June 10, 2022

After waiting patiently for uncertain weather to pass through the south Georgia area we finally had a good day. An unusual low pressure area off the east coast had been causing low and uncharacteristic conditions over the last week and yesterday a stormy influence from the west had given us a good chance of rain and wind. There were many smiling faces this morning as we arrived at the field. Pilot's attitudes and how fast gliders get assembled is probably a better barometer of the day's weather than the weather man himself.

The grid was formed with Sports, 18m and then FAI classes today. Most weather models had forecast good conditions starting early. Good lift reaching as high as 7000 feet was the promise. Everyone was on the grid and ready at noon. CUs were expected at launch, however we waited until the first CUs did actually form and the launch was begun at 1.

Most experienced strong lift off tow and climbed without difficulty to 5000 feet. The sky developed nicely with well formed CUs and the start gates were opened without delay. Most had a good run to Fitzgerald yet once crossing Blackshear Lake towards Americus, the going got a bit more difficult with thermals more difficult to center at the lower altitudes. Once back across the lake to the south towards Ashburn and Tifton lift was more organized especially along the I-75 “ridge”. It was definitely a dynamic day with varying conditions. Most made it home with a landout and some airfield bonuses. Young Steven Tellmann in his LS-4 managed 77 miles before having a good landout in an old peanut field. Despite landing out he had a big smile on his face upon return.

Sports and FAI had a 3 hour TAT to Fitzgerald-Americus-Ashburn. Tim McGowan came in first with a handicapped speed of 53.72 mph in Sports. Greg Shugg remains in first place after 3 days. Jake Alspaugh again flew well and came in first with a handicapped speed of 52.01 and remains in first. The 18m group had an assigned speed task of 197 miles to Fitzgerald-Americus-Tifton. Fernando Silva again showed his dominance with a good speed of 61.86 mph and remains in first.

It was a good day and to top it off we were hosted by the Cordele Chamber of Commerce and the Lion’s Club of Cordele to a low country boil. It was delicious and a lot of fun, especially when we were challenged to the water melon seed spitting contest. The winner was Eric Tellmann with a distance of 34 feet!

Tomorrow is day 4 and we are anxiously waiting to see if the weather will cooperate. See you at the field.

Steve Vihlen
198(SV)

Thank you Steve for wriiting the days report.  It is greatly appreciated.