Contest Day 3 - 15:00 update

We had an early launch today at 11:30. The cool air behind the cold front is quite convective and the sky was full of cu at the time the launch commenced. According to the forecast the air will dry up and the cu will eventually disappear later in the afternoon. At the same time the wind will increase from 15 to 20 kts. Thermal strength will stay at 2-4 kts throughout the day up to 5500 feet.

With the long task and not much improvement of the soaring conditions it was imperative to start early. 18m was in front on the grid. Dave (4D) started at 12:46, Jerzy at 12:48
The first leg of the 18m task went under what looked like a pretty solid overcast SE of the airfield. It was a concern but our pilots mastered it seemingly without any major problems.
Our 18m guys are now in the second turn area.

The 15m Class was launched last. Sergei (MS) started at 13:48 and Luke (2W) at 13:57. It looked like Luke had a bit of a problem getting away but he is now well on task with everyone else. Luke and Sergei have just reached the first turnpoint of their 419 km assigned speed task.

 The satellite picture shows blue conditions in the northern part of the task. Click on the picture to see details.

Joerg