FAI Day 2 - Sports No Day
Friday was mostly sunny, but with all the rain from Wednesday and Thursday, the sun’s energy was largely drying out the saturated ground. The forecast called for the day to start late and end early. So the minimal task from earlier in the week was resurrected for both classes: 1.5hr TAT to Hanna Acres (10mi), Hornell (15mi), Seven Gullies (5mi) and return.
We gridded at the usual time but did not send sniffer Boris Kubrak [XA] up until 1230. After 45 minutes and a couple engine runs, Boris returned to the field. Still too early to sustain flight. Also a concern were the high clouds were moving in from the southeast, shutting down heating.
After a short break, it was decided to tow the first two FAI guys [JL and W3] to 2500, one on the west side of the valley and one on the east side. They were both able to find lift and stay up, so the rest of the FAI class was launched, also towing to 2500. The Sports Class was canceled, but many took tows and tried the task anyway.
Out on course, many struggled at the first turnpoint. Cloudbase was only 3500 and lift scarce with the high clouds an issue. Some played it conservative going into the Hornell turnpoint. But hometown boy John Seymour [SM], unhappy with his 31mph first leg, glides through the blue south of Dansville and is rewarded with 5000ft cloudbase and 4kt lift to enable him to drive deeper into the Hornell circle. He wins the day with a speed of 45.64mph over 90.86mi. Peter Scarpelli [CA] is still in the lead overall but only 25pts separate him and SM.
We dined on pulled pork this evening. Linda and her team (Joni, Jane, Bo) have put on delicious meals all week and are receiving recipe requests for some of the salads. Joni and Jane have also baked muffins and breads daily to go with the morning coffee. What a treat! Thanks Ladies for all your efforts.
A few of the FLSC members chipped in and hired a band for after dinner entertainment and dancing. We may not be doing as much flying as we would like, but we are having a good time!
J9