Newcastle Hang Gliding Club

The Newcastle club is well represented at the Gulgong Classic, a lot of club members have been out to fly here on the weekend and we have a strong presence in the competition.

Rob was here for some free flying and made a 90km goal flight and a personal best. Conrad made an XC going back towards home and Alan has just turned up. Foxy is here filming the comp in HD. Check out the results for an idea of how all of the guys are going who have entered the comp.

The competition is testing all of the pilots and a lot of hours have been flown already, we have had a couple of high base days with clouds to show the way and strong lift. I won the first day by a large margin, Attila won Day two, by racing fast alone and reading clouds. I was fortunate to avoid a landing in one of the best thermal producing areas. After a long low save, Attila came through the same area and got a 6m/s climb right behind me. He made an awesome pace for the day. Wednesday (day 3) was a blue light lift day and required a lot of changes of pace. I managed to fly the fastest time for the day, starting alone and mostly flying alone in the blue until I caught up to others on the last leg of the flight. Jonny was a little slower but won the day by 20 points due to leading and arrival points. I continue to lead in the total scores.

I have been enjoying flying the Airborne REV 13.5, I got a beautiful new super lightweight racing sail in a light grey tone, it looks white from a distance, it feels a little unnatural to packup and roll the sail because it is so light. It is handling better than any race wing that I have ever flown and I have got the fastest times for 2/3 days. We are looking at another very hot day for day 4 and I am looking forward to being at altitude.

We got a call from a farmer who found Adams instruments in his paddock, the tracklog shows a big pull up followed by a 30m/s descent that included a violent tumble and spin and significant damage to the glider, the harness and the pilot. The sidewire had been locked in a most awkward position and loaded bent back on itself. It broke at very light load. Adam says thankyou to all who have sent him their well wishes. He is up and walking about and happy.

I am camping at the airstrip and there are good facilities here. The gliding club are providing evening meals and it is a good social event.

Scott