DAY 3 Practice Day - Portugal, Serra da Estrella BRITISH OPEN

Sunday 30th June

Practice task day. With the last few registrations completed w

e headed up the hill to the smaller take off. Light North Easterlies forecast the day looked good. A few pilots got away in the first group in the stable air whilst the majority of the field waited on take off for the conditions to improve. I was in the second group.

Taking one climb in front of take off that took us to cloudbase, at the time 3600m, the task was completed in 1 ½ - 2hrs. A 67km with three turnpoints and no time restriction.

The conditions were strong, climbs averaging at 4-5m/s and clouds formed later in the afternoon, giving us the opportunity to sample cloud-suck at it’s best. Emile got hoofed up at 9m/s and barred to the edged before disappearing. I only managed 7m/s and that was enough. They say St Andrei s strong, but conditions there are a playground in comparison to what we experienced today.

Cruising into goal with a ridiculous altitude like the rest of the pilots, we ran for shade, packing up under the trees. Shuttle busses waited to return us to HQ. Beer, swimming, dinner and an early night. The organisation team is second to none. Friendly, efficient, organised. With all the pilots having arrived by the time night fell, tomorrow the race begins

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