The German Nationals

The weather has closed in for a few days but the first couple of days had tasks. The first day saw rain in the morning and clouds whizzing past just above launch height. It didn´t look great. We are getting used to late starts so it was no surprise we missed the briefing and when we turned up at 11:30am, the majority of the pilots had already made there way up the hill. It was a slow process. They had to do what Sam is doing below. Holding up tight to your hang glider while going up on a very small chairlift.

We went to have a coffee instead and waited for inspiration to hit us. It did about 2pm when the sky started to look better. We went up the higher Raschberg mountain nearby instead which used a real cable car. Luckily the task had pilots flying directly over our launch so I managed to launch straight into a small gaggle. I didn´t know what the course was so just followed them. It was tough flying in some places with lift only registering .1 and .2 ms. The sky started to become very overcast and pilots were decking it everywhere. It was challenging but still fun.

The next day, was apparently going to be the day of the competition. I didn´t fly. Had something to do with staying out to 4:30am the night before. Doh. Corrina said it was the best day she had flown in Germany this year. They set a 120km course that took them into the middle of Austria and back. They reached 3300m and registered some strong climbs. I still think it was right decision as it was good to just chill out and chat. I was planning to leave so I also wanted to setup my glider up in the landing field with a for sale sign.

Who would have expected the Germans to have a beer tent at the landing field. Should have been obvious but it was great just sitting around with a beautiful backdrop, beer in had with lots of hang gliders around.

I have loved flying the Litespeed RS 3.5. I couldn´t fault it in any way. It is sad to say goodbye to it. I have even thought about taking it home with me but 4 hang gliders in the hallway could be a bit much.