SAFA Skysailor Magazine

14 SKY SAILOR September-October-November | SPRING 2026 Photos: Pawel Olas  I took off, scratched, but the air felt okay. I did one pass along the cliff face. The vario beeped a few times, and despite losing some height, I went for another pass to the last place I found lift. I should not have done that. I lost height after take off, was below launch, and this should have been enough incentive to head to the beach immediately. Instead, I was thinking about the people who were staying up above me, assuming there must be some lift somewhere. On my second pass there was nothing, and I watched another glider in front of me not getting anything either. At this point, I turned back right away, heading towards the landing. Still no lift. We scratched. I looked up: gliders were staying up there, the wind was meant to get stronger, there’s always lift here… My vario shows -2m/s consistently. Not great, but I’m still not worried, I’ve been lower than this many times before. Search- ing for lift. Nothing. Okay, I’m low, I don’t think I’m going to make it. I’m making up a Plan A now, since this was meant to be an easy flight, I don’t have a plan… Always have a plan! I know this. Always plan your landings (plural). I know this and Failing badly: The katabatic trap