The Saltby Open Event 2010

Ten pilots from the various classes competed this year for the Saltby Open Trophy. It was won by Michael Corcoran flying Sports with a percentage score of 71.61%. This was a considerable achievement as the field included the current Unlimited World Champion (Known Program), Dietmar Poll, and five other pilots hot from the Advanced World Championships in Finland. Congratulations Michael! Apart from these ten pilots five others competed for the Beginners prize where Andrew Darly (Lasham) came away as the winner. Of note were Alex Alderslade and Leonie Brooke competing for the first time and both of them only seventeen years old. We look forward to seeing them both at the Dan Smith next year.

Flying was restricted to only Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning on account of poor weather. This gave us just enough time to ensure that all pilots flew a competition flight, albeit in a stiff wind.

A huge debt of gratitude is owed to Philippe Kuechler, Chief Judge, who travelled from Switzerland to be with us. This year there was a move to have pilots judging their peers and Philippe was able to set this in motion with an extensive Judging Tutorial given on the Friday morning while we waited for better weather.
In the event the competing pilots were divided into two groups and each group helped in the judging of the other. It worked out well and maybe this could be a way forward in the future. Thanks also to all the other judging personnel who turned up just to help out. Their efforts were much appreciated.

The Buckminster Gliding Club in house team were as gracious as ever in their hospitality and with Stuart Black managing airfield operations, Mike Sheehan managing the tuggies and Cathy heading up a brilliant catering team I think it is safe to say that everybody enjoyed themselves to the full.