BTW - can anyone tell me what are the main differences between soaring
in the US and UK? Aerotow signals? Checklists? Landing patters shape?

The main differences are thermals to 10,000'+ AGL depending on region
of course,
Wave lift to the edge of the Stratosphere, and a Pilot certificate
that is good for life(Fly till you Die).

The rest of the differences are trivial and will soon become habit.

Ray