Florida Sailplane Grand Prix Race Sep 27-29 at Seminole Lake

John,

It's a casual event, so contain your enthusiasm! Simply a relaxed, easy going, weekend excursion. Nobody graduates to the world championship if they win. Maybe, just maybe, they might get a free beer around the bonfire if they're not too boastful.

You've completely missed the number one rule listed. That includes FAR 91.115, so you can relax now. Knowing Andy, if someone was psychotic enough to be found flying IMC, and a flight trace verified it, he would hook up their trailer for them and escort them to the nearest airport exit immediately!

As far as the good old days, when "racing was actually racing": it was before the 30 mile radius turn cylinders days and before MAT's where gliders actually competed in the same air mass, to measure ones performance against each other, not measure gliding 100 miles apart.

Rules have spiraled so out of control, you need a cliff notes version to understand just even the basics. This complex set of rules actually turns off alot of pilots from even entering their first race. If somebody doesn't simplify them, and put an end to adding rule after rule after rule, before too long, we'll all be finishing at 5,000 feet, and have to keep a 1 mile distance apart for spacing while using our FLARM's (booooring). Then, someone will add the mother of all rules that says "the main rule is that nobody can have any fun."

Thankfully, Andy has set up a simple race much like the GTA events. Cost is free. Can't beat that! As for me, I'm looking forward to some great flying with good company.

Scott,

Great post. I think you meant FAR 91.155 (general airspace requirements). Surely a typo!

I cannot wait to fly this event. So simple! So pure! So fun!!!

Sean

Looks like 2 of 3 classes are full already!

https://sites.google.com/site/florid...ix/contestants

Class B has only 5 spots open! Sign up if you can folks.

Class A and C are already full...

On Monday, July 29, 2013 5:12:37 PM UTC-4, wrote:
This looks like an interesting format.



Perhaps I'm too jaded as one who isn't all that sentimental about "the good old days of racing" that "The Florida Sailplane Grand Prix has been designed to bring back," but I wonder if the organizers have really thought through what unlimited altitude starts and finishes mean, at least if anyone gets at all serious about the race.



Up in to the clouds for the last few minutes before the start? Zero zero final glides? What happens when you put competitive glider pilots wingtip to wingtip, give points to the guy who finishes one inch ahead of the other? Answer: well, it's exiting for the spectators. Even the IGC grand prix went to altitude limited finishes after a little too much excitement. I hope the fields near Seminole are hospitable and the fence is low.



And with a class that starts at handicap 0.880 and below, with no glider handicapping, I know what I will bring to Florida if I can make it.



That said, the general concept of starting a reasonably small race at the same time, and getting rid of start gate roulette and leeching once and for all seems attractive.



I don't know what that has to do with "the good old days," where starting last, diving through a 3000' gate at VNE and catching the gaggle were the heart of the game.



John Cochrane

let em try it.

Anyone have a gopro camera who might film this race from their sailplane?

I would be ecstatic to watch a 2-3 hour race compressed into a 5 minute video.


Just watched a fine video from europe of this style and LOVED it.


Here's a beer/margarita/wine on me to whoever who tackles this thought.

Tailwinds,
SA

SA,

I have a cockpit setup that allows me 3 cockpit cameras and an external with an aero pod. I will DEFINITELY bring this and plan to edit it into a video each evening!!!!

Sean

On Monday, August 5, 2013 8:44:22 AM UTC-4, wrote:
Anyone have a gopro camera who might film this race from their sailplane?
I would be ecstatic to watch a 2-3 hour race compressed into a 5 minute video.
Just watched a fine video from europe of this style and LOVED it.

Which video did you watch? I'd like to see it too!

I'd be willing to loan out a go pro, I am just not sure the battery would last longer than 1.5 hrs unless mounted inside the cockpit with a USB power source.

Results are up here --- https://sites.google.com/site/florid...ndprix/scoring

Sunday turned out to be a spectacular day. 159 mile task with speeds around 50 mph were scored. A great time was had by all!

Thanks to Seminole for your outstanding support. Next months event dates will be released shortly.

Sean
7T

Hi Guys,

I sort of remember there being a new website for Florida Sailplane Grand Prix, but I just can't seem to find it. Could someone please post the new website link if there is one?

Thanks in advance,
Josh