US Nationals ... Daily Update |
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I Our first task day: Aug 21, 2004: At Inspiration Launch in Provo UT. Won by a local, UT pilot Brad Gunnuscio. The forecast was calling for a bit of wind and overdevelopment. With excited anticipation, pilots noticed how big the launch site actually was and prepared to launch. Though only 1/2 set up, it later became clear that just about all could have set up and launched at the same time. It wasn't easy for most pilots to get up. One big gaggle climbed up and out together, it was a pretty sight. In the 14 years I have been flying at Inspo, this was the most gliders I've ever seen at one time. The task for the day was 31 K to the south side of the Point of the Mountain in Draper, UT with a turnpoint at Mahogany. One hour to goal for some competitors made for a fast task. Some pilots reported spikes of lift to 1600 feet but most lift was weak to 800. It was a low go day with most not able to get to 12000 feet. A long fast glide from Mahogany to the South side was the key for the first group of pilots to goal. A large gust front came through on launch 10 minutes after the launch window was closed due to the approaching threat. Two late launching pilots got stuck in the high winds too close to Provo Canyon and had to land in the canyon and one in a tree. Aug 22, 2004: Day 2 No task, windy... looking for other kinds of fun! Aug 23, 2004: Day 3 No task... woke up to rain. Aug 24, 2004: Day 4 No task... wind and rain. Aug 25, 2004: Day 5 No task... Yowza! It's hard to be patient! Aug 26, 2004: Day 6 We almost had a task today, but the valley winds were too strong. The day was called off and launch window was never opened because of 18 to 20 mph winds on the valley floor. After we went home, some pilots flew and made it to goal. They of course said we should have had a task that day. The great majority of the pilots said it was a good call. They were relieved that we were not asking them to fly in such strong winds. We wait again! Aug 27, 2004: Day 7 Yahoo! An awesome task today. The task went from Inspo to Dixon to Nephi Airport, a total of 69.3 km. We had unusual Fall weather this week and today was no exception. Though pilots only got to 11000 feet with climbs of 800 feet/min., it was quite cold up there. Even with some wind in the valley, we saw fast climbs and thermals going mostly straight up. Fifteen pilots made it to goal today. Aug 28, 2004:Day 8 Still cold aloft but warmer today than yesterday. Tighter slower climbs with sharper edges, higher pressure and inverted. One pilot, Steven Wilson, threw his reserve over Rock Canyon and landed hanging from a tree on a cliff in a very inhospitable spot. He reported he was fine but could not get out on his own. Competition pilot, Dave Dixon and paramedic, Brady George, organized and executed a superb rescue operation that took about 5 hours. Sebastian Meier, one of our wind tech's (alias wind dummy) launched with a saw and some cllimbing rope and did a side hill landing below the downed pilot and was the first on site to help with the rescue. Dale Covington and other pilots assisted in relaying radio transmissions to hasten retrieval procedures. Dan Ford, our retrieval volunteer, waited patiently for their safe descent and to take them home. Thanks to everyone who assisted in making a potentially bad situation turn out well for all concerned. (Steven Wilson wrote an article about what happened to him and lessons gained.) Click here to read all about it. Most pilots enjoyed Saturday's flying better because it was a little less windy. Twenty-two pilots made it to goal. At the awards ceremony we asked the pilots to share their account of what happened for them during their flights. Jamie Messenger took first for the day coming in 3 min 52 seconds ahead of second place winner Len Szafaryn. Len, our new US Champion had a great story of "the best close finish racing" he has ever experienced. He stated how Eric Reed, Josh Cohn and himself (all pilots most in contention for winning the US Championship) were on final glide pushing out on speed for such a long time that he and Josh (right next to each other) both had trembling legs that set up a vibration in their gliders. They could look over and see each others gliders and legs vibrating and each knew they could not rest their legs or they would lose the race. Len beat Josh by 2 seconds and Eric by 74 seconds! What a close finish for 38.6 km of racing! 6 Women flew in this year's Nationals. Kari Castle came in 1st, Cherie Silvera 2nd, Nicole Mc Learn 3rd, Irene Revenko 4th, Wendy Hughes 5th and C.J. Sturtevant 6th. It is always so wonderful to see women compete in these events. Throughout the competition, we received comments from pilots sharing their opinions regarding how things were being run during this year's meet. Since not all pilots came forth to share his or her thoughts it is not a complete account of everyone's true feelings but we thought we'd share with you some of the feedback we did receive.
There were no accidents with injury but had 5 incidents: 2 tree landings, one damaged glider due to weekened lines from launch that led to some lines
breaking just before landing, and a couple of blown launches. We accept all the luck we can get and we are greatful to each of the competitors for keeping
themselves safe. We also thank all the many people who joined us in creating safety as the primary focus of this years Nationals. |
