Sunday 17th February 2013

The weather forecast had confidently predicted that yesterday’s southerly would back to the south-east, with unlimited sunshine, and so it turned out.  Which was enough to tempt an encouraging number of members anticipating the prospect of wave.

Where the forecast wasn’t quite accurate was in the strength of the wind, which was supposed to be ‘light’.  For ‘light’ read 20kts – gusting 25 and, at the start of the day, 30 degrees across the runway, or as Don asked after watching a few approaches: ‘Is that boisterous enough, for you??’ 

Bocian in 4 knots of wave lift

It was good to see so many people willing to give it a go, though, and a shame that some with other commitments did not get to fly.   However, for those who did, such as Sunday regulars Sam Deeks, Leith Whittington, Dave Parker and Roger Appleboom, plus Chris and Karon Matten, Marta Radowska, and new member Chris, Darren Wills and Roger Green, there was the opportunity for momentary dalliances with the wave, usually preceded (and followed) by fearsome sink, leading to a swift downwind leg and (the aforesaid) boisterous approaches, where loads of (right rudder) crosswind correction was instantly transformed into loads of (left rudder) correction on touchdown for weather cocking - character and skill building stuff for all concerned! 

Gibbet hill looks remarkably dry from up here

Particular mention has to be made of Robin Wilson’s flight of 45 minutes plus to 2200 feet, and Roger Appleboom’s third (ever) flight in the Bocian, in which he managed to find a line between Mary Tavy and the sugar factory which kept us between 1,300-1,600ft for 37 minutes (as illustrated by the accompanying stills from his video camera).  Both successful connections with the wave were made in early afternoon, if that’s any help to you weather pundits. 

Thanks must surely go to Nigel Williamson for his sympathetic winching in very challenging conditions – and also to Chris Matten for taking over (when Nigel’s HobNobs had given up!). 

Don was a trifle hors de combat today with a dicky knee so thanks must also go to David Jesty for his un-rostered instructing.  For me, thirteen flights without sight of an altimeter or variometer certainly honed my hunter’s eye … and appreciation for the Bocian’s, er, unique characteristics.

Martin Cropper