CD's Report
After a couple of years layoff due to work commitments it was my
pleasure to return to CD duties for the Waterford contest. Arriving on
Friday night allowed a quick jar in the lovely fishing village of Dunmore
East where I found ensconced some of our UK guests.
Arrival at the airport at 08.30 was followed by some consultation with Donal
in ATC to enable the contest to fit in with the scheduled airline departures
of the day and to establish procedures for box entry. Following briefing
proceedings kicked off after the first commercial flight of the day.
Conditions were ideal with a light North-Westerly (on judge wind) and severe
CAVOK with just occasional wisps of cloud. In other words typically Irish
weather!!!!!
The judges under the able stewardship of Nick Buckenham
were arrayed in front of the clubhouse of our kind hosts the Waterford
Flying Club. This arrangement allowed easy access to refreshments and other
vital services. The wind at altitude thorough out the day remained
North-Westerly which caused some reduced framing scores among the Standard
pilots. Beginners was not flown due to a number of absentees.
First to fly at Standard was Paul Tomlinson with a well
flown sequence, followed by the remaining six including Paul ODonnell who
as our only Beginner was flying Standard H/C. Intermediates Corrine and Neil
flew next to be followed by the 3 advanced pilots.
After lunch, the unknowns were flown in the same order,
with the last flight completed at approx. 15.30. Further unknowns had been
published to allow those pilots not returning home another opportunity to
fly. As It happened everybody stayed to enjoy the last programme and the
nights festivities.
Proceedings were completed before 18.00 after which
followed the presentation of prizes, with Paul, Corinne and Clive Butler
taking the honours in their respective classes. David Bruton captured the
national trophy and the extra unknown was won by local pilot Gerry
Humphries, much to his surprise!! Paul and Corinne picked up the Celtic
Shield and Royal Legg trophy respectively.
I would like to thank our hosts at Waterford Airport and
Waterford Flying Club for the use of their facilities and for once again
making us feel most welcome. Thanks also to Nick, Ben, Ian, Bob and Dave
along with their scribes, Martin, Cathy, Shiela, Julie and Diane for their
excellent work on the judging line and to all those who helped out on the
day.
We look forward to welcoming you all again next year in
even larger numbers!!!
Paul Van Lonkhuyzen |