SAFA Skysailor Magazine

28 SKY SAILOR January | February 2022 by Ruth Jessop From 6 to 17 December the World’s best pilots took to the skies above Valle de Bravo, 150km west of Mexico City, for the last event in this PWC 30th anniversary year. El Peñón, Temascaltepec is a well-known venue, having hosted two Super Finals (2011, 2015) and a World Cup (2014). Famous for its consistent and reliable flying conditions from November to May, the XC season kicks off properly in December. 7 December, Task 1 – 84km A stable day made it difficult to gain height, as thermal drift and head winds hindered progress. The field separated into two groups that never met up again. Those who survived TP1, managed to get onto the end of the El Peñón ridge. From there to TP3, clouds marked the convergence, thermals weakened on the way into goal, 84 pilots made it. PWC Super Final, Valle de Bravo, Mexico 8 December, Task 2 – 85km Again stable, with high pressure, very windy, no clouds – tough going. Getting to TP1 was a fast, low and bumpy ridge run. Pilots only got higher at TP3, halfway round the course over Cerro Gordo. From TP4 the final leg to goal was windy – 91 pilots completed in difficult conditions. 9 December, Task 3 – 83km A clear day with great views of the volcano. The first leg was into a southerly, followed by a crosswind leg. A tactical race, everyone spread out across the big plateau with a convergence along the course line and terrain triggers to choose from. At TP3 everyone came together, to get to End of Speed (ESS) in light lift and headwind, milking the convergence was key. ESS to goal was easier – 101 pilots made goal. 10 December, Task 4 – 118km Today 83 in goal as Violeta Jimenez, sums up:

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