cancelled and the gaggle went to Coles to buy Optus SIM cards. Telstra outages expected to last 7 days!”
During flight by Narromine Gliding Club Official “Wow! What an exciting finish to the first day of the Pre-Worlds. The entire fleet is pouring down the last leg at a great rate of knots and it is literally anybody’s race at the moment.”
Standard class;
task 1; 3 hour AAT…….a 1000 points day..9 participants amongst them Bruce ,David [Jansen] and Miles [Gore Brown] and Allan [Barnes] as winner of the day with 390 km in time 3.07 so a nice speed of 125 km./h. That was 2 km faster than the runner up. The first 5 flew LS 8.
A total of 6 LS 8 gliders and 2x Discus B.
15 m class; 3 hour AAT…..also 9 pilots in this class and a few well-known as Matthew [Scutter] Adam [Woolley] Brad [Edwards] Mac [Ichikawa] and Norm [Bloch.
“Poor” Tim was out after 383 km.
Daily winner Matthew in his Diana 2. 403 km with a speed of 133 km./h! Adam was runner up.
Club class;
Task 1; 3 hour AAT. 19 pilots in club!! Good!!! Best for the day, young James Nugent in his LS 3. Tony was 13th . “Day 1 complete. Nothing earth shattering for me but I had a nice flight. One thermal averaged 11…that was nice.“
Female pilot Jo [Davis] was 4th.
More next week.

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USA 2023 Senior Soaring Championship
March 11-March 17

As always the seniors travelled to Seminole Lake for their championship. They meet already for the 33th time and to be part of it you have to be older than 55 years.
Last Friday was a practice day with a 2 hour task. Pretty good weather but as Nick mentioned; “Clouds all day, but again, climbs were often not what we hoped.”

On March 12 they started the comps and this time also , with a total female crew for the fist time in those 33 years.

“US Teams Night at the Seniors. Monday was a “Rest Day” from flying with rain off and on all during the day, so everyone was in good spirits and excited for a nice dinner with extra libations and dessert from the US Team committee, plus an interesting presentation from recent WGC competitions and plans for the future. One of the highlights was Sarah Arnold’s recap of the day that she and Karl won last year in Hungary.“

More next week.

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The South African pilots , a mix of young and old had a practice/training week at Tswalu as mentioned last week. They had superb weather with speed up to 160 km./h “Look at those skies.”

The German pilots are in St Auban mixed with some USA pilots.
The Tocumwal pilots still fly nearly 500 km in Discus and ASW 27. Today even over 600 km!! Nearly autumn there.
From Aosta in Italy, Swiss pilots flew 1.012 km in the ARCUS M and from Serres Klaus Ohlmann flew 950 in the ANTARES 20 to SE of Aosta.
From Soesterberg Sikko mentioned that he flew Cross Country already for the 3d time “and it is only March11”. Contrarily with the S.A. pilots he had no sand and scrub to look on but SNOW.

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SIXTY YEARS Z.E.S.

On March 27 the ZES [Aeroclub of Students from Eindhoven] celebrate their 60thies birthday. All kind of festivities have been organized to celebrate this happy moment.
It all happened with the “thoughts” of a few students on March 27 in 1963. On the picture below you see them but then not as student anymore.

My first acquaintance with the ZES was in 1967, only 4 years later on March 29 .
That visit is as a common tread through my life and the fact that I still write is because of the ZES. I only was a member for 2 years but it all had a huge impact on me. The last couple of years since I am back from Australia, I am a donor .

As you know soaring got in my blood. I was crew, TC, Juror and Steward, and nowadays I still write my blog to share my thoughts about what I read and see or experience, so you can read it every Wednesday.
World wide I got to know so many lovely people, I travelled the world for comps and on invitation to be editor on WGC’s, WWGC’s and JWGC’s.
Soaring enriched my life. SO ,…in the past we always shouted out loud to toast ….. 1-2-3-4-5-6 fly up.
I do that now too.

Cheers Ritz

Post 1.407 on March 8 2023.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY!!! SO,……..More women in this blog.

LAKE KEEPIT REGATTA.
26 February 2023 – 4 March 2023

20 Competitors fly this fun event, with a serious touch. With a few 3 Hour AAT’s and a 2.30 and 2 hour AAT the first 5 days were covered with good soaring conditions.
“The Regatta is all about fun and learning and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
One of the very enthusiastic members of the Club , Jacques [Graells] in his JS 1a, could not fly every day , missed out on day 1 and 2, but on the day’s he could, he won or was runner up.
But winning in this REGATTA, is not important just gives you a good feeling and is for some, an extra dimension on such a week.
Jacques is a lovely guy . On day 3 with the 2 hour AAT he flew 270 km. with a speed of 125 km./h, 5 k faster than Justin Smith in the ARCUS.
Instructor Nicolas [Singer] another of those lovely members and a REAL good cook, was 4th that day. Another well known-to-me fine pilot, Mathias Kopp, flew in his ASG 32, but was unlucky; “out” after 156 km.
Day 4, task 4, with a 3 hour AAT was for Justin with 381 km and a speed of 119 km./h. He beat Jacques on handicap ; 368 km. /speed 121 km./h.
Day 5, task 5 with another 3 hour AAT was for Jacques again; 422 km/speed 137 km./h. Nick [Nicolas] was runner up ;390 km/123 km./h. Justin was 5th and Mathias did not fly.

Day 6…another 3 hour AAT and it was between Jacques and Justin again; 410 km for Justin with 119 km./h and 438 km with 122 km./h for Jacques;1000 and 976 points.
Tim Carr in the Duo Discus XT, was 3d. In the time I was there Tim was the enthusiastic president of the club.
Day 7…last day…2.30 AAT won by Jacques, with 306 km with 122 km./h. Justin was runner up with 295 km with 116 km./h.
No secret that Justin won the REGATTA. He flew every day. In the end Jacques was 3d, missing 2 days…pretty GOOD!!!!

LONG ago we visited Lake Keepit too when the Nationals were flown there. I also have good memories on that competition with our pretty unit at the Lake . A special event,….One of the toppers flew then his beautiful ASW 22 KG. After launching he had a problem, he had to return but was full of water. In the end the wings were on the ground and our mate was sitting on the “wheel.” No flying for him anymore……..

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Information about a competition in The Netherlands; Gelderse 1 daagse wedstrijd

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——We could see on several days [3] the Aurora Borealis. I only saw pictures , but they were stunning. We call it “NOORDERLICHT” . Pretty spectacular and very rare here.

—–Another happy and colorful picture this time from the UK .
“Congratulations to all the recipients of BGA trophies for their amazing performances during 2022! “

MORE HAPPINESS ; “Cornelia “Conny” Schaich being awarded the 2022 International Gliding Commission Champion Pilot of the Year! Congratulations!“

——-And Liz Sparrow received the very prestigious Pelagia Majewska medal, for the few who don’t know;
“This Medal was created by the FAI in 1989, following a proposal by the Aero Club of Poland, in memory of Madame Pelagia MAJEWSKA, eminent Polish glider pilot awarded the Lilienthal Medal for 190, and holder of 17 world gliding records, who lost her life in an air accident in 1988. The Medal is offered to the FAI by the Aero Club of Poland. It may be awarded annually, on recommendation by the FAI Gliding Commission, to a female glider pilot to reward : a particularly remarkable performance in gliding during the past year, or eminent services to gliding over a long period of time.”
I got mine in 2015, obviously not for great soaring but by “hanging around, “observing and writing my blogs, crewing, being TC and steward ,[Finland] member of the jury [Italy, one of the choosen jurors could not come so I wrote my blog AND was Juror, no worries with a boss as Tor] R.I.P.

——–And the senior and junior team from South Africa have started a week of training in the Kalahari .

—-–And…..6 of the 7 containers full of gliders flying in Namibia have safely arrived;
“On Saturday we were able to unload six containers with the aircraft. On Friday, after extensive inspections at customs in Rotterdam(X-ray) and Bruchsal(gas examination), they arrived safely and without damage in Waghäusel. The seventh container disembarkes in Hamburg and will reach its destination Celle next week.
Only 7 months to go and we are already heading in the other direction again.“
For bookings: hog@bitterwasser.com

——And a fabulous sunset as see by Gerrit in Australia. The EB …..A Royal glider and a Royal sunset.
Gerrit is/was in Narromine for the Narromine Gliding Cup Week as is the Geelong Gliding Club.
They mentioned; “Unfortunately, high winds have grounded us for 2 days but the rest if the week is looking good.” But they also PRAISE Narromine as place for gliding AND place to be.

—–The NSW State Comps [February 6-12] FINALLY have the correct winner.
“Congratulations to Miles Gore Brown who, after correction of his score, is now in first place in the NSW State Championships!
And huge thanks to Ian Steventon, whose diligent investigation into the scoring issue lead to producing a correct score!”
I had the wrong one too, so herewith also my correction.

To finish this impressive MONUMENT in the water to remember all pilots from the war who drowned there. Between 1941 and 1945 117 crews of Allied planes got killed in the lake called IJSSELMEER and around it.
It was placed in 2012 on April 18 and the design was from Arend Kleinpaste.

CU next week, by the way the 2023 FI season opened last weekend in Bahrein. YES,….Max won. And what about Alonso……. Another hero.
Our Dutch soaring season started at some places as well. The Gelderse at Terlet [Arnhem] did…so did Soesterberg [Amsterdam] Sikko flew 184 km between showers, but it was a nice 3 hour “in the office”.
So not yet big tasks as the weather was very poor, but checks and “feeling the glider again”.,,,,why not, …….perfect, being ready when the weather is there. Not this week temperatures between minus 4 and plus 8 and SNOW!!!!!
The GOOD flights in The Netherlands were already on February 26 , with 6 flights from Soesterberg between 141 and 416 km.[See last blog]
TO ALL now the season starts; Have a safe and fabulous new 2023 season.

AND,…be aware of unexpected incidents as with towing out. CHECK THE TOW OUT GEAR before the season starts.
Benjamin [Neglais] added under this picture:
“Never drive back. Never drive faster as first gear idle. Always triple check before getting in the car. Never turn steep. If any doubt, ask for help. You Can ruin tailplane, aileron, wingtips so easily and neither will Be easy and fast to fix.”
Benjamin is Sales Manager at Schemmp-Hirth and pilot for the French Team.

cheers Ritz
This morning I woke up with snow and at least 3 more hours we will see SNOW!!!! I thought and hoped it was SPRING!!!! Yes March brings gales.

Post 1.406 on Wednesday MARCH 1 2023….the beginning of the meteorological spring here and autumn on the other side of the world. The snowdrops and daffodils in my garden start to flower and that is 40 days TOO EARLY.
We still have however, minus 4/5 in the night, but great , though cold sunny conditions during the day.
Even a bit of wet SNOW!!!!! Majorca,[Spain] one of those places lot’s of people go to to miss out on winter conditions, had more snow than ever before. AND,…they are not used to it, certainly not up to half a meter.

Also for soaring, as that freezing cold air creates, as we know, great soaring circumstances. Last Sunday they flew already here in the Netherlands,….. VERY early in the season.
417 km for Bart and Vincent in the ARCUS M from Soesterberg topping the All Europe list just ahead of my Lasham mates Roy and Andy [379 km.] and Sikko in the ASG 29 E 332 km. TOP!!!!!! [333km]
5 Pilots started from Soesterberg.
“What a day! Only time I was cold was during riging/deriging!” by Bart and Vincent on WEGLIDE.
“Incredible skies for the UK in February” by Roy and Andy.
Andy flew already 1 day earlier with Kim 526 km in the ARCUS also from Lasham. And yesterday another 418 km. CC.
Also my Belgium mates just over the border started their season from Keiheuvel with 353 km in an ARCUS T.
WHAT A SEASON START!!!!!

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Dual Seat Nationals at COROWA!!!!!
19 February 2023 – 25 February 2023

With only a few days to go , the 2-seat Nationals continued on Thursday.
Adam wrote; “The sun has set on another day, congratulations to Brad & Bruce on a great flight & one that has 95% likely won them back to back, 20m Nationals!”
Another win for the long-time-WGC-pilots :
Task 5; 370 km…..
From the 9 teams , 3 were out, so not an easy day. The ASK 21 MI started early 13.39 but was out after 233 km. Gutsy way of flying a competition in the ASK, but for sure great fun. You” participate “, you don’t fly to win.
B[rad] and B[ruce] started at 14.52 as most of the other pilots. And they had a great run and were faster in their “mighty machine” as all others; 116 km./h whilst the runner up in the DG 1001 had 93 km./h.
“The rest of the fleet finally spread out in desperation to find a climb, which just never really came. Hats off to Lumpy who was able to push out in front after he caught us back up, to find us a climb from low down. Unfortunately for Lumpy, he pushed on again at a medium threat height looking for better, only to miss out on his found climb of 6kts to 6000′ not long after.” Adam and as always you can hear the full story on Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures. He shares nowadays a vlog with his post-flight-analyses and a blog.
Lumpy and Joergen were 4th for the day.
Allan and Harry were only 10 k out!! 7th for the day.
Bruce; “ my pilot remains a wizard!”
And….”But the chauffeur wound the pace up a little, finding a few solid climbs to allow us to pull away, then crossing the Murray River just east of Tocumwal he magically hooked a great climb to the best height of the day.”
Taylor’s Gliding Page for much more!

B[rad] 1 and B[ruce] 2 having fun at the briefing, with Lumpy and Joergen to the l behind them.
20m Dual Seat Nationals 2023

Task 6; 321 km.... another racing task.
They started at the same time, the FIG with Keith and Adam and the ZBE with B&B. And,…NO they did not finish together. The FIG won the day with a speed of 116.77 km./h and the ZBE with 107 km; 900 points and 747 p. “A fun blue day out,” a bloody fantastic blue day “according to Adam, who then did not yet know they won the day.
Good weather forecast again, basically cu’s on the first leg , then blue. But as said before blue down under is not the same blue as here. You find strong thermals in “their” blue.
Runner up David and Leslie and 3d Allan and Harry
The ASK 21 is hanging in, brave flying, but out after 127 km.
Bruce flew and here is a small part of his story;
“Phew, tough day today for us… for me. We travelled up north, westwards and then back south for about 320 km. The day began well with a strong climb off tow, and soon after that some little cumulus started to form out on our track. The thermals were easy to work and we seemed to have no trouble staying up, and after a bit of a wait we started at about 1445, which was right in the middle of our selected start window. As it happened we were right with Adam and Keith, our closest competitors on the scoresheet. Under normal (serious) circumstances it would have been prudent to sit with them for the whole flight and completely protect our substantial lead, but that isn’t me at all.”
Task 7; the very last day!!!! Still a “few” points difference between the 2 best ,B&B and Adam and Keith; 4.304 and 4.136.
What will bring this last day ……. a 3 hour AAT.
A win for David and Lesley!!! They started early and went on track straight away, still not too high 4/5000 ft. but they made it. Good on them….378 km in time in 3.20 in the ARCUS T for 1000 points. Speed 113 km./h.
111 km./h for Brad and Bruce so my good “old” mates win the comps.
As Bruce mentioned;” I think we did enough for an overall win. Super flight by Brad, zero risk and plenty fast enough. He has flown so well this last week, not really very current but all the old skills remain, and the weather suited his style. He is a master in changeable, difficult conditions, and that’s what we flew in all week.”
Much more in his Taylor’s Gliding Page
And Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures…”A disaster of a last day, it was like we flew in totally different conditions on a totally different task than anyone else!”
They were 4th for the day [846 points]

The Australian National 2-seat CHAMPIONS after 7 days and 7 tasks from Corowa;
1. Brad Edwards & Bruce Taylor in ASG 32 with 5,232 points.
2. Keith Gateley & Adam Woolley in ARCUS M with 4,982 p.
3. David Jansen & Lesley Scott in ARCUS T with 4,589 p.
Congratulations to ALL.

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The SSA CONVENTION in RENO in the USA was in full swing between February 23 and 25. It’s every 2 years. Enough interesting and inspiring speakers also women, as Leah Condon about crewing ….”What your Crew Wants to Know”……and WWGC pilot Kathy Fosha who spoke at the WSAP breakfast .
Subjects as the amazing MINIMOA restoration, the SSA membership meeting featured report on committee reorganization and growth/retention effort and not to forget the annual OSTIV meetings and dinner.
At the OSTIV also a young Dutch glider pilot , Simon van de Eijkel, speaking on Building the next generation platform for WEGLIDE.
Simon was so lucky to fly on Sunday from Minden in Nevada with Gordon Boettger in the ARCUS M; 709 km and an awesome speed of 215 km./h!!!

In total they had over 50 excellent speakers & presentations on soaring. A convention floor full of gliders , equipment and so much more with over 40 exhibitors.
Presentations on the last day also by Uys Jonker about Jonker Sailplanes [ Design, development and performance of the JS 2Revenant 18m/21m and JS5 Rey 24 m glider.] and Tilo Holighaus about Schempp-Hirth.[ The Philosophy behind Schempp-Hirth] Each speaker gets 45 minutes and there is a tied schedule.

Met Tony for the first time in 2012 in Uvalde Texas, when he flew in to be part of this exiting WGC. Later we were having a drink with Dundee in Narromine.

Also the BGA Conference was held on February 25. HpH Sailplanes UK will be there with the TWIN SHARK.
By the way they were in Reno too.
“Belated congratulations to Lasham member Graham Garnett on being awarded a diploma for services to gliding at the British Gliding Association conference over the weekend.
Graham has been involved in the organisation of competitions and grid launches at Lasham for over 30 years and has also spent the last 10 years as the British Gliding Team manager.”
Lasham Gliding Society
WELLDESERVED, Graham.

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from; FAI – World Air Sports Federation just to let you know…..

The Gliding competition season looks promising this year!

5th FAI Pan-American Gliding Championship – Hutchinson, USA (6-17 Jun)

12th FAI Women’s World Gliding Championship – Garray, ESP (1-15 Jul)

21st FAI European Gliding Championships – Leszno, POL (29 Jul-12 Aug)

6th FAI Junior European Gliding Championships – Arnborg, DEN (30 Jul-12 Aug)

37th FAI World Gliding Championships – Narromine, AUS (2-16 Dec)
https://bit.ly/3xGIZBc
WWGC 2023
Lotnisko Leszno
Narromine Gliding Club Official

In the weekend of August 19 and 20 the annual KEIHEUVEL competition will be flown. I try always to be there. To enter
https://www.lvzc.be/index.php/inschrijven

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News from Lumpy Paterson from Tocumwal Soaring Centre
Lumpy;”Pretty exciting day ….
Bit like 5 years ago when the first Aussie JS3’s arrived in Australia, only today it’s the first RES JS3’s into Australia.
The RES is a self launching electric JS3-18mtr glider and they look awesome, and looking forward to seeing them flying ( real soon )
5 Years ago I was there and was allowed to make pictures from the 3 JS 3 gliders from Butch, Norm and Lumpy. I published them in my blog with a short story.
NOW ,..I am not there but I can share it anyhow , as news travels so fast and easy, in fact I don’t have to go anywhere anymore.
Though , to be honest, the feeling from being present is totally different. AT LOCATION, gives you the real feeling!!!!

Kiripotib Soaring shared their news for 2023 and I am more than pleased to see that what Ludwig and Wolfgang started ,continues in their style; GREAT CONCEPT.
November 2023: Nine top pilots, one chance! World and European champions share their expertise in cross-country flying with enthusiastic glider pilots. Take your flying skills to the next level! Seven days in a dual-seater with various champions – increase your speed, refine your technique and master your equipment. Join us! The best of the best are looking forward to an amazing time with you.
This is what awaits you:
https://youtu.be/64AyW9p_9iE

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I got several reactions on the death of my good mate Bruce who died on February 13 of a heart attack. Even one of his University friends wrote to me after googling the name “Ritz, he often heard from Bruce in his gliding time“.
A Memorial Service on March 10 in Melbourne is arranged by his wife Kristine.
Some memories on Bruce.

CU next week.
Ritz, still sad…….

Post 1.405 on February 22 2023.

—–I finished my last blog with the hope that a lot of my Dutch “fellowmen” would donate for victims of the earthquake from Syria and Turkey.
They did ,……in the evening there was 89 million Euro, PERFECT!!!!
And,…the amount is still growing…..

——With the start of the 2-seater Nationals in Corowa [NSW.Australia] , I thought it would be appropriate to share this news from Chris Kiehn;
“Congrats to 30 years of the Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus. It’s been over 30 years in other words since I did my apprenticeship there as I helped build the wing plugs and molds for this aircraft that pretty much created a new class of aircraft that no one new they needed. Was it foresight or staunch belief from Klaus Holighaus that people would accept the idea of a 20m glider at the time? Either way, it’s rare to find a 20m 2 seat comp these days without a Duo or the Arcus being represented. Job well done

—–News from Tocumwal Aviation Museum
“On this day 79 years ago: 15 February 1944, Number 7 Operational Training Unit formed at RAAF Station Tocumwal.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s first Heavy Bomber training unit formed at RAAF Station Tocumwal on the 15th of February 1944 with an initial establishment of 473 personnel and 9 aircraft. This would grow to over 2,100 personnel and over 70 aircraft by mid-1945.
Over the next 18 months, 7 OTU would train over 4,000 aircrew and 2,000 ground crew.
Known primarily for the iconic B-24 Liberator, 7 OTU would also operate other aircraft including P-40 Kittyhawks for fighter affiliation, Vultee Vengeances for target towing and Airspeed Oxfords for transport and training.
7 OTU would become the largest and most significant of all Operational Training Units operated by the RAAF during World War 2“
Very proud to have been a very small part of this history by opening at our time the WW2 hangar for busloads of guests to see the WWII memorabilia’s in our briefing room.
We also got to know some of the survivors with great stories and many family members who brought memories from their dad to our little exhibition, ran by Gina and Bob Brown.

—–Dutch Nationals; 18/27 May 2023.

—–Jordan [Johnson] flew his first declared 300k on February 18!!!! He launched from Lleweni Parc in the UK and is a member of the Bidford Gliding and Flying Club. He had a bit of wave over beautiful Wales, but did ‘nt use that too much ,as he was on a 300 km mission. He flew an ASW 20 B.
https://bgaladder.net/FlightDetails/

—–Back to a competition!!!!

Dual Seat Nationals in COROWA.
18 February 2023 – 25 February 2023

Above you read the news from Chris already ,so in Corowa there are 9 teams and from them 6 Schempp-Hirth gliders.
3x an ARCUS M, 1 ARCUS T and 2x a DUO DISCUS and one ASK 21MI, an ASG 32 and a DG 1001.
It could well be that the Duo from the Hunter Valley is “our” former Duo sold for a very nice price at the auction in 2005. We were glad the Hunter Valley “had it”.
Adam [Woolley] arrived from Japan to fly with the new owner from Corowa Keith.
Good old Harry, in his nineties who flew the last WGC with Alan [Barnes] are as team reunited again in Corowa.
Brad Edwards and Bruce Taylor arrived from Lake Keepit and Lumpy with Joergen from Tocumwal. For them it is about 80 km, for Harry , Allan , Bruce and Brad about 844. A long drive over the Newell Highway,…we did that with the WWGC.

Adam Woolley’s Gliding Adventures started his stories as well both have pictures too.

Task 1 ; 141 km……on Sunday February 19, when we start our carnival- festivities here.
And,….when you start a NATIONAL COMPETITION, you have to use every possible window even if only a 141 km tasks fits in.
4000 ft in the blue , best climbs 4 to 5…….. according to Adam in his vlog.
So off they went, the 9 teams, for a day with not a lot of points to gain or loose,….but A DAY.
Daily winners as well; Brad and Bruce, …112 km./h….2 WGC pilots for a long time. I met Brad for the first time in Uvalde Texas in 91 when he became world champion.
With a late start at 4.03 they left, as did Keith and Adam; 295 and 291 points.
2 were “out”.
Bruce mentioned;”Again I was witness to the fine work of Brad, setting to his business in the front seat while I enjoyed the ride in the back. It wasn’t a day that could be called treacherous, but it wasn’t straightforward either.’ more Taylor’s Gliding Page day 1.
Task 2; 3.30 AAT..…much better weather much longer task. 445 km in time 3.59 was the best result and for 1000 points. They were for Bruce and Brad with as the day before Keith and Adam as runners up.
3 From the 9 teams were “out”.
Bruce was the “driver ” and part of his story was ;”Climbing out of the glider I felt totally drained and quite dejected. We’d come so close to doing a really nice flight and I’d managed to throw it away… … … until half an hour later when we’d heard everybody else’s stories and realized we’d had a great day. This gliding game is crazy!”
Interesting statement from somebody who is in this world already for such a long time.
The full story on; Taylor’s Gliding Page
Task 3; 221.86 km….. Interesting day as a DUO DISCUS was runner up. Brad and Bruce had their third successive win with a nice speed of 139.41 km./h. The Duo [handicap 990] was slower than the ASG 32, [handicap 1074] pretty normal, but they did well with 123 km./h.
Starts between 14.21 [ASK 21MI] and 15.36. [ASG 32]
Tocumwal Soaring Centre mentioned; “They say taking a Duo to the Nationals is like taking a knife to a gun flight !Jack and Dave have their knife very sharp !The team are flying our Duo and having a great time, well done guys.”

Task 4; 2.30 AAT….today…..
According to Adam ,…..Another cracking day, though heavily influenced by strong surface winds & wave on the first leg. Something happened on the 2nd leg, the day organized itself & it was all go go go!”
Indeed Adam and Keith won the day with a speed of 121.32 km./h over 327 km. They started 2 minutes behind Bruce and Brad.[121.27 km./h. over 320 km.]
Bruce mentioned about the day: “Quite a fascinating day today. Even as I was taking my morning walk down by the river the sky was full of alto-cumulus… for the non-flying populace that is puffy clouds with a flat bottom (like a cumulus) but not connected to lower level convection. Often if the day is good enough the lower level convection improves until the alto-cu actually becomes cumulus, but this is difficult to pick and to get your head around how best to use it.” the full story on Taylor’s Gliding Page
More next week.
Overall scores after 4 tasks; Brad and Bruce with 2.585 points,2. Keith and Adam with 2.498 p and david Jansen and Leslie with 1.981 p.[ARCUS T]

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It’s with HUGE sadness that I have to share this message from Belle Brockhoff. My LONGTIME good friend Bruce passed away not long after I had contact with him on his 80thiest birthday, on January 28!!!

Don’t know what to say, it’s a bit of a shock to me. Yes he was old but still……..only 80!!!
R.I.P. dear Bruce! You have been the most inspiring person to invite us to Australia , where we stayed to live for more than 10 years. Your introduction to Sportavia opened a brand-new world to us, with countless new friends….and a lot are STILL FRIENDS.
I wrote a long article on Bruce in 2012 which was published in SOARINGCAFE, GLIDING INTERNATIONAL and in my blog on February 16 2012.
You have to scroll down to February 2012 below and it is worth doing that. He was so much more than glider pilot Brockie.
www.soaring.eu
Title of the blog;

“Some pilots in life remain friends for ever…time to introduce Bruce Brockhoff“

Sad , yes I am very sad, as his longtime “best friend” as he called me till now, but glad to have known this outstanding man.

Ritz

Post 1.404 on February 15…hope you had a good VALENTINES-day yesterday.

Matamata N.Z. CLUB CLASS NATIONALS
3 February 2023 – 12 February 2023

They had already 2 good days of ridge flying and we continue with
Task 4 another 3 hour AAT…..and again good ridge soaring. This time DG 300 pilot John Robertson was the daily best with 285 km. in 3 hours at the dot!!!!! In his “ELAN” he was 1 km. faster than MOSQUITO pilot Steven Wallace. [283 km] The other Steven ,Care, flew in his ASW 20 also 3 hours but less kilometers.
Task 5 was much slower; a 3 hour AAT was set , the daily winner was again John, but now not for 1000 points but “only” 333. He had to fly for that, 265 km with a “speed” of 88 km./h.
Winning 2 days in a row, means for John that he leads the overall scores now, after 4 flying days , but only just; 3.189 for 3.166 for Steven W.
Task 6; 2 hour AAT....challenging day with start times between 13.10 and 14.22. Only 11 pilots started , 3 were out and the daily winner was Steven in the Mosquito, flying 206 k. in time 2.14. All flights under 100 km./h. A good day for him as he was back on spot 1 overall again.
As task 7 was not flown, the last day had to be cancelled, this win to be NATIONAL CHAMPION was important;
Here are the final scores after 5 out of 8 days.
1. Steven G Wallace in Mosquito with 3,980 points…NATIONAL CLUB CLASS CHAMPION
2. John Robertson in DG 300 Elan with 3,952 p.
3. Michael Strathern in ASW 20 with 3,717 p.

Task 5 a 3 hour AAT in the open class was a race again between Brett Hunter in the JS 3 and Tim Bromhead in the Ventus 2C. Tim flew 290 km with a speed of 97 km./h , Brett, 294 km with 96 km./h.
After 4 flying days their overall scores are very close as well; Brett 3.565 and Tim 3.623 points.
Exciting last days ahead!!!!
Task 6; 2 hour AAT …won by Tim 208 km in time 2.03. Brett was runner up missing out on 15 daily points.
No task the next day, so winners in this class after 5 out of 8 days are;
1. Brett Hunter in JS 3 with 4.619 points.
2. Tim Bromhead in Ventus CT with 4.602 p
3. David Johnson in Discus 2CT with 4.016 p.

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2023 NSW State Comps flown from NARROMINE

The continuation of the State comps was stopped for 1 day, due to the weather. The message on Thursday morning was; Thu 9th Feb Day Cancelled.
The reason will be clear when you read Anne’s report:
“A huge storm hit the Narromine area a couple of hours ago with reports coming through of 30 to 45mm in parts of town but so far no major damage. There was hail, around 30mm of rain at Tomingley and trees uprooted. The attached photo of hail was taken by Bev at Hamilton’s Pride, producers of the best eggs ever, around 50km s/w of Narromine .. but only about 7mm rain.
I contacted a friend who is taking part in the NSW State comp here in Narromine who advised that all gliders were safe as hangared this morning.“

The day before, won by Hunter Valley pilot Paul as written in my last blog, was specially for him and extremely good:
“Yesterday has to be one of the best days gliding that I have ever had!
10,000′ cloudbase, great cloud streets in line with the task and the vario on the pegs. I was leaving thermals at 9kts to look for better climbs and at one point, when I got low, I had to force myself to slow down and accept a 7kt climb to get back in touch with the clouds. 462km @ 127kph in a dry (no water ballast) LS3
Just magic Narromine weather!“
I have been many times in Narromine and indeed I have seen fabulous weather there, but sometimes it can turn violent, I have seen that too.
So no flying, but they still enjoyed the great weather from the day before, as that Wednesday was also good enough for a 1000 flown by Tomas Suchanek. He flew Adam’s VENTUS 3T over 1.072 km…good on him as it rather late in the season already. 120 km./h and even passing West from Lake Keepit .
It was G1’s 3d 1000 km. flight.

After rain there is sunshine, also in Narromine so off they went for day flying-day 4 , different and challenging.
Task 5: 2.30 AAT.…with 260 km, Peter was the daily best again with a speed of 103 km./h, the only one flying over the 100k-mark.
Task 6; 2.30 AAT…..”Unfortunately, because of high wind speeds over 25-30+ knots we have had to cancel the day.”
task 7; 3 hour AAT….Only 6 pilots started and 2 were out, but there was a daily winner as well; Tocumwal pilot Bernie in his PIK 20. He flew 246 km in time 3.17 and flew himself from spot 4 to 3 so on the podium. Well done!

Winners from the NSW state comps in CLUB CLASS are;
1. Paul Dickson in LS 3 with 4,410 points.
2. Richard Frawley in LS 4A with 4.110 p.
3. Bernie Sizer in PIK 20B- W with 4.077 p.

In the sport class they had the same task 5 and task setter Mick Webster won the day in his LS8. Miles was runner up.
In Narromine’s blog you could read;
“And it was fun watching Miles Gore-Brown managing his final glide from what looked like about 70k out. Miles roared down the final leg (LOL 70kts) without turning and then extended into the final circle and that is the tactic that got him into Second place today.”
No task 6 but yes a task 7 ….a 3 hour AAT for the LAST DAY.
Miles won the last day, Kerrie was faster but on handicap runner up. Mick was “out” but so far ahead in the overall scores that it did n’t harm him at all. Mick is like Paul a member of the Hunter Valley Gliding Club.
1. Mick Webster in LS 8 with 4,313 points.
2. Miles Gore-Brown in LS 8 with 4.293 p.
3. Kerrie Claffey in ASG 29/18 m. with 4.117 p.

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News from Kiripotib for those who have not been there yet:
Safety first! Those who have not flown in Kiripotib before often have questions about safety and safety equipment when gliding in Namibia. Peter Harvey has summarized the answers for you in a video.
YOUTUBE.COM FLY SAFE AT KIRIPOTIB SOARING….about safety procedures and approaches…
https://youtu.be/SH3CCcg49i4

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The down-under-season slowly reaches the Easter period and that’s mostly the end of the season.
When you look at the picture from Kingaroy, it looks more like mid season, with 20 gliders in the row for a launch last week !
They indeed had nice weather with Butch [John Buchanan] flying a 538 free distance in his 15 m. AS 33es.

SOAR COROWA is preparing for the 20 m NATIONALS. New owner Keith brought in German tables and German beer for some extra fun.
The 20m Dual Seat Nationals 2023, will be flown between February 18 and 25 .
At this stage there are 6 teams flying 3x an ARCUS M 1x an ARCUS T, an ASG 32MI and Duodiscus.
BUT,…”Sadly at present we don’t have enough entries for an official competition, due to a couple of late withdrawals.“
Hopefully a few teams will put their hands up. Corowa is a nice place with good weather and a swimming pool to relax after with a drink.
UPDATE; After Bruce [Taylor] spend news in his Taylor’s Gliding Page, ;
“Many thanks to all who chimed in, sharing messages and spreading the word. As of late this morning we had 9 entries, so we have a competition again! There’s room for more, and still an easy glider available close by. Come along and join in the fun“
That’s where friends are for……
More next week.

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Alexander Schleicher shared the winning pictures from their Winter Photo Contest.

——Last Monday 2 “kilometer-eaters” in an ARCUS M, Alejandro and Alejo, flew from Zapala in Argentina a huge distance 1.604 km…..with 177 km./h. At some places the fabulous wave was up to over 8000 m MSL [over 7000 AGL].

That’s it for today. Still shocked by over 40.000 people who died in the earthquake in Syria and Turkey and totally amazed that they found people alive after ONE WEEK under the rubble.
Some” who think to know”, predict up to 180.000 deceased people. Just incomprehensible ………not to understand……totally beyond me!!!!! Too SAD FOR WORDS!!!!!
In the Netherlands , people and government, already donated around 38 million Euro, for help now and in the future. Tonight it will be more as all day actions are on TV and radio.

Ritz

Blog 1.403 on February 8 2023.

2023 New Zealand CLUB CLASS NATIONALS flown from Matamata.
2 February 2023 – 12 February 2023

Club class comps are VERY popular and also in N.Z. there are a lot of participants!!!
The practice day, for this NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, was not too flash but for the next day they expected nice soaring weather up to 3000 m.
But the first couple of days the 22 club class pilots could not fly, yes they had a 2.30 AAT on February 5 , but it was not flown.
Along the club activities, 10 open class pilots had that day a 2 hour AAT, but no flying.
The first flying day however, was on February 7, with a 3 hour AAT for club, won by Steven Wallace in the MOSQUITO with 329 km in 3 hours at the dot!!!!
The open class had 340.98 km. and Brett Hunter won with a speed of 118 km./h.
Task 2;” Day 2, ridge task, good thermals around ” so hope for a GOOD day in both classes and it happened!!!!
3 pilots in club ,with a racing task of 329 km flew around and finished with the same speed and ALL 3 got 1000 points; Steven in the Mosquito, Michael Strathern and Steven Care in the ASW 20. They did NOT start together but finished together and all had a speed of 118 km./h.
Matamata mentioned; ‘Results for the club class champs are up, and they are weird. But we can confirm they are correct. Three 1000 points given today! Never seen that before.“
In open Brett won the 3 hour AAT with 408 km in time 2.59 in his JS 3 ;speed 136 km./h which was 10 k faster than runner up Tim [Bromhead] in the Ventus CT.
More next week.

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—–Better weather for the 2023 NSW State comps flown from Narromine, between February 4 and 12.
After 2 practice days with each a 3 hour AAT, the comps started on February 6 with another 3 hour AAT in both Club and Sport class.
The 8 pilots in club class all finished and the best for the day, Peter Brunton in his ASW 20 flew 324 km in time 3.02. He was followed by 2 Tocumwal pilots ,Phil and Bernie in an ASW 19 B and PIK 20 B each with winglets.
5 Pilots in the sport class and 4 finished. Daily best with 310 km in an LS 8 was Mick Webster.
Task 2 was even longer; 3.30 AAT with 422 km by Paul Dickson,[LS 3] with Peter as runner up.
In sport class it was good to see Miles [Gore-Brown] winning the day in his LS8a. Another long time mate.
Miles had a lay-day on task 1 but with 405 km in 3.33, he gained 1000 points, after a late start. Mick was runner up.
Kerrie [Claffey] , she was one of the participants in the WWGC in Keepit, had the fastest time in her 18m ASG 29,120 km./h over 439 km, but on handicap she was 4th. By the way she won the practice day!!!
Task 3; 3.30 AAT....The LS 3 from Paul is still a great and fast glider. He won the day again with 463 km. in time 3.37 so a speed of 127 km./h. All 8 finished and 5 flew over 400 km.
In open the 2 participating LS 8 gliders topped the list with Mick as daily best with 447 km in time 3. 26, speed 128 km./h.
Narromine Gliding Club Official posted;” Well Day 3 has well and truly started, with most of the fleet around the first turnpoint and well established on the second leg. Skysight is predicting strong climbs over 6 kts to 8-9,000 ft AGL later in the day so I expect we will see a lot of pilots extending well into the third and fourth turnpoints. Final glide should be a screaming jet ride from 7,000 ft well before the last turnpoint at Trangie. Expect some fast times today!”
More next week.

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—--In my last blog I wrote about Jochen who was back in Tocumwal and flew with Stephan, who was back too. I know them both for many years. Jochen since 1985. Stephan had his own LS 4 KYO in Tocumwal AND,…he still flies it!!!!!! AND,…even his sons came to fly in Toc.
Eddie was so kind to share a picture and here they are, for all other Toc fans who know them too

And….look at the weather in Alice Springs today. WOW!

Not too much news today. I have spend hours and hours on downloading Windows 10. So I struggled more or less through the week and hope I can keep this laptop as I like it.
I CAN,….a nice volunteer “for elderly people with digital problems”,mmmmmm……… visited me yesterday and he fixed it all…no worries!!!!
But to be honest he mentioned I prepared it all for him , he just had to finish it off. [Thursday- morning extra news]
More next week.
Cheers have a good week
Ritz

P/S….I should have started with this, though it has nothing to do with gliding.
The earthquakes from 7.8 and 7.5 in the South of Turkey and the North of Syria are not only a huge shock for all people living there, but also to ALL people in the WORLD. What a disaster!!!!! What a HUGE disaster. Already 8500 [the latest news speaks about 11.100] people died under the to pieces fallen flat -buildings and houses.
I am afraid there will be many more. HEARTBREAKING!!!!!!
It’s heart-warming to see private help/SAR/White Helms/Red Cross etc. from all parts of our world,…… which feels good in a time of hate and polemic, …..co-operating to find , also with special trained dogs, for survivors. I think of them.