On Dec 14, 4:25*pm, Sean Fidler wrote:
There is clearly a wide range of opinion on this subject. *I would like to get as wide a range of opinion as possible. *Please take a moment to respond.

I have heard all the arguments now:
AGAINST WATER BALLAST
1) Its unsafe. *Tow emergency's are greatly more dangerous with water.
- Counter: *Yet almost all European pilots & contest allow and use water regularly. *Where has the last accident occurred that was caused due to the glider being ballasted?
2) Its PITA (pain in the ass).
- Counter: *Yet with a little practice it takes 15 minutes to fully fill an 15/18 meter glider. *Those who dont want water are lazy.
3) Tow planes cant handle it and the tow pilots are inexperienced
- Counter: *Yet the same pilots and tow planes tow 1400 lbs Grob 103's regularly at most clubs (A fully ballasted ASG29 is 1300 lbs and a Lak17a is 1103 lbs).

NEUTRAL
Performance in a racing class with and without water is relative
- water adds no value to the competition and outcomes will be the same, if marginally slower.

FOR WATER BALLAST
1) The gliders do not handle well dry
- Counter: *Those against water say this is hogwash.
2) The gliders are designed to fly with water.
- Counter: *Those against water say this is hogwash.
3) The gliders actually fly better with water.
- Those against water say this is hogwash.
4) The gliders are more enjoyable to fly with water.
- Those against water say this is hogwash.
5) Tasks are shorter
6) I want to practice for Worlds and Nationals (which fly with water).

These are some of the arguments that I am hearing from either side. *Many are passionate about it.

It does seem as if the US SSA Regional contests are mainly dry while almost all European contests are without question with water. *What are your opinions and experiences?

1) Does a dry contest make you more interested in attending a contest or less?

2) Do you think flying with water is safe or dangerous? *Why?

3) How many times per year do you fly your glider with water?

4) How many times in the past 10 years have you flown your glider with water?

3) What US regional contests (other than Perry) allow water?

Thanks!

Sean (F2, Ionia, MI)

Off hand, I can think of a few benefits of using water in contests.
1- You get a performance gain over your competitors if you can carry
more than they can, and are proficient with it.
2- It makes the ride on the ridge softer.
3- You can get useful practice for the next race that allows water.
Hmmmm! Can't think of more off hand.
FWIW- I put water in at Perry and Nationals- otherwise dry.
Interesting question.
UH