August 24, 2024
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Uvalde 2024 WGC
Late Report
Day 7
The ships are starting to arrive and there are smiles around the airfield. Today was a very nice day to fly. Cloudbases were upwards of 2,400m (8,000ft) and lift in the 2-3m/s (4-6kt) range. It did not look as if any cirrus invaded the task area, and everyone in each class is pretty close on speeds flown.
In the 20 Meter Class, they were sent on a Racing Task that went west to Hughes Ranch, southeast to Indio Ranch, east to Los Cuernos and northwest to finish. Looking at the traces, it seemed everyone was able to cruise under the clouds and take advantage of energy lines. In third place right now is the team of Adam Woolly and Olie Gateley (Australia), with Jones and Coppin (Great Britian) in second place. Winning the day was Sarah Arnold and Karl Striedieck from Team USA with a speed of 151kph (94mph) over a task distance of 407.66km (253mi). The scores for today were devalued for all the classes due to the winning times being under 3 hours. Looks like everyone went too fast for a 1000 point day. Congratulations Sarah and Karl.
In the 18 Meter Class, the task setters sent them on a racing task that went west to Brackettville, north to Martin Ranch, northeast to Junction, west to John Fields and then to finish. ELF came back for a relight, but Simon certainly found the right gear for today’s flight. The Germans also started first and early. Nice straight lines and efficient flying put them in the drivers seat. In third place was Jeroen Verkuijl (Netherlands) with Stefan Langer (Germany) in second. Winning the day was Simon Schroder (Germany) with a speed of 153kph (95mph) over the 285km (160mi) task distance. Very nice flying gentlemen!!
Open Class was given a racing task that went northeast to Hondo, southwest to Big Wells, north to Leaky, southeast to Devine and then finish. The run to the east on the first leg was not as bad as yesterday. Climbs averaging 2-3m/s were achieved with top of lift at the 2,200m (7,000ft). The journey into the hill country gave better climbs but only marginally higher altitudes. The final glide was had before the last turnpoint, so it was a low stress ending to a very nice flight. Peter Szabo (Hungary) finished in third place with Oscar Goudriaan (South Africa) was in second. The master himself, Attie Jonker (South Africa) won the day with a speed of 162.44kph (100mph) over the 451km (251mi) task distance. Attie must be smiling right now, having the top 4 spots occupied by the JS-5 ships. Nice flying all of you.
One thing is noticeable, the early starters in 20 meters did well but the later starters in Open did much better. Wish I had time to look at the flights closer, but the party is about to begin and I’m in need of a party tonight!
Tomorrow is a fun filled day planned at the OX Bow Ranch. I hope to see someone ride and shoot the big tank gun on their range. It is always fun and I’m sure this is going to be a fantastic adventure for our foreign visitors. I know I liked it last year.
Until later, have a good weekend and we will be flying on Monday.
Cheers,
Rich Owen
Media Team
