Day 6 Task 6: 70km
Today was looking pretty grim at 6am, with a very low base, rain to the south of us and a forecast of west wind early in the day. By 9:00am it wasn't looking much better though the risk of the Pacific wind was less to the north.

Task 6

With this in mind, we decided on a goal at Cartargo Airport and planned a route to get us there as soon as possible without too much flying into the areas where the Pacific wind falls over the mountain.
The start around La Union and return to the cantera at Bolivar were really slow. Pilots flying back low were already feeling some the influence of the falling wind and a few were flushed into Roldanillo. Those who stayed high had a much easier time ( as always ;-) ) and were rewarded for their patience with an easier transition and back again past the take-off. A few level 2's were reported in the area south of Roldanillo but once away from that area the conditions were mush easier and less broken.
The 1st group of Steban (lower & in front on full gas as usual) and then Julian & Brad (wingtip to wingtip) passed back in front of launch on the last leg to goal about 15 minutes ahead of the next group which was ALL serial wings. The rest of the Open class were mincing around with the free flyers back near the 1st tp in survival mode ;-)
We had a couple of unintentional landings in the high ground near the 1st tp and 1 rescue from a free-flyer but today the pilot focus seemed much more on safety of others and thankfully, many pilots reported the 'arrivals' back to earth.

Once on course towards goal the pace was still slow with many pilots getting stuck in all sorts of places and talk of low saves over lakes & floods, vinefields & fruit orchards.
The winners (Steban, Julian & Brad) arrived in goal way ahead of the 2nd group and to receive a very frosty reception from the airport authorites who seemed to have taken offence at floppy fabric wings littering their nice big runway.

Gol - with high wire fences to keep the pesky pilots inside! :D

The pilots were behind a 3m high wire fence with no exit (except for the very tall who managed to climb over) the retrieve and organisation were outside...

There followed alot of loud latino-style 'discussion' and waving of arms but the fault lay within the civil aviation authorities own bureauracy. We had contacted Cali Tower for approval, had sent all coordinates for the task and been fully authorised to proceed after 11am today. However in the 150km between the 2 airports the message had been lost in the ether and the locals decided to flex their 'little big man' muscles and make a scene.
After 'stroking the ego's' of the local bosses, the matter resolved itself and our 'captive' pilots were released.

So, a great week so far and still 1 day left to fly. 6 tasks in 6 days, lots of tired but happy pilots and many envious friends sat in Europe in the cold & rain!
Super Rolda strikes again! :)

Task 6 results
1. Steban Novoa COL (R11)
2. Brad Gunnuscio USA (R11)
3. Julian Andres Carreño COL (R10)

Overall after 6 tasks
1. Julian Andres Carreño COL (R10)

2. Steban Novoa COL (R11)
3. Brad Gunnuscio USA (R11)