Florida Grand Prix

[Wallace Berry[_2_]]

Huge thanks to the folks at Seminole Lake Gliderport and to Andy McQuigg
for conceiving of and hosting the first Florida Grand Prix. The wet
weather relented on Sunday and we got a beautiful blue sky full of cu's
and a well-called task to match. I won't recount the race or results.
That's for the organizers. I will say that the GP format worked well and
was tremendous fun to fly. I have no problem with the conventional
glider race format, but the GP does make for a very enjoyable and
satisfying change. Everyone starting together and flying in the same air
is great. There is less incentive for leeching in the GP. One can't win
by following, at some point you have to physically get out ahead of your
competitors. We had a max start height and a minimum finish height, so
no safety issues there. The only safety issue I saw was my own stupidity
regarding the start. I noodled around and ended up a couple of miles on
the wrong side of the line too close to the gate opening time for my
class. Scooting back to the line, I was not thinking about the class
that was just starting so I was head-on to them. Really dumb on my part.
The start line is not very wide, so it would have been much smarter to
have flown around the end. No rules needed, just remind everyone to stay
out from in front of the start line.

WB

--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

[Sean F (F2)]

This was truly a ball! I cannot wait for the next one! We are going to have a great winter flying these events together!

Sean
7T

P.S. I will try to remember to close my spoilers next time!

[[email protected]]

The popularity of this format on r.a.s. motivated a question on the pilot opinion poll about whether you'd like to see it included in regular regional rules. I hope that people watching here will answer, and especially that the people who now have some experience with this format will chime in and add to the comments section

John Cochrane

[Sean F (F2)]

John,

I think GP its totally safe in small classes. I would not do it if the class was larger than say, 10-15 gliders.

So maybe this would be a fun thing to have in the stack for a small 18 or 15 meter class at a regionals? Even in Sports you could do handicap ranges and remove the handicap allowing for level racing and first to finish wins scenario's! This was popular this weekend and nobody really cared about the handicaps. They were happy to forget them and race level, glider to glider!

Once the class gets much larger than 10 (with ranging experience levels, etc) it may create some linear level of chaos around the starting line. This might be considered higher risk or perhaps even unwise. Perhaps a longer starting line would spread out the field more?

With 10 in the air (3 classes, 2, 4 and 4) starting in 5 minute stagger (basically everyone in the same area getting ready to start, starting, etc it was very fun and manageable. Glider behaviors were VERY predictable. You know that guy/gal had to come to the line and start at some point. There was less randomness to the pilots behaviors. Once on course, it was beautiful to know that you were actually racing!

I also like the idea of Grand Prix out of a 5 mile cylinder so there are many options to exit the starting area but it all happens at one time. This might work for slightly larger classes. For example out the top?

Bottom line: It is ALOT of fun knowing that glider B is even with you (glider A) 90 minutes into the task and that you will need to find a way to get ahead if you are going to beat him RATHER THAN knowing you started behind him and all you need to do is lock on and win. I think our open starting gate (start anytime) promotes loitering around unpredictably AND encourages the classic tactic or starting last, catching and leeching even more than you think!

This GP concept could be really, really fun for pilots and the rules and scoring is incredibly easy. We did the scoring on a simple spreadsheet using winscore to quickly validate start height, turnpoints achieved and finish height. Basically elapsed time (lowest wins!).

Link to GP rules here: https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa/rules-and-scoring

Best,

Sean
7T

On Wednesday, October 2, 2013 1:03:25 PM UTC-4, wrote:
> The popularity of this format on r.a.s. motivated a question on the pilot opinion poll about whether you'd like to see it included in regular regional rules. I hope that people watching here will answer, and especially that the people who now have some experience with this format will chime in and add to the comments section
>
>
>
> John Cochrane

[[email protected]]

Agreed. A set start time eliminates gaggling and leeching. Our current timed start was developed because historically you needed to fly through the gate, and the gate could not handle everyone at the same time. No more gate, and a wide start area makes starting everyone at the same time a bit more practical.

The appeal of ending start gate roulette and leeching is very high.

There are a lot of open questions. Yes, how many gliders can we safely handle. Here the issue is the first few gagggles, which will inevitably have most of the fleet. My sense like yours is that 10-15 is a reasonable maximum. Larger numbers may be safe too. At world contests everyone also leaves at the same time in a big gaggle of 40 or more, they just wait a few hours to do it!

Another question is whether pilots will think it's fair to start everyone at the same time. I often seem to coast around for hours, then suddenly I'm at 2000' struggling when it's time to go. We don't always or even often fly in such predictable conditions that everyone can be right at MSH at the edge of the cylinder when it's time to go. One might say, well, that's the luck of the draw,but pilots have to like the format and if the whole race ends up being "where were you when the start gun went off" I think they won't find it that much fun.

The question on the poll, which I'll suggest for fall RC meeting if it gets enough support, is to allow this start with no other changes to rules, by waiver, for regionals, so we can build some experience and answer the above questions. I know that "real" grand prix have all sorts of other rules like start lines, assigned tasks, and 0/0 finishes, but we need to KISS and not go writing a whole additional rule book. And the point really is not to create a "real" fire-eating grand prix, but to see if starting at the same time produces a more enjoyable race by eliminating start time games and leeching, without introducing safety or other problems.

I hope you put your comments on the poll

John Cochrane

[Sean F (F2)]

If you know the start time is going to be when the "gate opens" (to use familiar terminology), pilots will need pay more attention to their positioning than they have in previous starting formats. GP starts will change (for the better I think) the way we will all need to think about starting for sure. Much like sailing, the start will be more important than it has been in soaring.

The key is to have the CD give something like a 30-45 minute countdown (depending on the strength of the day) so that everyone is able to prepare themselves to get into the best possible position as the start time nears. No excuses are worthwhile if that kind of lead time is offered to all pilots (countdown starting 15 minutes after last launch I imagine). I agree that if the CD just says...GO, with little warning, it might be seen by some (many) as unfair. But that is not how it should happen, ever.

Also, it will be fairly easy to catch the gaggle if you get a late or low start. The gaggles will be together from the get go but will thin out quickly. You still need to BEAT THE GAGGLE if you want to win or even place well!!! So this concept might actually work out really well to reduce leeching and improve "racing" even if the gaggle exists early. I would actually think that starting a minute back to see where everyone goes first would be an advantage, for example. Pick the faster gaggle, try to catch and pass it, and go for it by trying to get ahead and extend your lead.

The great part of GP is that you have less room for error. Great flying is rewarded, mistakes or sticking in the gaggle is punished greatly as you can end up in the back of the pack pretty quickly!

This GP concept might have more merit that we all imagine. We will learn more as we all try it over the winter and in the future! Clearly their is a reason why the GP idea has been so successful at the top levels of our sport. ITS FUN. ITS AWESOME. ITS EXCITING!!!

Come on boys. Get yourselves down to Florida for a weekend!

Schedule here ---> https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa/schedule

Sean
7T

[Sean F (F2)]

If you know the start time is going to be when the "gate opens" (to use familiar terminology), pilots will need pay more attention to their positioning than they have in previous starting formats. GP starts will change (for the better I think) the way we will all need to think about starting for sure. Much like sailing, the start will be more important than it has been in soaring.

The key is to have the CD give something like a 30-45 minute countdown (depending on the strength of the day) so that everyone is able to prepare themselves to get into the best possible position as the start time nears. No excuses are worthwhile if that kind of lead time is offered to all pilots (countdown starting 15 minutes after last launch I imagine). I agree that if the CD just says...GO, with little warning, it might be seen by some (many) as unfair. But that is not how it should happen, ever.

Also, it will be fairly easy to catch the gaggle if you get a late or low start. The gaggles will be together from the get go but will thin out quickly. You still need to BEAT THE GAGGLE if you want to win or even place well!!! So this concept might actually work out really well to reduce leeching and improve "racing" even if the gaggle exists early. I would actually think that starting a minute back to see where everyone goes first would be an advantage, for example. Pick the faster gaggle, try to catch and pass it, and go for it by trying to get ahead and extend your lead.

The great part of GP is that you have less room for error. Great flying is rewarded, mistakes or sticking in the gaggle is punished greatly as you can end up in the back of the pack pretty quickly!

This GP concept might have even more merit than we all imagine. We will learn more as we all try it over the winter and in the future! Clearly there is a reason why the GP idea has been so successful at the top levels of our sport. ITS FUN! ITS RACING! ITS EXCITING!!!

Come on boys. Get yourselves down to Florida for a weekend!

Schedule here ---> https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa/schedule

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, October 3, 2013 8:52:25 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> Agreed. A set start time eliminates gaggling and leeching. Our current timed start was developed because historically you needed to fly through the gate, and the gate could not handle everyone at the same time. No more gate, and a wide start area makes starting everyone at the same time a bit more practical. The appeal of ending start gate roulette and leeching is very high. There are a lot of open questions. Yes, how many gliders can we safely handle. Here the issue is the first few gagggles, which will inevitably have most of the fleet. My sense like yours is that 10-15 is a reasonable maximum. Larger numbers may be safe too. At world contests everyone also leaves at the same time in a big gaggle of 40 or more, they just wait a few hours to do it! Another question is whether pilots will think it's fair to start everyone at the same time. I often seem to coast around for hours, then suddenly I'm at 2000' struggling when it's time to go. We don't always or even often fly in such predictable conditions that everyone can be right at MSH at the edge of the cylinder when it's time to go. One might say, well, that's the luck of the draw,but pilots have to like the format and if the whole race ends up being "where were you when the start gun went off" I think they won't find it that much fun. The question on the poll, which I'll suggest for fall RC meeting if it gets enough support, is to allow this start with no other changes to rules, by waiver, for regionals, so we can build some experience and answer the above questions. I know that "real" grand prix have all sorts of other rules like start lines, assigned tasks, and 0/0 finishes, but we need to KISS and not go writing a whole additional rule book. And the point really is not to create a "real" fire-eating grand prix, but to see if starting at the same time produces a more enjoyable race by eliminating start time games and leeching, without introducing safety or other problems. I hope you put your comments on the poll John Cochrane

From what have observed, the effect is more the opposite. First, it makes it the good tactic to start and stay with the group as much as possible. Then the objective is to be the high guy in the last thermal. Beat everybody home and you win.
It is remarkably hard to beat a fast gaggle, but very easy to be soundly beaten by it.
As for the start, if you are in the wrong place and low, you're pretty much hosed unless you have a remarkable flight.
It does have the favorable characteristic of eliminating the painful game of trying to out wait the group so as to start last in the gaggle.
The attraction , and a very real one for some(many?), is the sense of racing because the pilot sees the other gliders he is competing with.
Another view
UH

[Sean F (F2)]

You may be right, but if you watch the playbacks of the FAI GP World Championship (thermal flatlands) the winners typically break away early and stay away. A bit like a road cycling race. Try to get out of sight and out of mind of the pack.

Regardless it will be interesting to see the gaggle tactics in GP. I see (and so do the pro's apparently) as it as being conservative in GP to join and remain with the gaggle even in flatland thermal flying.

Hope GP it catches on!

For the record, here are some good tracking video's:
(Usually the winners leave the gaggle and are well ahead)

https://vimeo.com/27014418
https://vimeo.com/27060949
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf7AOF0ECUc


Sean

[[email protected]]

> From what have observed, the effect is more the opposite. First, it makes it the good tactic to start and stay with the group as much as possible. Then the objective is to be the high guy in the last thermal. Beat everybody home and you win.
>
> It is remarkably hard to beat a fast gaggle, but very easy to be soundly beaten by it.
>
> As for the start, if you are in the wrong place and low, you're pretty much hosed unless you have a remarkable flight.
>
> It does have the favorable characteristic of eliminating the painful game of trying to out wait the group so as to start last in the gaggle.
>
> The attraction , and a very real one for some(many?), is the sense of racing because the pilot sees the other gliders he is competing with.
>
> Another view
>
> UH

I think UH is right about strategy under grand prix rules, when beating the other guy by an inch is the same as by a mile. Then the right strategy is like a sailboat race. In the grand prix I watched, I was interested that they didn't do this as much as I thought.

But that's less obvious if we start a regular US race this way -- a time-limited task, TAT or MAT, with a group of gliders with different handicaps, out of a 5 mile start cylinder, and with cumulative 1000 point scoring.

Now leaving a cautious gaggle and piling on the miles is a good strategy. And the gaggle is less likely to stick together anyway.

Still, this is theory until we try it, and I hope we can try a few next year.

John Cochrane

[Dave Springford]

And, if everyone starts at the same time on a time-limited task, then they will all finish at the same time, so recovering everyone on the runway could be a challenge.

I am not a big fan of the GP format. I'm one of the believers that the GP race is won (or lost) at the start.

The magnitude of the win is masked by the simplified scoring system, so there is no incentive to go faster than just enough to beat second place.

I think GP is best suited as a marketing tool, not a racing tool and that it can and should be used for local contests, but not for National and WGC level competitions.

[[email protected]]

> And, if everyone starts at the same time on a time-limited task, then they will all finish at the same time, so recovering everyone on the runway could be a challenge.

JC: Well, that happens anyway. A good point for high finishes.
>
> I am not a big fan of the GP format. I'm one of the believers that the GP race is won (or lost) at the start.

JC: The IGC format is also won or lost at the start!
>
>
> The magnitude of the win is masked by the simplified scoring system, so there is no incentive to go faster than just enough to beat second place.
>

JC: Absolutely. We're talking about changing the start time only, not 1000 point scoring. GP scoring there is also a huge incentive to do whatever it takes to beat the other guy by an inch.

>
>
> I think GP is best suited as a marketing tool, not a racing tool and that it can and should be used for local contests, but not for National and WGC level competitions.


JC: Yes for the full GP. But we're talking about starting everyone at the same time, and keeping everything else the same. Including, turn area tasks, handicaps, regular start and finish geometry, etc. etc.

[[email protected]]

I don't understand how starting everyone at the same time but continuing to employ a MAT or TAT will make the day more exciting for the spectators or enjoyable for the contestants.

Neither of the above will be able to correlate finish time with the day's ranking. I was under the impression that the enjoyment of a Grand Prix was knowing at a glance what competitive position each contestant was in. IE, first one home wins. With contest tracking (especially as it matures) this could actually be interesting to spectators.

I have no beefs with the Regional Rules. However, I am interested in competing in a Grand Prix style event. If we are going to just start everyone at the same time and let them fly a MAT then I will review my pilot poll vote. One of the contests I flew had such poor CD radio performance I am not sure anyone could have known when the CD called the official start. I guess I will reread the pilot poll and make sure I voted correctly.

Lane
XF

[Tony[_5_]]

Most of the winners talks I've heard and the few that I've given usually include the phrase "I got a good start".

[Pat Russell[_2_]]

> JC: Yes for the full GP. But we're talking about starting everyone at the same time, and keeping everything else the same. Including, turn area tasks, handicaps, regular start and finish geometry, etc. etc.

Here is a link to the international rules (pdf): http://www.fai.org/downloads/igc/SGPrules_V5

As your GP rules evolve, it will be amusing to watch as they deviate from the rules used by the rest of the world. Again.

-Pat

[Wallace Berry[_2_]]

In article >,
wrote:

> I don't understand how starting everyone at the same time but continuing to
> employ a MAT or TAT will make the day more exciting for the spectators or
> enjoyable for the contestants.
>
> Neither of the above will be able to correlate finish time with the day's
> ranking. I was under the impression that the enjoyment of a Grand Prix was
> knowing at a glance what competitive position each contestant was in. IE,
> first one home wins. With contest tracking (especially as it matures) this
> could actually be interesting to spectators.
>
> I have no beefs with the Regional Rules. However, I am interested in
> competing in a Grand Prix style event. If we are going to just start
> everyone at the same time and let them fly a MAT then I will review my pilot
> poll vote. One of the contests I flew had such poor CD radio performance I
> am not sure anyone could have known when the CD called the official start. I
> guess I will reread the pilot poll and make sure I voted correctly.
>
> Lane
> XF


I could not agree more! The beauty of the GP format (of which I was not
convinced before flying one this past weekend) is the sense of
immediacy. I think that is part of what is missing from MAT and AAT
tasks. You get to experience the results of your efforts in the moment.
Flying an assigned task with a GP start "concentrates the mind
wonderfully". I have had very few contests flights where I have
concentrated so hard on picking my path and flying with the utmost
efficiency. I know the others were doing the same. You could almost see
the little thought bubbles over each glider with each pilot thinking
"How do I get away from this SOB?".

The one word that sums up this little experiment in GP racing for me is
"satisfying". It was simpler, purer, more challenging, more immediately
gratifying. Let's keep it that way. No need to "gild the lily".

--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

[[email protected]]

>
> As your GP rules evolve, it will be amusing to watch as they deviate from the rules used by the rest of the world. Again.

> -Pat

Well, give me a little bit of a break. The point of IGC grand prix is to make something fun for spectators and media. The point of the Florida Grand Prix, and a possible attempt to do something under ssa rules, is to craft something fun and safe for the pilots. Different points may well justify different rules. If I wanted to run an IGC qualifying grand prix with 10 hot pilots, video cameras, sponsors, and excitement, I'd use IGC rules.

John Cohrane

[[email protected]]

Are you saying to make it safe we must avoid AT and use MATs or TATs?

[kirk.stant]

On Friday, October 4, 2013 11:02:30 PM UTC+2, WB wrote:

> I could not agree more! The beauty of the GP format (of which I was not
>
> convinced before flying one this past weekend) is the sense of
>
> immediacy. I think that is part of what is missing from MAT and AAT
>
> tasks. You get to experience the results of your efforts in the moment.
>
> Flying an assigned task with a GP start "concentrates the mind
>
> wonderfully". I have had very few contests flights where I have
>
> concentrated so hard on picking my path and flying with the utmost
>
> efficiency. I know the others were doing the same. You could almost see
>
> the little thought bubbles over each glider with each pilot thinking
>
> "How do I get away from this SOB?".
>
>
>
> The one word that sums up this little experiment in GP racing for me is
>
> "satisfying". It was simpler, purer, more challenging, more immediately
>
> gratifying. Let's keep it that way. No need to "gild the lily".
>
>
>
> --- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

Guess what - there is an easy way to get the same effect under current rules in the US: fly speed tasks, and during the pre-start maneuvering find an follow someone who you think you need to beat but is as good or better than you (or better, several of those guys). Then start within a few minutes of him (them). Works like a charm at smaller local races - been doing it at ASA contests for years!

Kirk
66

[Sean F (F2)]

Good point!

On Friday, October 4, 2013 12:44:49 PM UTC-4, Pat Russell wrote:
> > JC: Yes for the full GP. But we're talking about starting everyone at the same time, and keeping everything else the same. Including, turn area tasks, handicaps, regular start and finish geometry, etc. etc.
>
>
>
> Here is a link to the international rules (pdf): http://www.fai.org/downloads/igc/SGPrules_V5
>
>
>
> As your GP rules evolve, it will be amusing to watch as they deviate from the rules used by the rest of the world. Again.
>
>
>
> -Pat

[Sean F (F2)]

Great debate all.

Please allow me to remind everyone that FSGP USA is intended to be a fun event. It is not competing with or calling US rules ugly. In large events (25+ gliders) or Nationals, it would probably not work safely. Perhaps one day an SSA sanctioned US GP Nationals would be a great way to qualify an American and a Canadian for the FAI GP World Championship! HINT! HINT! HINT!

It truly was fun (even though we had only 10 gliders racing (14 on site) in 3 classes, (2, 4, 4)) and if we get some weather in the future, it will be outstanding flying! Remember that all are welcome and that there are still plenty of spaces available! To sign up email Andy McQuigg at ash99eATyahooDOTcom. Please consider making a trip down and give it a go!

I wish to state that I have considerable respect for the US rules and the safety ideals the USRC are trying to protect (even though I have been a critic of some minor points at times). That said, I think the GP concept (with US finish or without) has tremendous potential (sanctioned or unsanctioned) to excite US pilots and make for some great, fun and exciting competitions.

For the record, I do think we are all capable of flying assigned tasks far more often than we do...and that AAT's are probably overused in contests (except for Sports class of course). Short MAT's are the worst! GP events would attract those who share my opinion for sure!

Please remember that this Florida Sailplane Grand Prix - USA event is all about fun. Its not trying to be anything more than that at this stage. Lets not beat it up too much!

For more info check the website here: https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa/

Sean
F2/7T



On Saturday, October 5, 2013 7:40:08 AM UTC-4, kirk.stant wrote:
> On Friday, October 4, 2013 11:02:30 PM UTC+2, WB wrote:
>
>
>
> > I could not agree more! The beauty of the GP format (of which I was not
>
> >
>
> > convinced before flying one this past weekend) is the sense of
>
> >
>
> > immediacy. I think that is part of what is missing from MAT and AAT
>
> >
>
> > tasks. You get to experience the results of your efforts in the moment.
>
> >
>
> > Flying an assigned task with a GP start "concentrates the mind
>
> >
>
> > wonderfully". I have had very few contests flights where I have
>
> >
>
> > concentrated so hard on picking my path and flying with the utmost
>
> >
>
> > efficiency. I know the others were doing the same. You could almost see
>
> >
>
> > the little thought bubbles over each glider with each pilot thinking
>
> >
>
> > "How do I get away from this SOB?".
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > The one word that sums up this little experiment in GP racing for me is
>
> >
>
> > "satisfying". It was simpler, purer, more challenging, more immediately
>
> >
>
> > gratifying. Let's keep it that way. No need to "gild the lily".
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > --- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---
>
>
>
> Guess what - there is an easy way to get the same effect under current rules in the US: fly speed tasks, and during the pre-start maneuvering find an follow someone who you think you need to beat but is as good or better than you (or better, several of those guys). Then start within a few minutes of him (them). Works like a charm at smaller local races - been doing it at ASA contests for years!
>
>
>
> Kirk
>
> 66

[[email protected]]

My wife and I visited SLGP for the Grand Prix Race last Sunday and enjoyed our visit very much. We walked the grid, watched the launch and spent a nice afternoon at the Gliderport in weather that couldn't have been much nicer.. We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade by the pool. Michelle took advantage of the wi-fi to get her school work done while I caught up with the news at Seminole Lake.

The best part for me was watching the first of the competitors return. It was one of the two Libelles in the race. My initial reaction was THIS IS GREAT. A guy with one of the oldest, lowest performance gliders in the field wins the race! The ultimate, Cinderella story...unfortunately it was not to be. I learned later that the gentleman flew the wrong course and did not win after all. But it sure was fun while it lasted!

I hope you keep the series going. Someday I'd like to participate.

Brian

[Sean F (F2)]

Round 4 of the 2013-14 Florida Sailplane Grand Prix series begins in just 10 days.

Should be a strong turnout.

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa

Schedule: https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa/schedule

[[email protected]]

The Brits have a different approach for club use of the grand prix approach.. Accommodates gliders of different handicaps but retains the horse race start and the first past the post winner. They do it by varying the diameter of the beer can from the turn point.
As I understand it, the lower the handicap the glider has a larger beer can (ie, less distance to fly) than a higher handicap glider. The latest news from the Brit developer is that SeeYou now has adapted its software to cope with such an event.
I believe that the Brit software was offered to Florida, but not used.

On Tuesday, October 1, 2013 1:14:16 PM UTC-6, WB wrote:
> Huge thanks to the folks at Seminole Lake Gliderport and to Andy McQuigg
>
> for conceiving of and hosting the first Florida Grand Prix. The wet
>
> weather relented on Sunday and we got a beautiful blue sky full of cu's
>
> and a well-called task to match. I won't recount the race or results.
>
> That's for the organizers. I will say that the GP format worked well and
>
> was tremendous fun to fly. I have no problem with the conventional
>
> glider race format, but the GP does make for a very enjoyable and
>
> satisfying change. Everyone starting together and flying in the same air
>
> is great. There is less incentive for leeching in the GP. One can't win
>
> by following, at some point you have to physically get out ahead of your
>
> competitors. We had a max start height and a minimum finish height, so
>
> no safety issues there. The only safety issue I saw was my own stupidity
>
> regarding the start. I noodled around and ended up a couple of miles on
>
> the wrong side of the line too close to the gate opening time for my
>
> class. Scooting back to the line, I was not thinking about the class
>
> that was just starting so I was head-on to them. Really dumb on my part.
>
> The start line is not very wide, so it would have been much smarter to
>
> have flown around the end. No rules needed, just remind everyone to stay
>
> out from in front of the start line.
>
>
>
> WB
>
>
>
> --- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

[Sean F (F2)]

The forecast for this weekends Florida Sailplane Grand Prix could definitely be alot worse ;-)!

http://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/Orlando+FL+USFL0372:1:US

Friday - 80, Mix of sun and clouds, chance of shower
Saturday - 83, Partly sunny
Sunday - 81, Partly sunny

At least we will be warm!

Sean
7T

[Sean F (F2)]

QUICK REPORT: We had a very nice sunny Florida weekend (80's) with a frontal passage late in the day (5pm) Saturday. A few storms were fairly "exciting" but the weather came and went within an hour. We flew both Friday and Sunday in soft but enjoyable conditions.

Friday had ample clouds but ended up with a high overcast layer that shut us down very quickly. Sunday we enjoyed 1-2 knots up to 2500 and one thermal up to 3k! TA and 7T managed to get within shouting distance of the 2nd (final) turnpoint (Tex Merrit) today but failed to make it.

Even though we did not complete our task, we found today to be outstanding weak weather flying practice and we had a ball. 15-18 gliders where on the grid today! Everyone launched and there was only one land-out (who was aero-towed out within 10 minutes). It was great to see the turnout and GREAT to get out of the cold.

February's GP event is going to be "by far" the largest. Many regular winter pilots will already be at Seminole and ready to fly. We could have between 25-30 glider flying in 3 handicap range classes. Come join us!

Info here: https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa/

Sean

On Monday, January 6, 2014 4:42:27 PM UTC-5, Sean F (F2) wrote:
> The forecast for this weekends Florida Sailplane Grand Prix could definitely be alot worse ;-)!
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> http://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/Orlando+FL+USFL0372:1:US
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> Friday - 80, Mix of sun and clouds, chance of shower
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> Saturday - 83, Partly sunny
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> Sunday - 81, Partly sunny
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> At least we will be warm!
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> Sean
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> 7T