SAFA Skysailor Magazine

10 SKY SAILOR November | December 2022 by Ruth Jessop October may seem late in the season, but the tree covered hills around Gochang will be a festival of autumn colours, the rice paddies are dry, should produce good thermals and leave more landing options. The weather patterns can vary at this time of year, from high pressure days with no clouds, to less stable days with perfect cumulus. Whatever the weather, Korea is always an unforgettable experience of culture and culinary delights. With overcast skies and Korean efficiency, the competition decamped to Hadong in the south of South Korea on the first day. Although the skies stayed veiled, a 60km task was set. A nice easterly wind and sun greeted pilots. The thermals were working everywhere at take-off but not going high. Once pilots started the task, going along the ridge proved difficult if you got below hill height. The field split into three groups from the start and spread out along the ridge, with the leaders skimming the trees below launch, before jumping over the back. They had to climb as high as possible, as shade soon covered the majority of the route. The first three pilots jumped the ridge but many missed the cycle. Enough altitude was the key to connect with the higher mountains and get onto the windy side. The next difficulty was a big valley crossing during the last third of the task. The leaders got a good thermal, the second group struggled as the wind increased. The ridge before goal was decisive – getting onto the windward side of the last ridge allowed pilots to just soar the bowls that faced PWC Gochang, South Korea