Today was going to challenge ability to adapt and react to changing conditions. The forecast showed an occluded front in the western approaches, moving our way but slowly and not due to arrive until much later, late tonight or early tomorrow. Wind was forecast to be SE at 8 knots rising to 10 knots. The visibility was to be 31km. RASP predicted no rain, good thermal conditions in the afternoon, 100% sun on ground and a star rating of 3.5 out of 5. So a good day.
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| Astir landing long over |
What actually happened. Well the day started with 8/8 cloud cover although reasonably high. The first launch was into weak wave between Mary Tavy and Peter Tavy. Visibility was poor to the south and initially Plymouth was not in view ( so much for 31 km then ) The visibility to the west was deteriorating rapidly. The first flight ended with rain on the canopy. (Where did that come from? ). Then it rained and we stood down for just a little while while the shower passed through.
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| The view from the Launchpoint |
After standing down for 30 minutes then drying off the gliders flying recommenced. The next launch revealed that the wave had disappeared and flights were going to be circuits. This continued for a couple of hours until at around 3pm. The cloud cover had lightened a little, the visibility was finally good and Plymouth was easy to see, and suddenly there were signs of thermal activity.
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| K13 passes under the Astir |
The next couple of hours saw some soaring flights in the difficult, narrow, low and weak conditions which seemed to suit the single seaters. Best flight of the day was Mike Jardine in his Astir CS with a creditable 45 minutes. The K8 managed 30 (ish) minute flights. The K13's were struggling to better 15 minutes.
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| One Day Course Candidate Christian |
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| Reuben Grice |
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| Andy Rowe |
Todays visitors were One Day course candidate Christian Toker-Lester and Introductory flights for Rueben Grice and Andy Rowe who flew with me. Introductory flights also for Grace Imeson, who flew with Rick and Lukasz Pyrie who flew with Mike Jardine.
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| Grace Imwson with Rick |
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| Lucasz looks happy to be ready to fly |
The only thing today that had followed the forecasts was the wind direction, what happened to the rest of it??? Our thanks as always to all those who helped.
Steve
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