SAFA Skysailor Magazine

22 SKY SAILOR January | February 2022 show us the perfect crosswind beach LZ with approximately 30 to 40m of beach width to pick your spot. The atmosphere on the main launch was quite relaxed and accommodating by the local tandem business that operates here. Although there was a steady stream of tandems launch- ing, the local pilots were always willing to let us in and give a hand laying out the glider and point out local hazards. With a steady 6kt wind, a good handle on reverse launching was in order. However, it had been a little while since I had danced the reverse launch tango. After shaking out the cobwebs on a few false starts, I was into the air and enjoying what seemed to be a endless and steady lift band. The following day, we experienced what appeared to be a standard Koh Larn day of a consistent 6kt breeze from NE to NW. At one stage, there were nine gliders in the air sharing the lift band. Geoff from Fly Koh Larn took us on a tour of the island’s other take-offs with the resident launch dog ‘Black dog’ riding shot gun on the scooter. The southern take-off is located near the windmill viewpoint and suits a more westerly wind with some interesting ridge soring and landing options. It is also nicely laid out with Astro turf. On the third day there was minimal wind on launch except for a few small cycles as the wind had switched to a more easterly direc- tion. Later in the day, after the wind switched more northerly, it became possible to do some light wind take offs and practise scratching technique. It was also the perfect day for Will to conduct his first reverse launch take offs under the tutelage of Geoff. With the beginning of our 4th and last day on the island, our weather window had run out and the familiar grey skies and wet stuff falling from the sky were here. The 20-minute boat ride back to the mainland was non eventful and followed by a 90-minute drive to Bangkok International Airport and back home. Postcard flying from the land of smiles Above: Lining up the GTO Main intersection at Tawaen Beach