Fools had Fun!

The 1st of April saw the biggest Cape Gauntlet to date with 8 participating gliders and our first overseas participant - Piet van Toorenburg. It was definitely a day which was going to be tricky from the start with a strong upper-air NWer and relatively weak thermals in the valleys.

Launch took place after a delayed start at 12, and it was amazing to see how quickly an efficiently the operation launched the field - 8 gliders in just over 30 minutes and that only using 2 tugs (and we could scale it to 4) - particular thanks to Mark Siegelberg, Paul Troskie and Quinton Hoole for keeping it slick.

The task was a time limited 3 hour OLC 5 turnpoint with a start at Rawsonville and no bonus turnpoints.

Some struggled initially at Vic Peak, but the big barrier proved (as anticipated) to be the transition to the front ridge. Only one pilot made the transition successfully, and Adriaan Hepburn deservedly won the day as a result, and extended his lead in this competition.

See the side-bar for link to scores.

The 'other' comp

Much hilarity resulted from the trailer reversing competition which took place outside the clubhouse at 18h00. Peter Farrell and John Spargo deserve special mention for completing the course with no fault whatsoever but John Spargo came in 10 seconds ahead at one minute 59 seconds.

Wally Tamsen (narrowly beaten in the reversing comp at 1:58 but with 4 penalty points) organised an amazing Potjie dinner for the 30 odd attendees and you really missed a good chinwag in the club house if you were not able to make it - and many thanks to Juliana for stoical support - and the von der Heydens for the hats!

Thanks to every one who made this a day to remember - I was proud of us! - see you at the next Cape Gauntlet on 6th May.