Weekend on the Mynd

  A weekend flying light winds and occasion thermals is very different to some of the racing weekends we've enjoyed recently.  Comparing the 2 types of flying is a little unfair. There's a huge amount of pleasure to be taken from each.  I'm lucky to have some fantastic models that excel in a huge range of conditions. 

  Theres less room in the car as the family and their bags grow but the Falcon and Wyverns don't take up much room.

  2 days of flying gave me the chance to meet up with Mike Evans and share some company.

 

  2 days flying does mean I had plenty of time to play with the settings of both the Falcon and Wyvern. Its been a good time since I flew a Falcon.  It's a different model to the Wyvern, the broader cord and thicker section give a more buoyancy feeling model.  Both can be reactive and a huge amount of fun, the versatility of these models is part of their attraction, there's not many days when they're not the best model for the conditions.

  Good flying and good fun

Champion of Champions 2025

 

  Over it’s 15 years the Champion of champions race has become one of the highlights of the racing season for me.  Never because of my own performance but 2 days of top class racing by some of the best pilots in the UK (and now Switzerland).  This year’s race saw some incredible piloting on 2 days that showed the different skills of the pilots.

  Saturday’s conditions built from fast to ballistic as the winds increased to 63mph as we wrestled our models back into the cars.  John showed just what the Saker could do in these conditions as he carved the sky up.  John, like the other pilots in the top 5 showed how to race by collecting the buzzes rather than waiting and turning.  Those of us waiting for the buzz just showed how rusty we are.

  Sunday and as the wind fell the sun came out on the Ice cream slope.  A slope with little or no edge and one where I found it almost impossible to spot the bases.  Mark Redsell continued his dominant performance, the sun seemed to energise John Philips and his decision to race the Wyvern looked inspired.  Energy carried, buzzes collected and round wins starting to come.  The Wyvern looked more and more to be a great summer racing model, the slightest hint of good air and she showed no need for ballast as she tor off.

  Huge congratulations to Mark on his win and John for a well deserved podium for Team Saker, just kept from second by Paul Garnett.  Just about everyone left the slope with a grin and a bit more of a tan than we started the weekend with.  Thank you to the guys who got and kept the show on the road.