Wesley Hill <<wesleyianhill>>
writes:

Results here.

Over the last 21 years, Birchip has given us some great flying, even though it
is approaching the end of our flying season. We've had 73 tasks out of the 86
days of competition. This year was 4 out of 4 with plenty of gliders at goal
every day.

Day 1: 72.8km to Nyah West.

There
were clouds (4500-5000ft base) over the paddock giving good climbs, but they
dried out about 20km into the task. Still some good 600fpm climbs in the blue -
and some not-so-good climbs from low saves.

14 in goal with Grant taking 1st, Tove in 2nd and Andy in 3rd.

Day 2: 50.6km to OakVale.

100%
cloud cover, both upper level and low level - we weren't worried. Base was about
4500-5000ft again and there were still good climbs (500fpm) even without the
sun. A few pilots found it hard to get up and get going, but it started working
again late for those that kept trying.

Grant wins again, with Hughbert less than a minute behind and Tove in 3rd. 14 in
goal again today.

Day 3: 60.8km to Lake Boga.

The
RASP shows lift decreasing during the day so we head out early. Lots of nice
looking clouds but base is lower (3500ft, rises to 4500ft late in the day). A
lot of low saves, but also some fast times for those that were able to connect
the dots. Beavo had trouble getting out of the tow paddock initially - but 5
tows saw him going late and taking advantage of the higher base.

Grant wins another day, Beavo is very close in 2nd (flying a floater) and Nick
takes 3rd. 10 in goal.

Day 4: 46.2km to Llalbert Road.

A
short task and an early start so everyone could get home at a reasonable hour. A
lot of cloud while we're setting up, but plenty of sun on the ground by the time
we launch. Base at 4500-5000ft and many pilots got 5-10km runs under the
streets. 5 floater and race class gliders at goal with a few Pbs and first time
goalers.

Grant wins yet again, Tove in 2nd and Hughbert in 3rd. 20 in goal.

No surprise that Grant won overall, Toby came second (first time at the comp),
Nick and Andy were equal third.