New Castle, VA Region 4 South Day 5 of 6 Report

Another great day at New Castle! The task called was a minimum of 3
hours, with a forecast calling for a short day. This led to many
starting as early as possible. Cloudbase peaked mid afternoon at 6500
MSL with lots of streeting down the mountain ridges. It was easy
money all the way to the first turnpoint along streets. The way back
was just as easier with a direct tailwind. The second turnpoint
slowed up many pilots with broken clouds, weak thermals and lots of
sink. Those that managed to get in and out of there quickly were the
ones who powered ahead while others (like me) spent nearly an hour
digging out from a low save.

Most of the landouts were actually landouts at New Castle as nearly a
half dozen pilots couldn't make the final transition back through the
New Castle valley enroute to the final turnpoint.

Glenn Maxwell and company roasted their annual pig for the BBQ
dinner. It took 3 strong men to hoist it on top of the custom grill
designed just for this contest. John "18H" and Dennis "DL" put on a
spectactular firework show after the BBQ dinner. Look up "Blue Ridge
Soaring Society" on facebook for pictures.

Todays flight showed who the true champions of racing were. This
course was challenging enough not to allow luck, it was experience and
talent that got people around the course quickly. Visibility again
was unlimited and a panaramic view of the appalachain mountains was
magical.

Saturdays forecast calls for a wind that may exceed the crosswind
takeoff and landing components, so it may be a great day for hiking,
or traveling back home.

For those of you who didn't get a chance to compete, better plan your
2013 vacation to come enjoy the festivities. Every glider pilot needs
to add this place to their bucket list!