FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA (Results, reports, media...)

Results from practice day 1: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947

1. Sean Fidler - 9
2. Jerzy Szemplinski - 8
3. John Mittell - 7

Follow the event (reports, photos, videos, live tracking) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA/

Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016

Report Practice Day 1
FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA
July 23, 2016
Official Practice Day One Report
By: Sean Fidler, 7T

Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-sgp/results.aspx…
Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
FAI SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

The forecast for official practice day one was excellent and called for lift to 6,000 MSL and ultimately 7,000 MSL and 3-4 knot thermals. John Godfrey (CD) built us a 223 km “hourglass� task which brought the pilots over the Ionia airport at the task midpoint. The gliders were going to be kept within 60km of the airport and basically hit all 4 corners of the task area.

Launch went very well and ponce off tow, pilots were immediately able to climb up to 6k and eventually 7k MSL. Cu were ample in the start area although there were some large holes are areas of blue out on course. Also, some high cirrus was moving in from the west.

This was the first GP start for many of the pilots and the morning briefing was extended slightly to answer and questions and clarify the FAI SGP procedures. John did a masterful job of handling the start process (making radio calls counting down the start). The pilots did an excellent job of executing a safe start and crossing the start line was actually quite a delightful experience.

On the first short eg there was a hole on course line and some cu either left or right. XG (Jerzy S.) went left and a larger pack went right where a cluster of 3-4 cu were closer. This yielded a decent 2-3 knot climb. QT (Garret) went direct on this leg and found a nice climb after the first turn point (08 Pewamo). The tracker showed that Garret actually jumped out to a bit of a lead on the group. At the second turn-point (22 Alma) the group was strung out a little bit and the shade of the cirrus was quite thick ahead on the third leg back towards the west. Many took weaker climbs and tried to get high. I was able to get up midway down the leg at the edge of the shadow and caught up to the lead pack although still 500 to 1000 ft. lower that most.

At the third turnpoint (12 Greenville) I was still slightly behind but in touch. Garret was still on top of the gaggle and there was more sun ahead but only a few cu. A large well formed cu was to the right of course line and nothing to the left, but good sun all around. I thought the large cu would die (also well right of course line) and decided to go straight to the fourth turnpoint (01 Ionia). I thought something would pop in the 10 minutes it would take to get there with all that new sun on the ground. It did! 2 small wisps formed and developed as I approached and I found 4 knots for 2000 feet. Thermal average so far had been 2.5. This got me into a strong position and I saw many gliders come into Ionia much lower (the pack I was chasing).

Now it become more challenging. Ahead into turnpoint 5 (06 Sunfield) was sun but no Cu. It was also the beginning of a 40-60km hole that went all the way to turnpoint 6 (16 Hastings). Here a line of excellent cu beckoned. It was a long way to these cu but I new I had Hastings by roughly 1000 ft. I thought with all the sun on the ground that something would pop along the way and if it didn't I had a nice paved runway airport at Hasting to drop into. Nothing popped, it was a completely dead glide on the way to Hastings. I saw no other gliders around me. Nearing Hastings and 1000 AGL, I was able to deviate left slightly and reach the convergence line of clouds (the wind shifted from N 8 to S 9 along this run). Here I found 2-3 knots which I took for 1000 ft. and then set off down the line of clouds directly towards hastings about 15km out. I hoped to find a better climb under all these great clouds. On that short run I got a giant jolt! I found myself in a 6 knot average climb which got me to final glide at 3 MC with a 400 margin. To bad we were not heading further S into these amazing clouds. We might have averaged 90 mph!

On the final glide I was sure that I was going to begin hearing radio calls reporting the steering turn. As I reached the steering turn I could see that no gliders were ahead so I pushed hard to keep anyone in trail from catching me. Crossing the finish line (marked with huge checkered feather flags) was pretty cool! Jerzy finished a few minutes back and John Mittell was third. My winning speed was roughly 96 kph (60 mph). What a GREAT day of sailplane racing! And we have not even started the actual event yet!
Sunday (Practice Day 2) is clearly not going to be a flying day. We have a warm front passing as I write (9:30am) and thunderstorms in the area. Race days 1-4 l(Monday - Thursday) look promising with good weather forecast.

Sincerely,
Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer

Thanks for the nice report about the first practice day.

FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
July 23, 2016
By: Sean Fidler, 7T

Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.

Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.

The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines� were available.

A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.

At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.

In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming� young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.

SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found he https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8

WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS he
1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA

Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220

Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer

FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
July 25, 2016
By: Sean Fidler, 7T

Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.

Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.

The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines� were available.

A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.

At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.

In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming� young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.

SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found he https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8

WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS he
1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA

Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220

Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer

On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:42:39 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
July 25, 2016
By: Sean Fidler, 7T

Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.

Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.

The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun.. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines� were available.

A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.

At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.

In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming� young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.

SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found he https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8

WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS he
1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA

Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220

Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer

Thanks for your report and sorry about your landout on leg 2. But it was a pleasure to listen to Tiffany's commentary. I just realized halfway through that you guys made the cool "Winching at KS's strip" video.

Is there a way to load the web page with the positions at home? I copied the URL showing in the video http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220 but couldn't find how to show the task or active gliders.

On Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:15:28 PM UTC-6, Bruce Hoult wrote:
On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:42:39 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
July 25, 2016
By: Sean Fidler, 7T

Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.

Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.

The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines� were available.

A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.

At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.

In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming� young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.

SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found he https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8

WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS he
1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA

Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220

Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer

Thanks for your report and sorry about your landout on leg 2. But it was a pleasure to listen to Tiffany's commentary. I just realized halfway through that you guys made the cool "Winching at KS's strip" video.

Is there a way to load the web page with the positions at home? I copied the URL showing in the video http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220 but couldn't find how to show the task or active gliders.

That link will take you to "today's" tracking info. You can use the little arrow in the far bottom left corner of the screen to go back one day or the calendar icon right next to it to pick any days data.

The little "play arrow" in the bottom left corner of the map will start playback of the tracks.

There's a couple videos demonstrating capabilities at the bottom of the info|blog page.

Hi Bruce,

What Dave said is correct to the best of my knowledge.

You can also message the SGP USA facebook page and the gang here will do there best to help you in real time.

Lots of video's, photo's and interviews are up on facebook, etc.

Sincerely,

Sean
7T

P.S. my pasture was beautiful. After all the work we have been doing for the past week or two, it was nice to lay down in the shade and rest. I was actually watching the live coverage on my phone too!

Sean

Turn on your phone tracker so we can get a pilot view of the action!

XF

On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 11:52:32 PM UTC+12, Dave Leonard wrote:
On Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:15:28 PM UTC-6, Bruce Hoult wrote:
On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:42:39 PM UTC+12, Sean wrote:
FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA Race One Report
July 25, 2016
By: Sean Fidler, 7T

Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

The forecast for FAI Sailplane Grand Prix USA’s official race day one was somewhat difficult after the mornings cold front passage. Generally, the forecasts called for 2-3 knots climbs (occasional 4) and top of lift to 5000 ft. AGL. There was some question as to the best quadrants, etc. Some called for north, others south. SGP USA CD, John Godfrey and task advisors Eric Mozer and Sean Fidler set a fairly conservative 200 km task due to the uncertain forecast. This turned out to be wise. The task headed E to @20 St. Johns and the NW (hoping for streeting) to #26 Lakeview then back S to the west steering turn followed by the short 8km run back to the finish line.

Cumulus development began much earlier than expected at 10:45am (most models called for blue) and winds were slightly lighter than expected. It seemed the day might just develop into a something special. Launch went smoothly and all pilots were able to climb up to 4k and above without any real difficulty. Cloudbase was reported at 4700 MSL and CD John Godfrey chose to lower the maximum start altitude from 5000 ft. MSL to 4000. Cu were ample in the start area and on course to the first turnpoint. No cirrus was visible.

The Sailplane Grand Prix regatta start was again amazingly simple and fun. Two loosely formed gaggles formed after the starting line. To the left line of clouds was Jerzy Szemplinski and Garret Willet. This packed pushed fairly hard and got a bit low fairly early. The right group (slightly more downwind) was larger but quickly split off into 3 or 4 smaller packs as the numerous cu on course allowed for many lines. The leading group on the right line (7T, 98 and 2W) appeared to jump of the left group and lead into the first turnpoint. Overall the first leg strong with speeds in the 70 mph range. Soon after, a gaggle of 6-7 re-formed as the long upwind leg to the Lakeview turnpoint began. This gaggle again scattered and stretched as many “lines� were available.

A strong cloudstreet was on course line and many were able to run 18-25km without turning and nearly maintaining altitude. The problems began after the end of this cloud street. The cloud field dried out abruptly and a large blue hole formed. Some pilots think this was a seabreeze front. Winds were also stronger at 18-24 mph, directly on the course line. A few weaker clouds well right of course line were the last clouds possible and several made this deviation and found slow climbs. Others went direct and managed to find a way. This was a very difficult leg. Many struggled significantly several landouts resulted near the town of Stanton and near Lakeview.

At turnpoint 2 (Lakeview), most surviving pilots arrived fairly low after a difficult upwind leg. Climbs were still challenging to find but at least this leg was downwind. For the first 40 km of the leg it remained blue and oddly weak until reaching a new cloud field. Here there was some improved convection. This allowed for a relatively easy final climb to final glide. However, once on final glide, several notable pilots suffered significant sink and had some nervous moments about not making the minimum finish altitude of 500 ft. AGL.

In the end, todays race was won by top North American pilot Jerzy Szemplinski (Canada). Second place was fellow Canadian Sergei Morozov (3:34 behind) followed by “up and coming� young Canadian Krzysztof Wiercioch (6:35 behind). Krzysztof has only flown the ASW-27 a few times and is borrowing a friends glider. That said, this is an extremely impressive result for him considering the level of competition. All three of today’s podium finishers are from Southern Ontario Soaring Association Club (SOSA) near Toronto.

SGP USA was covered LIVE ON YouTube (huge, huge thank you John Harte and Tiffany Fidler!!!!!) and the REPLAY of that video can by found he https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cA0CBS9wR8

WINNING PILOT INTERVIEWS he
1st Place - XG - Jerzy Szemplinski : https://youtu.be/qKx9_Jb_5xo
2nd Place - MS- Sergei Morozov (CAN): https://youtu.be/Z19KGStGDwk
3rd Place - 2W -Krzysztof Wiercioch (CAN): https://youtu.be/H390sc2lnDQ
4th Place - QT - Garret Willet (USA): https://youtu.be/EeWRAFb7TrA

Glideport.aero replay: http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220

Full Results: http://www.sgp.aero/usa2016/results-...ontestID=15947
SGP USA Website: www.sgp.aero/usa2016
SGP USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAISailplaneGrandPrixUSA

Sincerely,

Sean Fidler
7T
2016 FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Event Organizer

Thanks for your report and sorry about your landout on leg 2. But it was a pleasure to listen to Tiffany's commentary. I just realized halfway through that you guys made the cool "Winching at KS's strip" video.

Is there a way to load the web page with the positions at home? I copied the URL showing in the video http://glideport.aero/map?p=Contest:220 but couldn't find how to show the task or active gliders.

That link will take you to "today's" tracking info. You can use the little arrow in the far bottom left corner of the screen to go back one day or the calendar icon right next to it to pick any days data.

The little "play arrow" in the bottom left corner of the map will start playback of the tracks.

There's a couple videos demonstrating capabilities at the bottom of the info|blog page.

I was watching the live coverage of the Grand Prix on youtube, and loading the same web page as they were showing. But I didn't see either the task description or the gliders that were shown on the broadcast.