Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The most beautiful sailplane
might be one you've only seen pictures of, one you own or have lusted
after, or one that triggers certain memories. Then there's
"striking" (almost any Open Class glider) vs. "beautiful". There's
pure superficial beauty vs. the whole package. There's timeless beauty
vs. the latest look. And so on.

I agree the ASW 20 is one of the most beautiful sailplanes ever
created. Subsequent single-seat models--ASW 24 (what I've flown for
the past 18 years), ASW 27 & ASG 29--are very pretty. But to me, the
most beautiful sailplane is the one I grew up seeing in person at our
local Midwestern USA contests and in photos: Len Neimi's Sisu 1A. Alex
Aldott's pic of world free distance holder Al Parker's Sisu stood up
on one wingtip under a Texas sky still gives me chills whenever I see
it. I've always regretted that V-tails went out of style. Of course, I
never had to launch or land with one.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
USA