SAFA Skysailor Magazine

10 SKY SAILOR May | June 2023 After launching, pilots initially drifted in climbs towards Manilla but were soon on the way east towards Armidale and beyond with strong lift and a 3000m plus cloudbase. Later in the day keeping a good look out for bigger clouds was important, as was flying around those which were oversaturated and raining. One pilot said it was like playing dodgem rain showers on the glides. Some pilots reported sustained climbs up to 10m/s (36km/h up!) and flying long straight lines in lift on full speed bar. Many made it onto the tablelands for the first time and had PBs landing close to Armidale. There was also a huge impromptu celebratory gathering at one of the pubs as the retrieve cars converged on Armidale for an Australia Day dinner. Winning the day with an excellent tactical three TP flight and distance of 202km was Joshie Tie (QLD), landing NE of Armidale. He was followed closely by Magdy Malik on 192km with a more straight line landing near Glen Innes. Best in Fun Class, and a PB, was Syed Khawaja (Sydney) with a fast 82km in two hours and landing near Armidale with all the higher level pilots. Manilla XC Camp 2023