SAFA Skysailor Magazine

8 SKY SAILOR March | April 2022 Orographic cloud can be a significant feature on much of this coastal run as moist air is forced up over rising terrain (the hills along the coast in this case), cooling in the process until reaching saturation point at which tem- perature the water vapour condenses, forming cloud. While the beginnings of orographic cloud formation were visible on parts of the coast this day, it was only a background feature. There are days when orographic cloud creates remarkable flying conditions, and days when it can terminate any attempt to complete the coastal run. Having only recently returned to the sport after a 12 year break, I drove a support vehicle Coastal run Above (l-r): Bruce, Ben. James, Hughbert, Rohan, Rob (aka Chook – driver on this day), Phil and Peter. A crew of experienced and adventurous flyers Below: Bruce, Chook and Phil assess the wind conditions; Orographic cloud between Apollo Bay and Cape Patton, photographed earlier this summer Photos: John Langmead