WGC 2024 Uvalde
Media Team
Uvalde 2024 WGC
Late Report
Day 8
The weathermen thought the conditions today was going to be a problem. After reviewing the flights, it was apparent that the pilots thought the same thing. After the sniffer launched, it was not long before he climbed well above 1,500m (5,000ft) in 1.5 – 2.5m/s (3-5kt) climbs. The launch began and the gate for each class was opened as follows: 20 Meter – 1216, Open Class – 1245, and 18 Meter – 1255. Let’s talk about the 18 Meter Class first.
The 18 Meter Class was sent on an Assigned Area Task with a nominal distance of 444.6km (276mi). After the start they went southwest to Eagle Pass, southeast to Bella Vista, north northwest to Back Porch Ranch and then southeast to the finish. The conditions at launch seem to suggest the winning speed was going to be better than 140kph (87mph) which meant you had to go farther in a couple of turn areas. With a wind out of the east, the first leg was downwind. However, there is a river that runs southeast/northwest (Rio Grande) that starts just on the other side of the nominal point. All the pilots turned before the river, thus avoiding a major airspace penalty, but in the northern sector of the area to gain extra distance. This leg also took advantage of energy lines aligned with the wind. I’m just guessing at this based on looking at their flights. The second and third legs, the clouds must have been good because of the higher L/D values achieved. In both circles, most pilots flew near to the maximum distance point. Final glides looked good but the weather at the field was changing. Right around 1630, wind and small rain showers started to appear to the east of the field as forecasted. The 18 Meter ships were arriving right around 1645, and they had gusty winds to contend with on landing. Finally, the scores. In third place was Lumpy Paterson (Australian) with Stephan Langer (Germany) in second. Winning the day was Christophe Abadie (France) with a speed of 156.46kph (97mph) over the 561km (349mi) task distance.
The 20 Meter Class also had an Assigned Area Task with a 364.6km (226mi) nominal distance, with a minimum time of 3:30hr. After starting they went south to Big Wells, north to Hidden Valley Ranch, southwest to Highway 90, southeast to Lama de Cometa and then to finish. Again, the nominal speed was only 104kph (65mph) so everyone knew they would have to fly farther than nominal in these areas. In most cases, turns were made near the maximum distance point in 3 out of the 4 turn areas. These pilots finished at 1630, and they also dealt with gusty winds on landing. In third place for the day was Lutz & Janowitsch (Austria) and in second place was Rubaj & Matkowski. Winning the day was Adam Woolley & Olie Gateley (Australia) with a speed of 145kph (90mph) over a task distance of 508km (316mi)
In the Open Class, they also had a 3:30 hour Assigned Area Task the went west to Tularosa, south to Dentonio Ranch, north to Flying Bull and then south southeast to finish. The 415km (258mi) nominal distance gave a speed required of 118.5kph (73mph). More than nominal distance was required to complete this task over the minimum time. And that is what most of the Open Class did. The first two areas were flown to near the maximum distance points and the last area was turned based on finishing time. The Open Class was returning a little earlier than the other classes, so the weather and wind was not as bad. All in all, a well flown task by everyone. Winning the day in Open Class was Felipe Levin (Germany) with a speed of 156kph (97mph) over a task distance of 559km (347mi).
New pilots could learn a lesson from these examples. Have a good idea of how far you need to fly in the different turn areas to avoid coming in under time or flying well over minimum time by accident.
The weather tomorrow looks challenging. The low is going to stop right on top of us, causing low clouds, poor lift and rain. If it moves on tonight, we will fly. If something does not change tonight, then we may have our first weather day. Stay tuned to the morning report for details on the day and a recap of the competition.
Cheers,
Rich Owen
Media Team
