Alphen aan den Rijn on Sunday January 20 2008.

Well it seems to rain everywhere!!!! Even here in Holland, though the nice site is that we have 13 dgr. C.
The last 3 days there was no way they could continue flying during the Australian Nationals in Temora. Rain, rain, and more rain. A pity! Did you find them on the site!?

Quite a lot of very wellknown and very good pilots , certainly in 18 m. and open class!
A few little mishaps while towing out to the grid and on the grid, caused some minor damage , but except for one, all pilots will fly on Monday again, weather permitting. I know from experience that after a few days with a low pressure system,  the weather will built up again to good, better the best!!
Speed on the first 3[2]  competition days was impressive!So that’s already something!

In between pilots still travel from their cold home town in Europe, to places where they can fly. This year seems to be an excellent year for all different gliding resorts, with lots of guests. It is good to see that from nearly every country, guests fly overseas during winter. Hopefully we will have a great summer in Europe, so they can continue with high standard long distance flying , at home too.

 We had a good week in the gallery. Yes we got the predicate “ROYAL” as the Dutch queen visited us. It was great to find out how “normal” she is during such a visit. She is a good artist byherself making sculptures hacked in stone. I have had several different and very interesting guests during my stay in Tocumwal and here in Holland it continues, which is lovely. Having an afternoon glass of wine and a good talk with the queen….not bad! Though I realize that all people have someting special, that’s why I love people so much! But PR -wise, it was perfect for our gallery!

In between you can find the prelimenary entries for the 30thiest World Championships in Rieti [Italy] on www.wgcrieti.it click on entries!
It is just great to see how many  , wellknown pilots , crew and TC’s, will meet again to compete and have fun. At this stage 24 different countries will send pilots! Under them a few female pilots as well as  a few former World Champions!

Soon we will see which pilots will fly in Luesse in Germany for the World Championships for the “BIG SHIPS”. Will keep you posted.

Cheers Ritz