2017 R4S @ New Castle Va

I'm proud to say R4South at BRSS in New Castle, VA, was my first contest (flown solo). I picked one that had the most difficult reputation on purpose but what I found was the tasking was appropriate even for beginners. I hope to bring a cadre of glider folks next year to try R4South for their first time and experience everything it has to offer too.

For beginners and flat-landers... don't be discouraged or persuaded to fly elsewhere. If you leave yourself good safety margins and exercise prudence you can explore the area and build-up your experience flying among the ridges of VA. You will surely leave a better pilot!

The hospitality here is 2nd to none. The scenery is even better! Even your non-flying spouse will enjoy this place if he/she likes the outdoors. The contest volunteers are incredible. Pilots and crew may place their Breakfast orders on the flight-line and later on have a made-to-order sandwich for lunch around grid time. Dinner starts with hors d'oeuvre at 6:30 and consists of their famous low-country boil, chicken dinner, Italian night, BBQ pig roast, etc. Of course, the bonfire never goes out and runs all week long. Be sure to bring a bottle or two of wine for the week and enjoy stargazing and camaraderie at its best.

Words can't express how much fun I had last week. For those who've never been, you don't know what you're missing but let me tell you once you come you'll always want to be back here in September for R4S.

- Chris Schrader (B2G flying "CN")