After very mixed weather for gliding over the last few weeks, the first week of July came up trumps for the Competition Enterprise held at North Hill, writes Jill Harmer.
Air Cadets from the the Devon and Somerset Wing assisted DSGC members in the smooth running of launching nearly 40 gliders each day. A twilight aerobatic glider display with pyrotechnics was flown by Guy Westgate from GliderFX and enjoyed by all.
Enterprise is the key word for this competition with pilots rewarded for making the best use of the lines of energy for soaring on each day.
Interpretation of the weather forecast and skill in reading the sky plays a great part.
A different task was set each day but the 37 competitors have to make their own decisions both before taking off and in the air.
Extra bonuses are scored for flying over the sea on either coast and for reaching various places.
Whilst the soarable weather slots were a little limited on some days during the week, the expert pilots made great use of all of Southern England.
The eight Devon and Somerset Gliding Club (DSGC) pilots that had entered all enjoyed the great competitive atmosphere and for some it was their first experience at a gliding competition.
Highest placed local pilot was Ron Johns in sixth and he also directed the competition. The overall winner was Trevor Stuart from the Bristol and Gloucester Gliding Club.
More information about the Competition Enterprise can be found omn the DSGC website at www.dsgc.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here