Pribina Sailplane Grand Prix 2008
Sailplane Grand Prix Quallification
September 7-13 2008 NITRA, SLOVAKIA

Competition - 10th Sep 2008

2008-09-10 00:05:05

Next beautiful and challenging day! The morning was crystal clear and a bit cold. We checked the forecast and were sure that it is going to be another flying day. Several gliders were on the grid position before the briefing at 10:00 already. After smooth run pilots left the briefing to get their ships loaded with the task of length 266km. Not too long - some pilots complained that it is short. Despite this the directors have not changed their mind and confirmed the launch time for 12:00. The take off began with the delay of 15min. As usually in less then 30min the time of the opening of the line was announced. Today it was sharp at 13:00. Exactly at this time all went direction o the first turn point Klak hill. Immediately after we all on the ground went to the bar to watch the tracking. With only one exception (CZ) all units were running very well. After a while it was clear that the weather is so good, that we can expect the first arrivals in about 2 hours. The feeling has been proven by the time of the winner Sebastian Kawa who came some 4 minutes after 2 hour period of the task. Great performances of all pilots! Despite the good conditions today we had losers as well. First was Piotr (RP) who landed close to Prievidza after big fight to stay airborne. Second was Rasmus (71) who started his final glide too early, in lead and some 100m below the other. With minus 100m to goal he was unlucky to get good track home and after continuous sink he landed short of the field. After landing some pilots went to fly again and completed more that 250km free distance afterwards. Great day of great pilot performances. We all look forward to tomorrow.