The Dan Smith Memorial Trophy - 2008

In spite of a depressing overnight forecast the wind dropped and the sky cleared to allow a shortened Known-1 sports programme for the main competition to fly from a 2,500ft. cloud-base. The four Beginners were then able to fly a very close fought programme from 3,000ft, less than 3.5% separating all of them. At this stage the Sport-1 provisional results showed the 2nd to 5th places split by less than 1%. To the considerable surprise of all present the improving cloud-base then allowed a full Known-2 to be flown from 4,000ft to complete a very good days flying.

The final results confirmed Guy Westgate in a clear first place overall. The first Sport level pilot was Ian Gallacher from RAF Halton, in a very creditable in 5th place overall amongst the considerably more experienced intermediate and unlimited company. He will hold the Dan Smith Trophy for 2008. Prizegiving allowed the CD, on behalf of all, to thank London Gliding Club for their support and excellent catering, the judges, assistants and scorer for their dedication, and of course the competitors for a safe competition.

Ray Stoward