Practice Day 2 - 20 Meter Multi Seat Report-by Rich Owen

A Windy Day in the Mountains

For those in the west, flying in the mountains and high terrain is no big deal.  However, a Floridian’s idea of high terrain is the rooftop of the Sky Bar in Orlando.  The highest terrain in Florida is 309 ft and that is located in the panhandle of the state.  Having an opportunity to fly as part of Team 98 with Pete Alexander was an opportunity I could not pass up.

The 20 Meter Nationals had their first practice day in Montague, California yesterday.  The weather was nice but the winds were howling.  Our CD, and US Schleicher dealer Rex Mayes, sent us on a Turn Area Task to Gunsight Start, Callahan, Deer Mountain, Copco Dam, R Ranch and Finish at the Siskiyou Country airport.  Turn circle radius varied between 10 and 20 kilometers.  We should say that this contest is being scored under FAI rules and scoring formulas.  The climb from Gunsight was turbulent and hard.  But once we were up past about 7,000 ft it smoothed out.  The start was right at 2:00pm and the early starters seem to fair better.  The run to Callahan was pretty good under some cloud streets or convergence lines.  There were at least two paths’ pilots could choose from and neither provided a clear advantage.  Deer Mountain was a little easier run but the real test was the last two turn points.  In the Team 98 ASG-32MI we turned early into Copco Dam and just nicked R Ranch.  However, we got a great climb just after R Ranch and decided to go back to Copco Dam and repeat the last two turn points.  With the extra distance, finishing just over the 2:30 minimum time, and the increased speed, we made up ground on the other 20-meter ships.  That proved to be a great combination and an innovative way to attack the course.  Pete Alexander thought out of the box to finish second for the day.  Jacob Fairbairm and Mike Westbrook from Dallas Texas (and yes, Jacob wore an authentic cowboy hat to the pilot’s meeting), finished first with a speed of 69.07 kph over 194km.  In third place was Ben Mayes (yes, the son of Rex and Noelle), and Dennis Linnekin who manned the front seat today.

Everyone had a great day and were looking forward to the next 9 days.  Of course, P7 Brewery was on the field where competitors were treated to a craft beer tasting.  On tap was “Gear Czech” and “Inyo Face” beers.  It’s always a social atmosphere at glider contests, but Rex, Noelle put on a great contest. Team 98 is off to eat Mexican with a few good friends.  Stay turned for more racing action over the next week and a half.

Rich Owen
Team 98 ballast