Cordele, Georgia, Report Monday 14 May 07

'If you liked the weather yesterday, you'll find today
different.' That's how the Southern Gentleman Weatherman,
Ray Galloway started off the morning briefing. Unlike
Saturday when we had nothing but smoke and Sunday when
we had typical mid spring weather, today we had cool
weather and low clouds. Some were looking for jackets
with the mercury still in the 60's. But Ray continued
saying we wouldn't have clouds by the time the gate
opened. And you know, he was right on!

We have about 41 or 42 gliders at this event. Six
towplanes got us in the air in 1 hour 10 minutes.
Since I was the last to be towed, I knew how long the
tow went. Conditions weren't easy to start and the
CD changed all tasks to the 'B' task, or 'Dump' task
as it's called here. Weak conditions led four or five
ships back for relights. You know, when you're sitting
at the end of the grid and watching the relights, it
doesn't do much for one's hopes...

Entering the contest is a young pilot from New York,
Nicolas Wirz and he is flying an L-13 Blanik!!! And
today, the first day of the contest, he made it around!
When the scores come out, some of us (me) will be
really embarrased! You know when you see the Blanik
on course, he's just KILLING you! Damned handicaps!
:-)

As far as I know, nobody landed out. That should keep
a smile on the CD's face.

Scores aren't out yet, at least they're not here at
the motel yet. Probably have to wait till Tues morning
to see the scores.

Hope we have nice cu's tomorrow!

Ray Lovinggood
Currently in Cordele, Georgia, USA