Unfortunately, a few of the gliders had developed flat tyres, but a team of members worked together to get them sorted in time for flying. The day started with a light north-westerly wind, with the first thermals appearing as early as 10:20. Roger Davis was quick to make use of the conditions, managing a 63-minute soaring flight.
The private gliders launched onto their tasks shortly after 11 o’clock, with many pilots setting 300 km tasks. Among them was Callum Ellis, who completed his first 300 km task that could be claimed for Gold distance / Diamond goal. After five hours in the air, he also completed the requirements for his Silver Badge.
In total, 14 private gliders took to the skies, reflecting the favourable conditions predicted by the RASP forecast. With four trial flights and a long list of training flights alongside the private flying, the launch point remained busy throughout the day. Stirling also managed to re-solo after overcoming a few launch failures. The day was thermic until after 5pm Rob Hender missed out on his 5 hour duration by just 2 minutes due to diminishing conditions, but picked up his Silver height. The day finished around 6pm after the instructors had worked hard to complete the flying list.- Joel Roulson
711
“Ha ha wrong task because I wanted to go to Cornwall and did ! So strange good looking clouds just didn’t work ..hence a field . Something strange about northerly sea air undercutting the air in Exe estuary … was fun the farmer was kind …” Ron Johns
V5
“Doh ! Never really got in the groove. Apart from the run in and out of the second turn point. Ran out of day as was too slo again. Note to self ,as a wise man always says -water doesn’t make you faster” Rich Roberts
G29
“Good flight with strong reliable thermals until the last leg. After Yeovil, the next 20 km became a struggle, eventually going off track, heading north, finding a climb and I was above final glide. Good club task set today.” Eric Alston
KLS
“Cloud base surprisingly high over North Hill . Few Blue Gaps to Jump either side of Yeovil, struggled from Chard onwards but caught a thermal Near Smeatharpe. and took it to cloud base to ensure i had my 5 Hrs in the bag” Callum Ellis
JDP
“The Sky was still going well towards Lasham but glad I abandoned when I did as the sea air had definitely taken hold of Devon!” Dan Hender
SM
“Great task set by Pete S, spot on for the return into Devon ! all in all a great day out” Simon Minson
230
“The 50km in and out of Mottesfont was sublime – surfing! The rubbish bit between Yeovil and Crewkerne trying to get home wasn’t. Nice day out with a few of the North Hill mob.” Pete Startup
