IGC announces the 11-meter class

Just in from the IGC!
The long-rumoured 11-meter class has been introduced.
From the IGC:

....Extrapolating from the amazing success of the PW-5 and
subsequent 13.5 meter class, we now introduce the 11-meter class.
Benefits include:

- More classes mean more competitions and growth for our sport.

- Smaller glider size and weight will further reduce cost,
as clearly the cost of design, engineering, certification, and
support will be drastically less for smaller gliders. Also,
manufacturing of small gliders will be far less complicated,
and possible in standard-length garages.

- Technology advances will provide 11-meter gliders with better
performance than current monstrous spans.

- Shorter and easier retrieves will make this a favorite among
crews! And crews will get more practice, improving the social
aspects of gliding.

- Smaller size brings greater maneuverability, so pilots
will not have to suffer with the handling difficulties now
considered routine with 18-meter and larger gliders.

- Smaller and lighter gliders are more easily assembled by
aging glider pilots (especially those using walkers).

Bids are now being accepted for the first 11-meter world championships,
to be held in 2017.

For further details, visit the IGC Web site.