Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 23rd August 2025

The forecast suggested reasonable soaring conditions under a blue sky with initially southerly winds going westerly later. Looking out the window showed cumulus clouds forming under a little high cirrus. So much for the forecast then. Perhaps a return to my mk8 seaweed would be more accurate.

The wind was still like this at the end of the day

Today was a busy day with lots of solo pilots as well as trainees and visitors. We were joined by Junior Rowan Guest who was attending for as One Day Course. Rowan enjoyed lots of flying with 2 of his flights stretching beyond 30 minutes and up to 3500ft above the airfield. He also got stuck in around the launch point and finished his day with a little time at the winch. 

Rowan ready to go

Rowan's view of the Tamar Estuary. 

Today's other visitors were Jill Ellis, Nicholas Williams, Jim Melbourne, Nigel and Tehya Smith. 

Nicholas Williams

Jim Melbourne

And what of the solo pilots My second flight with Rowan we managed to find some thermal activity and this prompted the gliding equivalent of the charge of the light brigade as the launch queue suddenly became manic and not the "sleepy hollow" I have just launched from. Who knew my secondary role was as a thermal "sniffer".

First solo to launch was John Allan in his Mini Nimbus who returned 3 hours 18 minutes later having completed 90.9% of his planned 217km flight Brentor, Brayford, Taunton ( actually turned at Wellington ), Hatherleigh, Brentor. Great flight again John.

Back into the sunshine on final glide just past Sourton, looking across North Dartmoor.

On the way back from Wellington, visibility went great. Thermals got better once past Crediton. 

John's flight trace

Second solo launch a few minutes after John was Andy Davey in his Ventus C. His flight saw him visit Launceston before venturing into North Devon. 2nd longest flight of the day at 2hrs 52.

Andy's trace

There was lots of soaring into the early evening.

K13 hangar landing

After everything was put away we had the Summer BBQ, organised once again by Mike Bennett. The food was delicious and the company was delightful. Thank you Mike.

( The event was so busy I forgot to take any photos  - you just cannot get the staff these days ).

A great day

Steve