Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 21st December 2025

The winter equinox today and rain forecast for sometime during the afternoon led to getting things ready as soon as enough bodies had arrived. Having not flown for a few weeks, I took a solo flight in the K13. After releasing I found the air very smooth and reduced sink with patches of lift. I saw the Astir launch so I made my way down to start training flights.

Cap cloud over the moors.

It was Andy Davey who had launched in the Astir and he managed to contact weak wave out over the valley nearer to the moors than I was. I launched with Ed Nicholson, but we were unable to join Andy, but extended the flight to 12 minutes. After our second flight Andy returned with what remained as flight of the day of  32 minutes.

Looking south towards Tavistock.

With no visitors today, Richard Roberts took a flight in the Astir, but could not emulate Andy's flight. I continued flying with Sean Westrope to complete his annual review and then Freddie Purkiss for recency flight after the recent poor weather.

Next was Aiden Hughes for a couple of circuits flying without an altimeter to improve his judgement in the circuit. Good flights Aiden.

Aiden flying well.

With rain approaching from over the moors the last person to fly with me was Ed Borlase for part of his annual checks. Everybody had flown, so it was time to pack the toys away which was completed as the rain arrived.

Only 10 flights, but we all flew which is always good for this time of year. Yes it was another wave day at Brentor. Will it be the last of the year? Watch this space as there are rumblings of possible wave 27th/28th December.

Thanks to those at the airfield today. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from the Sunday Soarers.

Peter Howarth