By Jeff Struthers
It was a beautiful fall Saturday when we held the Last Electroglide for this year. The Santa Ana was still hanging around, 17% humidity, 81 degrees and a breeze from the west. That created some good lift conditions coming off Sea Worlds parking lot.
I took sick shortly before first launch. Club President Jim Bonnardel kindly took over giving pilots an entertaining banter while competing.
First launch had six pilots up and headed west. Scott Vance and Alex Sutton found the lift at the far western edge of our flight area. Alex had a flight time of 9:25 with a 20-point landing and Scott had a flight of 9:11 with a 10-point landing. Fred Daugherty, an experienced glider pilot, had the third longest flight time at 2:36. That hints of a tricky or tight column of lifting air.
Second launch had all pilots trying for the western lift spot again. Alex, Fred and Scott found a tight column and were working it well when an approaching full-size helicopter was spotted. Jim warned and then had to call all pilots back to our field. That created a “do over”. Jim reset the event clock and pilots relaunched with our flight area now clear. Alex Fred and Scott found the lift again and worked it well. Alex came back at 9:33 with another 20-point landing. Fred came back at 9:23 and Scott had a 9:15 aloft with a 20-point landing. Stephen Treger also picked up a 20-point landing.
Third launch was much shorter with flight times. The tight lift columns seemed to have disappeared. Scott had the long one at 2:35 with a 20-point landing. Alex and Fred both had times at 1:45, Fred picking up a 20-point landing. Stephen also getting another 20-point landing.
Forth launch also had short times. Scott had a 2:50 aloft with a 20-point landing. Alex had a 2:21 with a 30-point landing and Stephen had a 2:03 with a 30-point landing.
All told it was a nice way to finish up our 2018 season. I wish I was well enough to fly, the long flights in the first two rounds looked fun.
Scott Vance led the day in total points at 216. Alex Sutton came in second at 211 points and Fred Daugherty was third at 136 points.
Thanks to Frank Sutton for the pictures of this event.
The trophy awards and raffle prizes for the year will be awarded to Electroglide pilots at our next club meeting on October 27th.
See you there,
Jeff
More great Pics from Frank Sutton here.
