Boot Camp Day Two

After a considerably cold night [my tent actually froze!], myself and all those that decided to camp on the runway emerged from our tents and headed to the local Little Chef. Olympic Breakfast's all round and several mugs of coffee; sorted!

Returned to Mendlesham the wind was now more easterly so the orientation of launch and winch were reversed from yesterday. I was personally quite tired from yesterday so opted to watch the winch in operation for the first hour of towing. Eventually I mustered up enough will power to head up to launch and fly.

My first launch was a little bumpy, but after released I soon connected with something. I dipped in and out of this first thermal and was able to maintain before I ultimately lost it. On my return glide to launch, I found another thermal over the industrial area and again dipped in and out of it until my luck ran out and I landed.

My second launch didn't go quite as well, at around 600 feet into the tow, the winch cable tension surged off and on and before I was able to do anything, the weak link snapped. Unusually, the bridle recoiled and caught the side of my neck. It stung like hell and I was very grateful that no chunks of metal are used on this tow system!

Somewhat put off by this, I headed straight back to launch and bumped through a few whiffs of lift on the way down.

My third tow of the day was very much later. The sea breeze front had passed through with Steve going cross-country on it. A stiff easterly breeze had now settled in and with it, possibility of kiting out. As I launched, I knew it was going to be the highest of the day. I didn't kite out, but I did release at over 1,100 feet - excellent! Not only that, but I also managed to connect with several thermals on the way down! After lots of 360's, getting a bit giddy on one of them, I was over launch still at a height of 1,100 feet and was still climbing!

Yesterday's task said if you can get over the A140 that's 5 points. I knew there was a stiff easterly breeze blowing now, but what the hell; I'd give it a go. I crossed the A140 with around 1,000 feet to play with and all I needed to do was make it back to launch. As soon as I turned upwind pointed back towards launch, I knew I wasn't going to make it all the way back, even with the VG pulled full on. I only made it halfway back and landed a considerable way behind launch. Fortunately I was able to walk the glider back to the access track to the western end of the Mendlesham runway where I packed up and concluded my day.