CD's Report
The elegant Saltby Open Trophy is fought for by Sports, Intermediate and
Unlimited pilots flying unknown sequences. To level the field between the
classes, the winner is decided, not by total points, but by the
 highest
percentage score achieved over all the classes.
In previous years the Open has struggled with
rain wind, low cloud, you name it we've had it, to get a competition result.
This year the unbelievable happened, the weather was so benign we completed
a two-day programme by 19.00 on the Friday. Panic, what do we do for the
rest of the weekend? Ben Ellis dredged up a series of unknowns from years
back and a 'fun' programme was organised for Saturday.
The Saltby Open Trophy was won by Steve
Jarvis (Unlimited), with Patrick Greer (Intermediate) second and Andy
Cunningham (Unlimited) third. In the fun comp, fortunes were reversed with
Ron Jubb on top, Steve and Andy last.
On the last flight on Friday evening,
there were some sharp
 intakes
of breath as a plane gaily sailed through the aerobatic box at 2000 feet
just as the tug/glider combination was entering at 4000. Fortunately, all
passed off well and the glider was able to perform without hold-up. It was
later found that the intruder was a visiting Belgian pilot, unaware of our
NOTAM, en route to another airfield.
Many thanks to Chief Judge Sam Mummery and
his Judges and Assistants for their sterling work, to Cindy Copsey for
scoring, and to the Buckminster Gliding Club for hosting us and providing an
excellent competition dinner.
Jim Duthie
Contest Director |
