Andy Blackburn wrote:
Not much time difference between the two. The higher
speed turn has a longer path too, but the total time
to get turned around is only different by a couple
of seconds.

OK, thanks.

FAI AST racing tasks have a one mile radius (2 mile
diameter)around the turnpoint so you can either cut
short by a mile or go long by a mile so the total range
of distances is +/- two diameters or 4 miles. There's

Right. That clarifies what you meant. By "turnpoint",
the way I used it in the question, I meant the point
that you actually have to round physically, whether
it be the near edge of a cylinder or the centre or
whatever.

not much point in extending beyond the turn cylinder
unless you think you will climb A LOT better because
distance beyond the far side of the cylinder doesn't
count towards the task. For FAI record tasks you don't
get any credit for distance past the turnpoint, so
you are losing the cruise time in addition to the incremental
climb time from the higher sink rate to extend past
the turn.

The pullup in lift versus sink would only amount to
half a turn if you didn't stop and climb. The thermal
would have to be a lot stronger or the additional distance
very short to be able to make up the altitude (and
in some cases time) you give away in half a turn.
....
See my previous comment explaining turnpoint cylinders.
If it's not a racing task your point is correct and
the higher climb rate needs to be even higher - for
every minute you extend you need to save a minute of
climbing PLUS make up for the additional altitude lost
in the sink to get there.

Yes, all this is clear. This could perhaps be summed up
by saying that to fly beyond the TP would only be worth
it if you find significantly stronger lift there than
you will along the task after the turn.

Thanks again.
CV