Belgian Open 2012 - 18th June

The conditions are indeed stable, very stable and although the predicitions were that the cloudbase would be high (about 2000m at least), but we never got that high in fact. Base ended up by being about 1900 max which made for quick flying.

I together with Bella Messenger were placed quite well in the second gaggle after a good start (thanks to the C-pilot) :-), some nice lifty lines over the lake on the way back from the second turnpoint in the middle of the southern section of Lake Annecy meant that I could gain some ground heading towards the Parmelan. Leaving the top of the Dents at ridge height headed for the Parmelan. Predictable as alwyays with the right conditions, the ridge gave lift all the way without having to turn much. Pushing forward in the bubbles of lift coming up from the valley, and in the pinanacle bowl taking a couple of turns to get above the ridge, straight lined it to the Parmelan Refuge turnpoint.

With a thorough 3.5m climb at the turnpoint, gave me enough height to chose my favourite line of straight down the valley back to the Dents de Lanfont before topping up (again only to the height of the Dents cliff° before crossing over the lake to take the turnpoint at ST Jorioz.

This is where somewhere between leaving the Dents and arriving at St Jorioz, I believe, the task was stopped.

A glider had gone into the trees on the Roc de Beouf, not sure whether it was one of ours, therefore the meet Director had to stop the task as the helicopter swooped in to the rescue, blocking the way forward for the lead gaggle and the next group who were crossing the lake to take the turnpoint.

The task was stopped at around 17h15, to be confirmed tomorrow at the briefing, so scores will be taken into account up until that time.

It was a good task, and had the heli not got in our way, would have been a great first task to have under our belt.

Having flown with intense concentration, neither did Bella Messenger or I realise the task had been stopped, so continued on into goal!! We were both very happy albeit a little embarassed, but you've gotta laugh!!

The forecast tomorrow appears to be much the same conditions. We are swealtering in 28 degree sunshine on take-off and light winds, and with the valley as stable as that, you could house a herd of cattle!!!!