MONDAY 16th JAN – A LONG DAY IN THE BLUE
Blue conditions were again forecast but marginally better than yesterday. Large tasks were set for the 3 classes in different directions using the scattergun principle with the intention of using all the available day.
In the 15 Metre Class, Derren had another good day for 5th place in their 5 hour AAT at 104 km/h and Ed returning at 98 km/h mid table with reasonable points. Overall Derren is in 6th place with Ed just outside the top ten.
Mike and Steve our 18 Metre boys didn’t take advantage of an early start opportunity, eventually starting amongst the late starters at 1430. Unfortunately this was too late with the day winners all starting early. Both were down in mid table results with 800+ points for the day.
The Open Class launched last and with Russ and Andy near the back of the grid it was touch and go to get up into position ready to start in order to finish the 526 km race before the predicted 7pm shutdown. After a slow run across the irrigation they flew the second leg in the predicted better weather to the west with occasional climbs to 5500 feet and climbs peaking at 4 to 5 knots. The final leg was a tip-toe across the irrigated areas again with 2 knot climbs before a long slow final glide in which the bigger span EB29s and Quintus used their span and glide angle to good effect to creep away from the JS1 for the top places. Nevertheless good performances from our boys with Andy and Russ finishing just before 7pm at around 118 km/h for 5th and 8th place on the day and holding on to 1st and 2nd overall.
It would be nice to see some cumulus clouds tomorrow.
Andy