If you haven't already read it, you should also look at "Streckensegelflug"
by Helmut Reichmann:
http://www.amazon.com/Streckensegelf.../dp/3613024799


"son_of_flubber" wrote in message
...
Thank you for the recommendations made here. I've just ordered copies of:

"Fundamentals of Sailplane Design" by Fred Thomas.

"Radio Control Thermal Gliding" by Markus Lisken and Ulf Gerber

Good reading for the winter ahead.