Cape Gauntlet

Faulty February

2008-02-05T23:26:00.000-08:00

With the exception of Cornelius (whose trace is on OLC) I don’t have any of the competitor’s traces yet. The sad news is that since MIV was unavailable for relights, and because Adriaan was unable to launch himself (we will have to forgive this little foible) we were technically unable to offer every competitor a launch – so Saturday was not a competition day, despite some excellent distances. Thanks Adriaan for giving up your day to launch half the field twice – you da man, bro’.

We eventually started launching the second time at 13h30 when it was obviously cooking. The understandable reluctance of some competitors to be fooled into launching again was soon overcome by reports of 4 m/s in Jan du Toit’s, and Gareth heading North from Jan du Toit’s.

Both Sven and I had an excellent time being lead astray on the return trip from Klawer by Martin – showing us a new route back up the gorges from Bulshoek into the Cedarberg – I would get this demonstrated before trying it yourself! We then topped 240kph southbound on the front ridge racetrack – some of the best conditions I have ever experienced. Play the traces (when both are available) for a fast fun ride. A really memorable flight, thanks Martin.

I think most competitors flew over 300km and were in the pool with the family by shortly after 5pm!

We had a great braai with Dieter Betz (back for more punishment after his earlier visit with Dick Bradley’s Soaring Safaris) and significant other Maria and the other usual suspects. Dieter’s becoming a member so hopefully we will see more of him.

You should really think about flying the Gauntlet, it is really all about having fun. We pay so much attention to the enjoyment stuff that we haven’t scored a single day yet this season! Let’s hope the Marching Gauntlet sorts out the scoring.

See you on 1st of March, with your licences, at 09h00, if YOU can handle it.

A final challenge

2007-10-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well, the 2007 Cape Gauntlet saw a challenging last day with two experienced competitors landing out - proving that the ridges around Worcester need to be handled with care.

With 7 competitors, briefing was held in the Seibert Training centre (made ready by the ever helpful Jerry Betbedder) and grid bingo unerringly fingered the only compeitor not rigged to be wind dummy (Peter Farrell in ID). Peter declined the grid slot and Adriaan K17 Hepburn was ready and waiting on the grid at the early launch time of 10:45 - influenced by a forecast that suggested the cold front would arrive in the early evening with rapidly lowering cloud bases. Sven EY Olivier was unable to participate but unerringly forecast the wave with contrary to the BLipmap view (thanks EY!).

In the event the early launch proved the correct option as the Audensberg was working well and most competitors were able to 'hold' there in the prevailing WSW wind. All competitors started within a few minutes of the gate openning at 12h09 with only X32 electing to start in a Northerly direction.

FLARM proved itself invaluable again for at least one pair of pilots - only detecting each other after the second alarm. Try to remember that the FLARM is less reliable at detecting conflicts where gliders are turning, be ready to take avoiding action, and lookout!

So the race was on down towards Swellendam with most competitors making a first turn well before Swellendam corner. X32 abandonned the Waaihoek bowl as the South end was not working well and Mostertshoek had cloud too low to allow routing north, and had a bit of a struggle to regain decent altitude on the Audensberg before setting off in pursuit (an hour behind the pack).

Meantime GOG was showing the pack what Bladerunning feels like as Cornelius lead the field. ID (who started off tow) needed to top up with a thermal at Ney and dropped from 2nd to 6th. But after Robertson Cornelius was running lower than the rest and decided to top up, so did K17, and the rest of the pack (Rico / Jacobus in RS, Peter Farrell in ID and Mark Seigelberg in 79) caught up to within a couple of kilometers.

Conelius and Adriaan again took climbs in the Montagu gap and this droped K17 to 4th with ID steaming back into 2nd although somewhat lower) with Cornelius holding a slight lead). At about 80km Cornelius decided to turn and all but 79 (Mark flew on to the Swellendam Corner at 89km out) turned with him.

Again Cornelius pushed, accepting the lower altitude for the increased speed and was about 1km ahead of ID and K17 and RS by the time they returned to the Montagu gap. RS and GOG took a clear lead, but were running into the Robertson spur (50km out) at just below 4000ft with K17 and ID trailing but a 1000ft higher.

And that's where the wheels came out (and off) for GOG & RS. The Robertson Spur in such a Westerly needs to be approached from the East with at least 4500 because you will lose at least 1000ft in the turbulent last 10km running in. Both RS and GOG outlanded at Robertson, while the slightly more cautious ID and K17 made it over the spur and back to Worcester (they they repeated this for a near carbon-copy score of 366km).

Most interestingly, with the wind becoming more Southerly through the day, X32 was able to make it around the Swelendam corner on the second trip out - and it looked like it was working all the way to Vreysrant, but the lowering cloud base at Worcester recommended an early return.

Thanks everyone for making this a fun day, not least tuggies Nian and Paul T, and duty pilots Jerry and Frank. Slick is the only word for it. Thanks.

For those that want to get a real impression of the 'racing' I would suggest loading the flight traces from OLC into See You or Strepla and watch the bug racing - it may convince you that flying with other pilots on a similar task teaches you a lot - and is a shared experience. The bar is always abuzz afterwards.

This ends the 2007 Cape Gauntlet - the first Gauntlet of the 2008 season will be contested on the first Saturday in November (3/11). Although the drop-a-day rule was agreed, in the event it made no impact at all on the positions, so these are the complete scores.

See you there. See the sidebar for D5 and Overall scores.

An ill-timed scrub

2007-09-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

With the weather looking somewhat marginal via forecast, and the risk of a blow out, it was with some urgency that briefing was brief, and first launch was declared for 11h00.

However, only ID was on the grid in time and the wind beat the rest of the competitors to it as tuggie John Spargo made the prudent decision that the wind was too sever for towing.

Unfortunately, we decided to scrub, despite ID suggesting that there was some forecast information that suggested the wind might drop off.

It was with a slight blush that the director received the news from feisty Bill ("It's Party time!") Griffiths that towing was certainly possible at 14h00.

Rats!, the Gauntleteers were scrubbed too early (sigh). Sorry guys, the task setter, weather man and director all made the same error!

See you in October.

Easterlies can be rough!

2007-08-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Cape Gauntleteers proved again on Saturday that they are intrepid - setting off on a 3 hour OLC-variant cross-country task in an Easterly. The grid of 5 was launched to Vic Peak and the gate opened at 13:04. And we were not prepared for what happened next.

Mark Siegelberg (TIM) had earlier scouted Vic Peak in the Lambada and found it to be working from as low as 2500ft and this was still the case when he arrived off tow at Vic Peak. He was soon followed by William (GIG) Whittaker and Peter (ID) Farrell. Craig (LW) Fussell and Cornelius (GOG) von der Heyden were not able to make the grid slots allocated and the gate was not held for their launch.

All headed off South to Villiersdorp with Cornelius and Mark leading the pack. But the ridge NW of Villiersdorp went a bit soft, and then softer still till it was solid sink. This was similar weather to the day on which Ed Verpraet and a Dutch visitor were caught out in GOK, and GOG almost carbon copied their experience. The ridge NW of Villiersdorp was in the lee of the Riviersonderend range and it was tough to get back north over the low pass.

Cornelius landed in very small field with long grass and could not avoid the almost inevitable ground loop - a good result given the situation. Mark headed across the valley to a good area of fields and was later retrieved from almost the centre of one by Hubert and Rob K (thanks guys!).

William Whittaker get the 'bleating sheep' award for the day despite having flown the second furthest on the day - as multiple people informed me that he had landed out - one even about to set off on retrieve - only to find out later that he had in fact made it back. Well done William - nothing like perseverance!

Craig (LW) Fussell flew conservatively into 3rd best distance, and all were eclipsed by Peter (ID) Farrell who exceeded 100km on task.

Unfortunately Peter was the only pilot to pass 80km on task, and hence it was not a valid competition day. Still, a LOT of gliding was done, and two gliders had to 'rough it'.

And we were especially honoured to have Lynneth Milne in the club house for the potjie and the dedication of the Cape Gauntlet trophy to Garth Milne.

Garth was such a living inspiration that you can learn and strive regardless of where you are in life, as aptly demonstrated by his winning the R&A Challenge and his land out between Piekeniers & Dasklip late last year. I am pleased to say that Lynneth has agreed to allow us to rename the Cape Gauntlet trophy the "Garth Milne Memorial Trophy", as he was in spirit & action a true Gauntleteer. And you can't say better than that.

Garth had gumption that great Gauntleteers need
His passion to glide an inspiration in deed
Cross-country he flew
And land outs he knew!
But now, with a laugh, his real wings are freed!

Go well, Garth, and now that you have real wings, don't laugh too hard at our earth-bound attempts to achieve airborne honours.

June fumes

2007-06-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

The June Gauntlet was a scorcher - not for the speed of cross-country flight, more for the heat & inversion in the North Easter - and mainly for the fact that the club appeared like it had been the subject of another US military style "scorched earth" policy with very few members about.

For rugby fans, Saturday 2nd June at Worcester was like the first half of the 2nd Test with England. Seemed like we were playing with only half a team. The upside is that in second half of the 2nd Test everything seemed to come together, can we make it like that at Worcester? I think so.

Owing to Herr Direktor's carelessly broken foot, Sven Olivier kindly agreed to direct for the day and set a 2.5 hour OLC variant (thanks, Sven). Only four competitors (EY, ID, GOK with Martin Grunnert and Jaco "Graphics" Hartmann, and HW) were in the running, but witha NEr (our most difficult conditions) Vic Peak was struggling to keep William (HW) Whitaker and Peter (ID) Farrell airborne. GOK tried Audensberg to no avail, and anyway with a start at Rawsonville it would have been pretty challenging.

Herr deputy (EY) Direktor decided that technical dificulties made launching inadvisable (yeah, right, nothing to do with the weather? No, of course not. I thought so).

So it was rather a quiet day at Worcester (with Craig Fussell having a few paxes) and the scores remain unchanged. Or do they? We have not implemented the drop-a-day rule agreed at the beginning of this season as I was intending to give it force & effect after June's Gauntlet. Interestingly, in "drop-a-day", LW is one point ahead of ID, but we will hold off publishing the scores with the drop-a-day rule until there is another valid competition day.

Next month, July 7th, we will be having a club social as well as a Gauntlet. Lyneth Milne has asked if she can stand everyone a round of drinks in memory of Garth - who fondly remembered the treatment he got (tray service on the runway!) after one of his achievements.

Since the Gauntlet is about encouraging enjoyment of safe cross-country flight, this 'demotivator' from www.despair.com particularly apt. Make sure YOU always have somewhere to go:

See you there. IF you can handle it!

June Gauntlet with no regret!

2007-05-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

The website www.despair.com does a great line in “demotivator” posters. This one really cracked me up – to the point that I will be unable to fly on Saturday.

Don’t despair though, I’ll be setting some impossible task in challenging weather for the true Gauntleteers – briefing at 10h00.

Farewell to a Great Gauntleteer: Garth Milne

2007-05-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to inform you that Garth Milne died on Friday after a short illness. The memorial service will likely be on Monday as the family are all here - details to follow.

Garth was such a living inspiration that you can learn and strive regardless of where you are in life, as aptly demonstrated by his winning the R&A Challenge and his land out between Piekeniers & Dasklip in the Cape Gauntlet late last year. I am pleased to say that Lyneth has agreed to allow us to rename the Cape Gauntlet trophy the "Garth Milne Memorial Trophy", as he was in spirit & action a true Gauntleteer. And you can't say better than that.

Garth had gumption that great Gauntleteer's need
His passion to glide an inspiration in deed
Cross-country he flew
And landouts he knew!
But now, with a laugh, his feather wings are freed!

Go well, Garth, and now that you have real wings, don't laugh too hard at our earth-bound attempts to achieve airborne honours.

Day 4: A May Day with no Mayday

2007-05-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

The forecast looked really doubtful - 31C with a trigger of 32C, but on the ridges this was more like a max of 28C with a trigger of 27C - cause for optimism (!) when coupled with the possible wave from the Northerly prevailing wind.

In fact, we probably should have launched earlier had we had the wind dummy aloft sooner, and Kevin Mitchell showed that Vic peak was working (engine off) and the field was ready to launch.

Special thanks to Martin Grunnert who converted to tugging in motorfalke LZ (thanks Hubert) and showed a good rate of climb even with two pilots while he was checked out. This should help to ensure we can still launch a larger field come next summer.

On task (a 2.5 hour OLC variant), the Slanghoek lee-wave was too weak to support serious distance up the Tulbagh valley and the key was to make the jump to Waaihoek rather than Jan du Toit's (as some did to their cost).

Most landed before the 2.5 hours, but Martin's exploration into the Stetyn'skloof earned the necessary distance points and the GOK handicap helped ensure he was handsomely rewarded for his effort - taking the overall lead by nearly 60 points.

A special mention also to Jacobus who was adventurous enough to track into Vic Peak from Rawsonville after getting dumped at Badsberg - in the event a good decision and some (slightly breathless) education - and coming in third on the day, WAY TO GO Jacobus! William Whitaker (4th for the day) also showed the pundits that a little perseverance goes a long way - well done, William.

And with no landouts (almost everyone was local the entire flight) the Gauntleteers were happy and only a little tired in the bar afterwards - why not come and join the fun? See the Overall and D4 scores in the sidebar.

Why not let the voyeur in you loose on the pics!

Can you handle it?

Clanwilliam!

2007-04-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Marching Gauntlet saw eleven pilots answer the call to arms and it was largely thanks to the Blipmaps that the field headed off in the right direction (although a SWer there were significant cloud challenges on the Langeberge). But in the end an assigned area task was briefed (Quarry, Piekenierskloof & 135km north, Piketberg and home via Waaihoek). After the 09h00 briefing, Alan O’Regan was first to launch and acted as the wind dummy – holding launch as the first few passes on the Audensberg proved a little challenging even for a rock polisher.

But once the thermals started on the ridge (they were probably already going – this should read “once Alan finally found one”) the launching took place with two tugs thanks to the help of erstwhile tugmeister Paul Troskie and Rico Sutter.

Everyone was pleased to host Jenny & Douglas Bradley (who will represent South Africa at the Junior Worlds in Rieti in July) and help them gain some experience on the ridges. Jenny was flying with Martin in GOK and Rico had kindly offered Douglas a seat in the DG500 – well done, Martin and Rico, and best of luck to our Junior Team! Hopefully we will get a chance to fly with them some more before the travel to Rieti.

It was not really possible to get the maximum (6000ft) start height and most competitors left at between 5000 and 5500ft gliding through the difficult (in a SWer) areas of Audensberg and Brandwag to turn onto Waaihoek – which worked well after the first kilometer. The Witzenberg proved challenging - and Errol, Jacobus and William all chose to turn back south from this weak ridge.

But the rest made it north and crossed via the Saron North gap or the 24 rivers saddle to the front ridge at Porterville and North to Piekenierskloof where only 4 gliders (Alan, Mark, Adriaan and Peter) got sufficient height to jump back across the Citrusdal valley to the Cedarberg. The trip north through the Cedarberg was one of the most challenging as it was not working sufficiently to allow the normal ‘glide step’ motion through the ridges, and at one point Alan, Mark and Adriaan were down to 3800ft deep in the mountains – but the huge ridges provided a superb climb to nearly 6000ft, a jump to the back and a beautiful cruise to just south of Clanwilliam (abeam the dam).

Owing to time constraints, the 3 turned at 165km out (although there was sufficient westerly in the wind to allow the low run to Klawer) in order to have a chance at making it round Piketberg. But this was not to be – the front valley was completely dead off the ridges and it was not possible to cross to Piketberg – Alan nearly landing out after arriving very low back at the Porterville ridge, and making the best distance for the day (Day 3 Result and Overall).

All but Jacobus made it home – he had a lucky escape after overrunning into an unseen ditch at the end of his field in the lee of Kleinberg – and even that did not stop him being back in time for the evening social. Big thank-you to Wally for arranging the social and helping out behind the bar – the buzz in the bar has to be heard – it will give YOU a buzz!

So the Gauntleteers are home again, tired but happy – and looking forward to the another day of Gauntleteering. Why not join that happy throng of (slightly nuts) adventurous souls and see if you too can stretch your wings?

Can you handle it?

To the Castle, lads!

2007-03-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

You will hopefully not have forgotten the (April) Cape Gauntlet this Saturday (yes, 31st of March). Briefing will be at 09h00 in the Siebert Training Centre at Worcester.

There is a Case of Castle to be split (after flying) between those who choose to wear something military on the evening of the second Marching Gauntlet – let’s try to rally to the flag, push the boat out and ‘scramble’ for the wardrobe this Saturday. A synchronised watch will not count!

For those that choose not to be military, we will have a special induction ceremony that might be more fun than comfortable. The choice is yours.

Join the fun, or join us after flying for beer, cheer & deer (or whatever dead animal you choose to sacrifice!) and the logger wars as we (politely) wrestle with the technology to download & score the flights. And the provisional results ceremony, although a little casual to be called a ceremony, usually is worth the beer you can down while listening.

Can you handle it?

Marching Orders!

2007-03-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 10th March, the Cape Gauntleteers got their marching orders. Undaunted by having to round a turnpoint published on the day (a challenge to their 'GPS' skills) they headed off into the early wave at 11h15 lead by Craig (LW) Fussell on an Assigned Area Task of minimum 195 and maximum 684km.

Briefing was, unusually, held in the 'Siebert' training centre and all were able to 'see' the task on the overhead provided by Peter (ID) Farrell (thanks!). Also thanks to extra assistance from the tug-pilots and superb 'chivvying' on the ground, launching was competed within an hour and the gate openned on the AAT at 12:25.

Craig (and most of the field) elected to climb in the wave at Badsberg and then joined Martin (GOK) Grunnert (with Jerry Betbedder as p2) on Waaihoek and the Witzenberg for the run north. Meanwhile Adriaan (K17) Hepburn jumped to the front ridge from the Slanghoek wave and had to contend with that most annoying of effects at Worcester - even though the wave is pumping, there is practically no wind on the front ridge. Adriaan got as far as Saronberg before the gravity of the situation got the better him and he selected a field just to the North of the town. Not even 30 minutes later, Peter (ID) Farrell and Alan (X32) O'Regan came (softly) by, and although Saronberg was still weak, there was enough to allow the trip north to continue.

And slowly the ridges improved, allowing better cross-country speeds as the day (and more importantly the ridges) warmed to the idea. In the event though, it was not really practicable in the marginal conditions to venture further North than Renosterhoek, and only GOK, X32 and LW ventured very far south of the Du Toit's kloof tunnel. Effectively this meant that everyone came home early, and a few extra kilometers of 'stretch' and the handicaps sorted out the positions. Hats off to Martin (GOK) Grunnert for making the old girl go the extra mile, it really keeps us all humble, Martin!

William (GIG) Whitaker deserves special mention for competing from the winch (well done!) and Jacobus (GUC) Hartmann showed admirable restraint in turning back from the front ridge before it became trench warfare - great decision Jacobus! We hope folks who see the traces will avoid noticing that he outclimbed X32 at Slanghoek, proving again that it is not what you got, but what you do with it that counts!

The next Gauntlet cannot be on the first Saturday in April (Easter). 31st March is suggested.

Gauntlet on the March

2007-02-27T14:10:00.001-08:00

Owing to an even spread of competitors preferring 10 March to the normal 3 March, we have decided to delay this months Cape Gauntlet in order to take advantage of a more robust tugging operation that will be available on the 10th March.

We know it is a long wait, sorry. But it WILL be worth it.

Can you handle it?

The cruelest cut – a surreal Gauntlet

2007-02-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

The surge in interest in the Cape Gauntlet (we had 16 pilots at the Thursday briefing and 13 participating pilots on Saturday – and more than 20 people at the 09h00 briefing) was really good to see. There is usually something for everyone at briefing – wild and wacky – weather, the lot. It makes for a great start to the day.

Although the sky was that never ending blue that makes one look around for the sandy beach under the palm trees, there was one small cloud threatening the horizon – could the launch operation scale to meet the challenge of a larger grid? Unfortunately, tug MIV was out of action and it would be up to NIG to shoulder the burden with assistance from Adriaan Hepburn in his feisty Lambada.

With a reasonable day (type 4) in prospect, the task setter opted for an OLC Variant task using the new “Le Mans” start rule (which essentially allows OLC variant competition scoring to start 20 minutes after the last pilot launches and does not restrict the pilots from heading off cross country in the meantime to maximize the day-distance), and given what happened later, this proved a day-saving choice. It is also worth noting that EY has proposed a revision to the Le Mans Start Rule (go on, add your comments to the discussion).

Grid Bingo was shunned in favour of selecting a launch order which would allow maximum achievement on the day (thanks everyone for agreeing to this!). With a 1000km in prospect, the first wave of pilots included those knocking on the door of a 1000, Peter (ID) Farrell, Cornelius (GOG) von der Heyden, Craig (LW) Fussell, Dolf (Z1) Pretorius and Quinton (II) Hoole – Dolf flew multiple 1000s in the flat in December, but is yet to do it going ‘around’ the Cape ridges. The second tier included those who had already done it and might get there despite a later launch: Martin (GOK) Grunnert, Sven (EY) Olivier, Adriaan (K17) Hepburn, Hans (GWS) Sterling and Alan (X32) O’Regan. The remainder of the field included William (GIG) Whittaker, Errol (E5) Drew, Jaco (GUC) Hartman.

With a first launch set for 10h00, the pilots scrambled from briefing out to the hangars, with little time for additional preparation. Then, disaster! Unfortunately, Nina (or rather NIG) was a little ‘exhausted’ by the ferry from FASH, and needed a cracked manifold repaired. The inexhaustible & stoic Navarro’s came to the rescue and got to work on the tug at once to jury-rig repairs.

Now, with only the Lambada available and coupled with the slight Westerly in the prevailing wind, which meant thermalling away from the Red Hill was a non-starter, a protracted launch operation was to be expected. Undeterred, launching began under the able chivvying of Marion Cole with some assistance from Jerry B.

Although, in the end, we were unable to launch the whole field (on 11 of 13 NIG got exhausted and it was too turbulent for the Lambada) some creditable flights were achieved: Dolf Pretorius took the maximum day distance at 793, and if he had made it around the Waaihoek corner he may have made the 1000 – well done, Dolf; Craig Fussell (695km), Cornelius von der Heyden (671km) and Peter Farrell (541km). William Whittaker deserves special mention for going the furthest east and scoring his first 300 (303km) in non-powered flight – way to go William!

So the biggest Cape Gauntlet to date was unfortunately a non-scoring day, but lots of flying got done. Big thank you’s to Adriaan and Alison & Johnny Navarro for rescuing us from a potential disaster. And as I have said before – there will be other days; this was a day of unfortunate coincidences.

We have arranged for two operational tugs for the next Cape Gauntlet due on 3rd March.

Can you handle it?

Le Mans Start Rule

2007-02-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

Essentially this rule allows OLC variant competition scoring to start 20 minutes after the last pilot launches and does not restrict the pilots from heading off cross country in the meantime to maximize the day-distance. So while one pilot will start at Waaihoek, another might be at Renosterhoek.

EY has proposed a revision: essentially starting the scoring for a competitor at their next OLC ‘turn’ after the start time, and score from there. This one needs thinking through though, because a competitor could have just started a 200km leg and would be scored over a much smaller distance than the rest of the field. This could be corrected by one of two methods: score the competitor at their average speed optimized over the entire flight, but from last launch + 20 minutes to declared end; or accept EY modification with a 100km minimum distance to run, i.e., if a pilot still has 101km to run at the start time, their start time is adjusted to the time of their next OLC turn point.

Jaw-dropping finale!

2006-12-04T00:16:00.000-08:00

With first launch at 11:30, the field took to air in spectacular style - with only 1 tug - the entire 10 strong field was launched in 50 minutes - including one relight. This is a record at Worcester and testimony to serious organisation on the ground (thanks Jerry, Alison and others) and thermal finding ability from Mark "tugmeister" Siegelberg. 4 minute tug times. Think about it. High as a kite all day for less than R100!

With the prevailing high pressure (& embedded front!) giving cloud towards Swellendam the start line was optimised for a route North, and all but Mr Farrell opted to take the hint - and being different nearly cost him and out landing in Robertson and the overall win. It has paid off for him in the past though.

And they all came home, albeit Garth Milne with HW in a trailer after pushing it a little too hard southbound from Piekenierskloof to land out within sight of Dasklip (thanks Rico & friends for shouldering the retrieve burden - u da man!).

But the shocker of the day has to be Calvin Holmwood and Martin Grunnert's flight in GOK. At 141 kph over the 3.5 hour task, they proved that even the 'old girl' has legs in her - and almost everyone was trying to catch up.

Notable performance from Cornelius "catch me if you can" von der Heyden, fastest on the day with 155kph and Craig "popcorn" Fussell with the second fastest 153kph.

What a day! Thanks to all who participated. See the sidebar for links to overall scores and the day 7 positions.

Next Gauntlet on 3rd of February 2007.

D6 scores! Any one for wine?

2006-11-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

Day 6 extended the ding-dong battle between K17 and ID with ID delta tabling the day win, but only 100 points out of K17's overall lead. With 250 points to make up on the last competition day in December ID will really need to pull out all the stops. Competitors: you have 24 hours before the verified day scores and the overall become final.

The reletively small field for this Gauntlet did not reflect the quality of the day - and most pilots reported learning significantly during the course of it, as the cloud 'capped' the maximum altitudes and caused pilots to be limited on two sides - to the side and above! It makes for another dimension to the decision making.

For those still wondering what the large bottle of wine is in the bar - it is for the day we get 15 flying entrants in the Gauntlet. We have enough pilots - will they all be there on 2nd December at 09h00?

Why not join us and hear a cork pop (after flying, of course)?

Can you handle it?

Cloud-gap demons

2006-11-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

The Cape Gauntlet roared into life after somewhat subdued performances in recent months.

The conditions at Worcester started with low-scudding rain (you get the picture) but the eager Gauntleteers were undeterred by the conditions prevailing at briefing and waited through the morning for the conditions to improve.

And improve they did. By lunchtime the cloud bases were rising toward the forecast 5500ft and the showers of rain had abated in the Worcester area, and a launch time was set for 13h30. Franz du Toit was ready as ever in MIV and the smallish field took to the grid with Adriaan (K17) Hepburn losing the "grid bingo" to take first launch.

The prevailing SW wind showed just how difficult it was to stay up on the Audensberg with K17 opting to thermal over the golf course instead of 'parking' on the ridge. He was soon joined by Peter (ID) Farrell, Ari ("never say die") Cotton, Kim Carter-Brown & Alan O'Regan in GOK, and after taking his panel apart at the launch point, Quinton (II) Hoole. Craig (LW) Fussell joined in much later (flying a real glider - see picture).

Unusually, two start points (Waaihoek and the Quarry) were declared to allow competitors the opportunity to optimise either a northbound or eastbound first leg. Most opted for northbound, but on rounding Mitchell's Peak, it was clear (not!) that the Tulbagh valley was unflyable, and Saronberg was not even visible. Turning south GOK, K17 and ID headed for Robertson after getting enough height at Waaihoek to make the jump to Keeromberg.

The trip to Robertson was fast (lots of 200kph sections) and bumpy, but at Robertson the cloud base was significantly lower and GOK needed airbrake to duck under the base (4000ft at the corner and 3300ft further on). At this altitude it looked possible to get to Ashton, but operating so close to the limits was to nobodies taste and everyone elected to retry to the north, with GOK only just making back over the spur (remember the wind was SW!).

The transition from Keeromberg to Waaihoek was challenging with the worst sink on Brandwag nearly catching out the entire field, but in the end everyone made it to Jan du Toit's for a top up before the jump West to Waaihoek.

Waaihoek was "gangbusters" but the low cloud base (4300ft) precluded 'jumping' the saddle between Mitchell’s Peak and Waaihoek. The Witzenberg looked perfect - capped with orographic cloud - and Saronberg also had a 'hat'. With K17 reporting difficult conditions for the transition to the front ridge, GOK elected to climb in front of the orographic cloud on the Witzenberg and Kim C-B demonstrated her eagerness to "go for the gap" between and above the clouds in the crossing of the Tulbagh valley.

K17 (not one known for his lack of "gung-ho") was again reporting difficult conditions at Porterville, with ID concurring, so GOK turned on the northern flank of Saronberg and headed back to the Witzenberg. More cloud-gaps allowed GOK to make it onto Mitchell's Peak and romp home after what has to be one of the most stunningly beautiful flights she's ever made - sun-dappled, rain-washed vineyards carpeting the valleys between blackened mountains. Nothing can compare with a down-sun, tail-blown final glide with plenty of margin.

A day of discovery. Kim's secret is out, no longer a closet cloud-gap demon! And with such good judgement on ridge-running that we look forward to some solo performances. Also, even though it was COLD (10C at 4000), the ridge was cooking – proving that it IS only differential heating that is required.

Provisionally, then, the unverified scores have K17 neck and neck with ID followed by LW, II and Ari. GOK, owing to a problem with the FLARM power supply, could not submit a trace. Pity, on handicap it may have given the boy-racers a run for their money.

Next Gauntlet on 2nd December. Can you handle it?

Blow and Spin

2006-10-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday dawned bright (no cloud) and, amazingly, calm (no wind). The weather was forecasting the arrival of a cold front associated with a deep low to the south of the country and I have never seen a forecast for such a blow (high winds) - 75 knots at 18000ft, and rain later.

So there we were on the ground just before briefing at 09h00 and it was balmy. A good turn out on the day meant that we were fielding 9 pilots (and the participation of 15 that will uncork the huge bottle of wine in the bar looks within easy reach - if everyone who can/has participated turns up for the November Gauntlet).

But the forecast was probably threatening our ability to launch the field - usually a strong upper wind will cause a blow-out (high wind & severe turbulence) at Worcester. And the we thought this would likely be before lunchtime. An OLC variant task was set with no bonus turnpoints starting at Rawsonville. To the grid by 10:30!

The big news of the day was that the two new "windtalkers" were operational at Worcester and Hawequas and at 15h00 Dasklip also came online. This local form of 'nowcasting' is really going to help the XC pilots make their decisions more accurately, and Adriaan 'just do it' Hepburn has spearheaded this initiative (thanks, buddy!). Get it on wap or web for the latest.

Thanks also to the Hepburn Lambada we knew Vic Peak was working, so although not all pilots were able to make it to the grid on time, Peter Farrell launched and proved the climb rates were good on the Peak and from then it was a scurry to get the grid launched. Which we did (or 7 of 9 anyway, one was our sad scorer who had earlier refused a launch and was victim of the blowout JUST before he could launch, and the other was Quinton Hoole whose FLARM was only recently installed but the version was not up to date - we all have to be on 3.02 team!).

The extreme wind caused most pilots to struggle with penetration and from the log files, at least two pilots attempted a rather turbulent visit to the lee of Brandwag and reported that stuff started flying around the cockpit and full control deflections seemed a little light-handed. Prompting:

Hepburn thought Jan du Toit's he was in
And was shocked by the terrible din
But he was in the lee
With nowhere to flee
And only just avoided a spin!

The Fantastic flights were well supported by the ground crew (Brain Dean putting a sterling effort) and nearly all hands were required to get some gliders to bed (e.g., Randy's hangar door blew off its guide rail and we needed 7 folks to hold down the glider and fix the doors). Thanks to all who stuck around to help.

Oh yes, you probably want the results. Well we did not issue provisionals in the belief that it was a no contest day, but this proved incorrect once K17 uploaded his flight to OLC. See the scores (D5) and Overall in the links in the sidebar.

Talking of bars, those who missed the Potjie missed a great evening, and it was great to see both club houses so full!

Until 09h00 on 4th November (the next Cape Gauntlet briefing), fly safely.

October Gauntlet: An Orgy for Gourmet's?

2006-09-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

It is with some fanfare that we can announce more than just another hair raising Cape Gauntlet day, because it will include the kind of fare you can eat! Wally “give me Whiskey and I’ll Tango” Tamsen is arranging a Potjie for the evening of the next Cape Gauntlet on 7th October (let Wally - click his name to email him - know you are coming).

And that’s not all.

Quinton “Where? Who?” Hoole has arranged for there to be an opportunity for those who want to write the Motorfalke exam to do so in the early evening of the 7th of Ocotber. No guessing on the location, it’s at FAWC. It’s at FAWC. It’s still FAWC. No point in asking for it to me moved. Even on the day. Book with Ian Forbes or Quinton. Fill your face afterwards even if you fail or pass out literally at the bar!

Oh, yes, and if you come early enough you could actually fly in the Gauntlet. Watch out, because Rico might be leading the charge of the DG’s in October:

A farmer of grape named Rico
Did not like the look from below
So he bought a flarm
And abandoned the farm
‘Cos now he’s a Gauntleteer fellow!

I should also point out that there is a HUGE bottle of wine (donated by our still red-faced scorer) that is “resting” in the bar, only to be opened when we achieve an entry in the Gauntlet of 15 pilots.

Care to help us pop a cork?

Flying inverted

2006-09-11T00:31:00.000-07:00

Well, another Cape Gauntlet passes without score, this time not because our heartless scorer was hanging on to all the points, but more because the weather was upside down!

The strong inversion between 3500 and 4500 of 12C proved unbreakable on the day, and the significant upper air NW was unable to bring relief in the form of ridge lift to those lift challenged Gauntleteers.

There was still plenty of 'pre-season' practise to be had, though, and it certainly was testing to wander round the familiar hills a LOT LOWER than usual!

In the end, the OLC variant task was replaced with a pointless (as in no points on offer!) "last man standing" which was one won by the clear favourite in terms of sheer grit, determination and and staying power - Sven Olivier in EY with a time approaching 3.75 hours - awesome stuff, Sven. Now all we have to do is GO somewhere!

Only 3 more points opportunities this year - see you on 7 October for an 09h00 briefing.

Torpedoed!

2006-08-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

It is with some sadness that we report that the Gauntlet for August is scrubbed.

You may think this is because of some omniscience with respect to the weather, but actually, it will be the sort of challenging day our Gauntleteers love. Now the scorer can keep all the points for himself!

Wet in patches, very weak thermals and a confused, relatively light wind starting SW and going S. Probably a day type 1, 2 at a push.

The stark truth is a little more mundane: I have to focus elsewhere tomorrow (I am overseas from Tuesday and we are in the processes of buying a house we do not want to ‘miss’) and Sven is unfortunately not able to ‘cover’ this time around. With no director, no task setter, no weatherman, no scorer tomorrow will NOT be a competition day.

So, just because there is no Gauntlet, doesn’t mean you can’t fly. What would you rather do – soar in the clouds or scrape sticky mud off your wellies?

Life is full of puzzles, this one is yours!

See you in September. In fact, 9th of September at 10h00 to be exact. For briefing.

Make sure you are on rhyme.

Subversive

2006-07-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

The recent antics of our scorer (see previous posts in July) have not gone unnoticed by our Gauntleteers, who are filled with glee (and rhyme) much to his embarrassment:

An own goal during a glide?
I think the truth he does hide
We know that the clown
Has shot himself down
Next thing with himself he'll collide!

--oo--

Our favourite scorer is Alan
But what a sad tale he is tellin
We know that he tried
But his software had lied
Enough to make one the hellin!

--oo--

An intricate task is this scoring
And we all thought it was boring
Who cares if it's skew?
At least we all flew
Plus it adds to the fun of our soaring

Scorer responds:

"Please, Mr Competition Director, can we have a rule to legalise penalties for subversive behaviour?"

CD responds:

"First, Mr Scorer, you can't penalise the Gauntleteers unless you were going to give them some points in the first place (and you're not exactly handing points out like confetti are you?), second,

Rhyme is no crime".

Not possible: A gliding "own goal"

2006-07-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

After a somewhat surprising discovery that our two scoring programs yeilded different results (thanks to Eagle EYed EY), we instigated an investigation into why this discrepancy existed. Blustering manufacturer's protested their innocence and eventually the white-hot spotlight of TRUTH fell on our lowly little scorer!

In an out-of-character momentary loss of self-control, a competitor "head-butted" the Cape Gauntlet organising team with a flaming limerick:

Mr Farrell protested with grace
“No transgression has here taken place”
The scorer is dumb!
A quick rule of thumb
Shows the trace has no point in airspace!

It turns out that the poor chap was a little bemused that airspace moves up and down each day. It does what? How? Yes, on high pressure days, airspace specified in flight levels is actually higher than it is on low pressure days. Drop that one in at your next session at the bar and become the life & soul of the party!

A relieved Mr Farrell, cleared of any airspace infringement, provided only a brief comment "Phew!", while HW and GUJ pilots were completely uncontactable (perhaps they are on 119.7?).

While no change is being permitted to finalised scores of previous days, the one competitor in April previously thought to be in airspace will have the infringement expunged from their Gauntlet record. Litigation on this matter is not anticipated, however, as Fate has sense of humour. That competitor, who's character and airmanship have been libelled through this appalling error, is none other than our rather sheepish scorer!

Can you handle it?

See the revised scores at the Overall and D4 links. These scores will become final in 24 hours if no further objections are received.

Music in the score!

2006-07-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

The transgressions of Saturday are much lamented, as ZS-ANON (a participant) notes:

Who can escape the beady eye
Of the GPS in the sky?

A minute or two and a touch too high
Is enough to make a big man cry.

But truth be out, there is no doubt,
It never fails to catch you out !

And don't forget the other part . . .
Make real sure you cross the start!

And as a number of competitors noted from the scores, the music was in too high a key. Lets hope that next time we wax lyrical it will be to celebrate!

But there is music here, and if you take the time it to absorb it, you'll find the harmony of flying with knowledge and skill. Where is it I here you ask? Get Martin and Hubert's trace of Saturday and play it in 3D (unfortunately without sound effects!).

Also note from the verified scores that we, er, "found" a competitor. Ian Forbes mentioned on Saturday that he might do his best to get disqualified by climbing in the wave into the TMA, but didn't, and was then a little tardy submitting his trace for provisional scoring. But, "Welcome!" Ian - here's hoping your Gauntleteering is long and profitable!

And, the scores are likely to stay "verified" for some time while Mr Farrell takes his logger for calibration - I hope it doesn't get a clean bill of health (and he'll get his points back)!

Please try to make briefing at 09h30 on 5th August and we will explain how to avoid these airspace problems (QNH vs Standard Pressure, when, why and where).

And, with your co-operation, you will learn something you will NEVER be able to forget!

Can you handle it?

Day 4 again - and MUCH better!

2006-07-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

The twinkled-eyed Gauntleteers assembled for another contest day at sunny Worcester (mouse over for names!):
The weather was forecast to be a strong NW with good heating (for winter!) to 24C and no cloud. Adriaan and Adri had taken a pre-briefing flight to check the weather and confirmed turbulence and 80kph at altitude, making the Contest Director a little nervous that the conditions on the ground (calm at briefing) would blow-out and become too turbulent to launch the grid. Launch was set for 11h00 with the start point at Rawsonville / Renosterhoek for a 3 hour OLC variant task.

With superb help from Alison, Jerry and Craig (the latter two on duty), the grid was soon launching (after a brief breathe-held pause while June Sterling execute a perfect first-solo landing in the Motor Falke, well done, June!) and with many pilots "gliding in" to Vic Peak, tug-times were sometimes under 6 minutes (not for the faint-hearted).

Martin and Hubert (slightly in shock) deserve special mention for getting to Rooi Els but marred their otherwise winning performance with unfortunate airspace infringements! They were also unfortunately joined in that unholy activity by two other pilots resulting in a devalued day.

Most pilots had smiles on their faces when they landed (or were they grimaces?) and it seemed like everyone had pushed themselves a little and achieved more than they thought was really possible in the conditions. It was perhaps disappointing that the wind stayed too northerly for the front ridge to work as we might then have seen some spectacular winter distances.

But Ari "Circles" Cotton proved that it was possible to do it the old-fashioned way - in thermals (no, not underwear) for a good day-result. And Adriaan is now navigating the pitfalls with aplomb (and mainly in straight lines) making him the winner on the day and giving him a commanding lead.

See the detail results here, and 'till next time, fly safe!