SAFA SkySailor Magazine

9 March | April 2024 SKY SAILOR tasks for both Open and Floater that kept both classes flying the same air most of the time. This was a great opportunity for the newer Floater pilots to have thermals on course marked by Open class pilots. Tuesday, 9 January (Day 3, Task 1), saw the Open class flying a zig-zag over the hills, then into goal at the Corryong airport for a total of 31km. We had around one third in goal, one third landed out and one third in the bomb- out with Trent Brown winning the day. The Floater task was a 12km dog leg. It was dominated by Amber Tsai from Tasmania with a blistering time of 13:01 minutes on task, nearly double the speed of her nearest competitor. She said that she climbed as high as she could then set out, made the turnpoint then headed for goal. Amber was wrapped to have made her first goal ever! Wednesday, 10 January (Day 4, Task 2), had the Open pilots flying a 71km lap around the Corryong valley and the Floaters flying a 31km zig-zag over the hills. Goal was at the Corryong airport. No Floaters managed to complete the task with Donny Gardner winning the day 3km short of goal. Anthony Meechan had a good attempt, landing at goal, but unfortunately missed the second TP by 3km. The Open task was won by Rohan Taylor, again about one third of the pilots made goal. Thursday, 11 January (Day 5, Task 3), and the task committee set an 82km lap around the valley which saw most pilots landing out on course. There were only eight in goal with Rory Duncan winning the day. The Floater class also had a difficult day having to leave the hills and cross the valley to get the second TP. The task distance was 40km and again no Floaters made goal, closest was Andy Schmidt at 30km. Photos: Tracey Meyer