Flytec Race and Rally task 2

Today we were supposed to fly from Lake Wales but due to some issue with the airport there we got a message we would be flying from Quest.  We haven't moved the trailer from Quest and stayed here every night so far.  This was great news.  We had our gliders set up before the rest of the rally got to Quest.  The winds were much lighter today but due to strong winds forecast further north for tomorrow the task was three turn points then back to Quest for a total distance of 101km.  We'll head north tomorrow as the winds will get lighter to the north over the next couple days

My ordered launch position was in the middle part of the line so I decided not to go with the early launch.  Well the top 15 pilots were all in the last part of the launch order so almost all of them went during the early launch putting me near the back of pack.  Towing seemed a bit easier today and I was less stressed knowing my glider would fly after getting off the ground yesterday.  I had another auto release at about 800' and had to land for a relight.  Now I was at the back of the pack.

Steve Kroop told me my early release had to be my barrel hitting my base bar.  I didn't pitch down so far and the tow worked out much better.  The tug pilot waved me off in a good climb and I climbed up to what was forecast to be the top of lift.  It was a blue day all day which I prefer any way.  Clouds often lie here.

I was up five minutes after the first start and not near the edge of the start circle so hung around for the second start.  I head out for the first turn point just after the second start with plenty of pilots marking lift in front of me.  Top of lift was about 4500' which was more than Forest.  I felt very rusty.  Floundering around and not climbing well.  I did manage to pick some good lines on the way to the first turn point staying high all the way.  Still not feeling very confident and hitting big sink on the way back.  I got low but another pilot ahead of  me helped dig me out in a strong climb back to base.  Again I was sinking fast and when I saw Quest, I got beer suck.  I made a b-line for Quest and hung out over the field finding some lift but never getting high.  Watching the wind socks switch 360degrees didn't inspire me to land.  How ever I was soon pounding into the field (ungracefully return to earth some one told me). 

The good parts of my choice was one: I don't have to break down or set up tomorrow and I got to see every one race into goal.

Flytec Race and Rally task 1

We travelled to Dunellon because we had strong winds forcast and it's a bigger more open airport.  The task was 70ish km to Quest and then south to lake wales for a total of about 150km.  I was near the end of the ordered launch and was fine with that.  Having not flown for a long time I wanted stay out of the way and take my time.  The first bit of the tow was pretty sporty and I auto released at about 300'.  I skipped the bits of lift around not wanting to struggle to get up from so low.  I landed a fare distance away from the launch area to stay out of the way but it was a bit of a walk.  After getting back to the launch line I took off my harness and grabbed some water.  The stress of towing and the walk takes a lot out of you.  Soon after the sea breeze hit and killed all the lift.  Every one that hadn't gotten away by then had to tear down and hit the road. About 15 made goal.