While I usually like to encourage everybody, the sense I get is that
the region V sports at Cordele will not be an ideal "first contest."
First of all, there will be 50 or so 15 meter gliders in the way,
loaded to the gills with water ballast. Then, this is an experiment in
national-style "club class" racing. For example, the waiver allows for
the assigned task, and I'm sure it will be called. Rather than set a
time limit (usually 2 1/2-3 hours for sports regionals) and people can
go as far as then can but then come home, now you've got to do the
whole course, set for nationals level racers. If you can't keep up,
you land out. Again. With probably 65 gliders staging, taking off,
relighting, and landing at once, everyone will be expected to know the
rules and procedures. Everyone will be friendly and welcoming as in
all glider contests, but essentially stepping in to a nationals might
be a little daunting for a first timer.

John Cochrane BB