Competition Results

Electric Midweek Soaring League Rnd 5 2023 - 29^th June

We move on to the first of the reserve dates to complete round 5 and the first drop score.

Despite contradictory forecasts and heavy overnight rain, this afternoon proved eminently flyable. The wind was more westerly and much lighter than predicted though the sky was quite overcast right up until 4pm when the sun started to break through and the temperature climbed.

Flight 1 saw mixed fortunes with Barry deciding to relight his motor whilst flirting with the downwind hedge recording a zero. The two Peters managed to read the sky well for ten minute flights.

Overall the conditions were quite testing with lift having to be found downwind. Peter Wood unfortunately hit his own leg in flight 3 losing him a landing bonus. Andrew’s repaired Pulsar was a little out of trim and he decided not to place a fourth score. Only Mike managed a consistent run of flights with three just shy of ten minutes and high landing bonuses beating Steve by 370 points to take the win.

The four rounds with drop scores are based on the normalized results from the rounds to give a more accurate picture of the current standings. One more round to fly.

Graham James

Electric Midweek Soaring League Rnd 4 2023 - 22^nd June

Another beautiful evening down at the field starting off blisteringly hot around 4 o’clock start time but moderating a bit as time went on. Five at the field with Barry attending a SAM35 meeting at Buckminster. Unfortunately Peter Wood suffered a test fly glitch and took the sensible decision to withdraw.

So four on the flightline with a nice Easterly breeze meaning landings were not subject to the turbulence of previous weeks as reflected in the scores. Plenty of good air to be found although conditions deteriorated after 6pm, when everybody completed their flights (no 9 o’clock thermals these days).

We now have four rounds flown, so provisional series placings can be calculated. Remember there are drop scores and competitors to fly further scoring rounds so anything could happen.

Two more rounds to fly. Why pop down for a couple of hours on a Thursday commencing 4pm?

Graham James

Electric Midweek Soaring League Rnd 3 2023 - 15^th June

At last after postponing for a couple of weeks, we were able to return to the field for EMSL 3.

Despite the forecast the wind direction remained stubbornly North Easterly but at a much more pleasant light drift and warm sunny clear skies. More importantly the field is now well cut and cleared, so landings became a controlled glide in.

Mike F was committed to an event at Buckminster and Peter Wood had technical issues, so just four competitors this week. Nonetheless, flying was to the usual high standard with maxes and landing bonuses from the outset. Steve maintained good thermalling techniques with his Pike Perfection recording 3 flights around 10 minutes plus landing bonuses in all four flights. Everybody else recorded one or two maxes but the conditions did change throughout the evening to make some rounds quite difficult. It was very interesting to observe the cloud pattern with a big blue hole and decaying clouds sitting over the field surrounded by a circle of active clouds round the perimeter.

So three events flown and three to go. Come and join us on the 22^nd for a fun, relaxed evenings flying.

Graham James

Electric Midweek Soaring League Rnd 2 2023 - 25 May 2023

Another pleasant sunny evening with one significant difference. The wind was coming from the North over the tall trees at the upwind boundary of the field. To avoid overflying the No Fly Zone, pilots elected to launch at approx. 30 degrees to the treeline and then point into wind. As can be seen from the flight times there was significant lift in the early rounds that drifted downwind over Top Feeding Ground, however the wind and resulting turbulence made landing very awkward and many spots were missed.

The long grass required a high approach and rather abrupt arrivals which may have accounted for one or two breakages. Peter Williams Explorer set up mysteriously reset itself, Andrew Douglas’s elevator servo became dislodged but most significantly Peter Wood’s Perfection launched in round 4 and suddenly went out of control crashing in the bottom corner of TFG with remarkably little damage. Upon recovery it appeared that the aerials had broken possibly from the previous landing.

Overall another good competitive evening and congratulations to Mike Fantham for the win.

Electric Midweek Soaring League Rnd 3 2023 - 1^st June 2023

Following the previous week’s experiences and forecast stronger winds this comp was postponed. Reserve date will now apply

Graham James

Electric Midweek Soaring League 2023 - 18 May 2023

All week the forecast looked good for Round 1 of the Electric Midweek Soaring League and typically on the day rain suddenly became likely. However our resolve held firm and the comp was called on. Of course no rain arrived and ground remained firm and accessible although the long grass did takes it’s toll on the legs.

Six pilots took part including Barry Hood returning after a year of grand-parenting duties.

The weather was very pleasant although slightly overcast but that did seem to trap in some nice buoyant air and right from the first launch, 10 min maxes were being recorded. Peter Wood (Pike) set out his stall consistently good flight and landing scores, similarly Mike Fantham (2pk). Andrew Douglas proved that you don’t need the latest all moulded carbon ships to perform well with his film covered Pulsar. Following a winter rebuild Steve Hill (Pike) was rewarded with good flights and Pete Williams and Barry Hood flew Ava variants to good effect.

So a pleasant, leisurely evening’s flying with no dramas and everybody looking forward to the next event on Thursday 25^th. Come and join us.

Graham James

FXRES 2022 25 09 2022

Pleased to say we finally managed to get this competition away. Four pilots turned up, David Poole flying X-RES F3RES machine, Colin Hutchinson Cmpro Element, John Price a Simply the Best, all bungee launch and Mike Fantham a Purito F5RES electric launch. We used BARCS Postal spec bungee (thanks David for allowing others to use) and Mike set his height limiter at 60 metres and 20 sec motor run, which seemed to give a fairly equitable launch.

The morning looked quite thermic but in reality was very unforgiving with very little lift and only small bubbles which dissipated without warning. Everybody had to use their utmost skills to sniff out any likely air,. As the weather closed in a little in the afternoon and the wind had a distinct bite the air became more bouyant and 6 minute maxes started to be scored. The purpose designed FXRES machines showed their superiority over the older style models. However with best 6 from 10 to count, it still came down to the last flight for David to take the win over Mike.

A good comp with a great atmosphere and I think we have the makings of a great event for next year.

EMSL Round 6 Thursday 15 September

Again the forecast was a little sketchy but came up trumps in the end for the final event of the 6. Peter Wood returned to the fold from holiday and to good effect with consistently high flight times and landings. Mike was also on form although rarely suffered a couple of zeros on landing trying to eek out the last seconds in preference to hitting the spot. Sad to witness the demise of Peter Williams trusty Pike Perfect through disorientation and subsequent low level spin. The lift was there to be found in all the usual places but pilots were at their most adventurous, circling downwind to maximise flight times.

So that’s it for this year, all declared it a good series and some are planning re-arming for next season. Steve giving us a glimpse of a recent purchase. Congratulations to Peter Wood taking top spot in the League, Mike Fantham in Second and Steve Hill taking a very creditable Third in his first season of competition.

Overall it has been a great series with many ten minute flights and stiff competition from a wide variety of planes from the latest Prestige 2pk, through Pikes young and old as well as ARTF Aria and Malibu and Andrew's superb kit built Inside F5J, proving that anybody can participate and have fun with the very relaxed format.

MSL5 28th August

After a day of confusing and conflicting forecasts, I called the comp on based on XC weather. However despite leaving home in sunshine as predicted, as I got closer to Bracknell it became apparent the conditions weren't as the computer pronounced.

Still, 'Five Wanted to Play Gliders' and so we did. It was surprisingly chilly with a Northerly wind and heavy sky and so the scores reflect. There was some lift to be had and some ten minute flights but they were hard work and everybody seemed intent in getting through the flights in rapid succession finishing before 7pm. Inevitably the weather perked up and we were graced with warm sunshine as we packed up.

Herewith the results for the day and Best 4 out of 5 positions. Next weeks first reserve to complete the six clashes with the Slope Day Out. Assuming this goes ahead we will finish on September8th. Updates will be posted to the competitors via WhatsApp and email.

MSL 4 18 August

Now we're cooking!! Six competitors on the field and warm pleasant conditions with a bit of a breeze. Good to see Andrew recovered and raring to go. Round 1 proved the conditions to be ideal with several flights around 10 minutes. Unfortunately we were launching into the sun and in my first attempt I completely lost sight of my model. Fortunately Steve kept track of it and I regained control some 50 feet from the ground and landed safely. This and mobility issues, I decided discretion was the better part of valour.

Round 2 and the lift became scarce, with only Peter Williams managing over nine minutes. Round 3 started off flat but improved and after waiting for the wind to calm a little Round 4 also proved good.

Congratulations to Peter Williams for consistent flying and landing giving him a deserved win. Also of note was Mike starting to get to grips with his 2PK, Steve getting the most out his Malibu and Andrew delighted at managing 4 good landings.

MSL 2 Thursday 28^{th July}

Once again a slightly overcast evening but although early flight indicated otherwise there was lift to be found. Unfortunately Andrew was involved in a midair in practice and couldn't fly but sportingly stayed and timed for Peter's.

Ava's to the fore with Graham flying an Optimus and Steve a 2.75 metre Maribu very effectively and proving that slope flying hones your landing skills. In the end everybody flew downwind of the tree line at the top of the field (carefully respecting the no fly zone).

MSL 1 Thursday 21^st July

Following the stifling weather of the days before the conditions today were mild, overcast and flat. Four competitors turned up to fly and the usual AVA variants were on show as well as Andrew’s lovely Inside F5J . Mike test flew his brand new 2PK only to nearly lose it to radio install issues. He ended up flying his Purito F5RES to very good effect.

We set up the landing spots on the plateau at the top end of the field but the topography still tested most pilots skill, round three being particularly notable with one land out, one motor restart to avoid land out and one pilot hit himself with his own model.

Congratulations to Mike for winning by constant flying and landing and to Peter Wood for a good 10 minute flight in very mediocre conditions.

Round 2 Thursday 28^th.