R5S - Day 1
The first day started on time and the launch progressed normally. The cloud bases were 3500 ft MSL by the time everyone was airborne and the 18 meter class led the way on task. The FAI was second and the Sports class was last to launch. The clouds opened up going northeast to the first turn area, which turned blue. There were some strong thermals in the mix of not-so-strong ones. The day lasted until 5PM and the last of the gliders made it home. There was one land out and the recovery was without incident.
Greg Shugg flying his Cirrus won the day for the Sports Class with a speed of 46.01 MPH actual, followed by TonyTuriano in his Labelle and Tim McGowin in his 304CZ. In the FAI class Jake Alspaugh took 1st ,with an actual speed of 57.62 MPH followed by Werner Ruegger, both flying the ASW27, and Billy Kerns was third in his LS8. The 18 Meter class was king for the day with Fernando Silva winning in his JS 3. He described his flight as “just floating along with a L/D on the first leg, of 198” and for the whole fight his L/D of 118, incredible! He made it look easy and won with a speed 62.21 MPH. Steve Vihlen came in second and Michael Price was third.