Dolphin flying

Gentlemen -

One thing to remember - there is contest flying and there is non-contest flying.

While I understand that the theory is exactly the same, I would expect very different tactics between a Nationals contest flight and an OLC flight.

Especially for an OLC flight where time or speed is not a critical component, I would expect a more conservative strategy would be found to be the norm.

Lou

On Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2:18:18 PM UTC-5, MNLou wrote:
Gentlemen -

One thing to remember - there is contest flying and there is non-contest flying.

While I understand that the theory is exactly the same, I would expect very different tactics between a Nationals contest flight and an OLC flight.

Especially for an OLC flight where time or speed is not a critical component, I would expect a more conservative strategy would be found to be the norm.

Lou

I fly almost exactly the same whether practicing or racing. It doesn't pay to change my style.
For the best OLC flight you are still trying for the best speed given the time you fly so as to maximize points.
UH

On Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2:18:18 PM UTC-5, MNLou wrote:
Gentlemen -

One thing to remember - there is contest flying and there is non-contest flying.

While I understand that the theory is exactly the same, I would expect very different tactics between a Nationals contest flight and an OLC flight.

Especially for an OLC flight where time or speed is not a critical component, I would expect a more conservative strategy would be found to be the norm.

Lou

To sorta echo "UH's" comment...... the ONLY time I was allowed to, "Do something stupid that may break the glider..." was:
-Last day of a US Nats or worlds
followed by
-If it works, you win......."

Period.

Otherwise, "Train as you race, race as you train".

I agree that the US frowns upon "team flying" in it's contest, frankly (in disagreement to some on RAS), I think this is a TON more against the US doing well in the "world stage" than what type of tasks we tend to fly here (in the US).
A good team can have a high level of finish IF they help each other.
In the discussion of "leeching", depends on whether you are worried about US rankings or world rankings.

OK Sean F., have at it.

[back to stoking my fire, it's a "wee bit chilly" in north NJ. USA]

On Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2:18:18 PM UTC-5, MNLou wrote:
Especially for an OLC flight where time or speed is not a critical component,
I would expect a more conservative strategy would be found to be the norm.

Absolutely wrong. OLC is a race, just like contests.
XC, you are always flying against the clock, the end-of-day, as fast as possible.
Otherwise you don't get home before sunset, end-of-lift, etc.
Time and speed is *always* critical.
IIRC explained in Reichmann ;-)