The task set was an AAT Quirindi 30 Baan Baa 40 Manilla 10 LKSC.
The day was slow to get going. Nick Singer in his self launching Pik 20E was first to take off as a "sniffer". Harry Medlicott went next with his Ventus 2CXT. They struggled for quite a while, but once they got a few consistent climbs, the rest of the field was launched. I was lucky enough to go first, and straight into a good thermal, with no-one to share it with.
However it wasn't all plain sailing, and quite a few of the "followers" bombed out. Some took a relight, and some didn't. I was allocated a different follower today - Ben Brooks in Jantar IZV, but before I had a chance to lure him into an outlanding, he landed back at the field and elected not to attempt the task. He did have a three hour local flight later on. My mate Bob Dircks was left on his own today, but sadly was one of the ones who didn't start.
Conditions got better as the day went on, with climbs to 7000 ft, but it was mostly blue. There were a few bits of cumulus later in the day to the north of the area. Dave Shorter deposited his follower Phil Anderton as Kennedy's airstrip, but Phil was able to get an aerotow home from there. Gaineys airstrip was a popular stopping place too - that last Manilla turn caught a few people out.
John Trezise following Ian Mc Phee and Wendy Medlicott in LL had a very good day, and got round the task. Chris Bowman in the club LS7 and Rob Smits in the Duo Discus stayed together very well, but they didn't turn the Manilla turnpoint. Todd and Matthew stayed together well too, and both completed the task.
Garry Speight flying with Graham Holland in Twin Astir IKX, unfortunately visited Gainey's. but his follower Brian Kranz in Cirrus OX made it home.
I had a nice flight - did quite a lot of distance, but as usual pretty slow, and overran the task time by heaps.
All this was followed again by a huge dinner, and amazing dessert, so we will all have a heavier wing loading tomorrow.
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