Day 6 RKMC

Day 6 RKMC. Open class had an out and back to the Ridge. Around 20 made it.

Sport class had the same task as day five, 10 kilometers east, 20 kilometers south. Five pilots made it.

The lift today was small and bubbly, but strong. And of course, the sink was stronger.

Tomorrow (day 7) is forecasted to be better, with stronger, bigger thermals.

Day 5

Day 5 at the Rob Kells Competition at the Florida Ridge, turned out to be a light thermal day with a difficult task for both Open and Sport classes. Open class had a downwind leg to about 40 kilometers west and south of the Ridge, then they had to fly back to the park which was goal.

Sport class had to fly west then south, with their goal being Open class’ turn-point. Most Sport pilots made it to the first turn-point west of the Ridge about 12 kilometers. The cross wind leg proved to hard for the Sport class and most landed after scratching around the TP.

I personally had an average flight for the day, launching sooner than everyone else and ultimately landing first, 2 kilometers from the first TP.

Unfortunately for Open class, most of their pilots landed after making it to the first TP, with the 11 knot wind making the upwind leg very difficult.

So in all, an average day with light lift and moderate upper level winds and a bit of an over called task.

But I had fun, and that’s the point, right?

Rob Kells Competition Half-Point Review

Out here at the Florida Ridge, the 2nd annual RKM Competition is being held.

Days one and two unfortunately got rained out, but on Monday, the weather turned and we got some good flying in. Competitors from all classes (Rigid, Open, and Sport) made goal and everyone had a good time. Day 3s (Mondays) task was short, approx. 22 miles west then south for sport class. Day 4 (Tuesday) was a light lift, light wind day, and the task was a bit longer, (30 miles) first west then north. a few pilots made goal, and many more were scattered en route.

There are three more days to compete, and each day looks better than the next, with stronger lift and the winds gradually swinging around from NE to SE. All in all, a good start to a great and fun competition.

Visit http://www.thefloridaridge.com/ for more info on the flight park.