SAFA Skysailor Magazine

9 July | August 2023 SKY SAILOR TP 2 to 3 was an into wind leg north with nice clouds, but pilots had to connect to them, which wasn’t always easy. The optimum line was the west of the best route and many pilots reported flying with birds of prey. Great convergence just before the last TP didn’t make it all plain sailing. Goal was on a ridge, so those who came in below the ridge, had a stressful moment. Most eventually made goal in the Aerodromo de Beas de Segura. In general, it was lovely flying with beautiful scenery unless you got low. Staying upwind was key all day. Today’s race dramatically changed the scores. We now have Baptiste Lambert and Andy Tallia in equal first position. Violeta Jimenez keeps her first place in the ladies’ ranking and Ozone are now top of the team’s scoreboard – 70 pilots made goal. Final Day, Task 6 Despite mutters of ‘no bueno’ and strong winds on launch, this morning a 117km task was set. The wind from the north made the wait for the start to open a very cold one. The task can best be described as a down- wind dash, with pilots reaching speeds of 85km/h. There were very strong climbs, with Ramona Eckert enjoying an 8.7m/s climb. The long leg between TP 1 and 2 gave lots of route choices with at least five distinct groups of pilots emerging. Yassen Savov and Arthur Moindrot were the mountain men of the day until they landed. Dario Dandeu and Felix Rodriguez Fernandez, took the ladies on a very scenic route further north over the lakes. The final glide was long and downwind, the whole area was in shade which slowed down the first group, giving the latecomers a chance to win back precious seconds. The race stopped 7km before the line, but our troubles did not as we entered a strong convergence above the line which took some effort to get down to the landing field – 96 pilots made goal.” Task 5 Today took pilots on a route NE of Pegalajar. It proved difficult to get high at the start. However, on the way to TP 1 conditions improved, despite the crosswind there was a buoyant line which worked better than a route to the east of the course line. From TP 1 to 2 everyone followed a shallow ridge where quite a lot of pilots landed in the sink between the lift cycles. Photos: PWC Social Media