Sorry for the lack of postings during the worlds. The heavens opened for the first time in about 5 years & Manilla experienced monsoon weather . The farmers are all ecstatic & want a major comp every year! Cattle which 4 weeks ago were scrawny beasts in dirt paddocks are now up to their eyes in lush green grass & every field has a tractor working the moist ground in preparation for sowing crops.
It was a tough one for the organisors who have worked like demons for the last 2 years preparing for this event, but all the facilities for pilots - lounge, internet etc were much appreciated & well used during the daily downpours.
We only managed to squeeze 4 more tasks in particularly 'un-manilla' like conditions. Congratulations to Bruce Goldsmith who proved that the experience of flying in the green & plesaant lands of England is the stuff that champions are made of, & to Petra a worthy female Champion who was giving the chaps a good run for their money until the 4th task.
For me it was a hard competition. I just didn't get into the right gear after the first task & instead of flying according to the conditions I was flying the Manilla I know & love. Needless to say, i was sat on the ground watching 100 gliders fly over my head most days. So, I come away disheartened by my performance and with a list of things NOT to do again! But it is all experience & while I won't do somethings again, there are other that really should have worked, so I'll keep trying!
It was great meeting up with old friends & making new ones - so watch out guys I may well come visit!
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