Women's Worlds Day 2

It was hard to believe we weren't flying yesterday because the sun was shining and the clouds looked lovely.  In fact, it was the first day we had such nice sunshine.  However, the meteo guy was very concerned about the Foehn that was supposed to arrive.  We were apparently just on the edge of it.   

All of the girls went off in different directions - some to the castle, some working, some hiking up the mountain.  Maria and I got bicycles and decided for a ride out to the Swift field for a picnic as they were having a task. 

There were many spectators out at the airfield (mostly pilots wishing they were flying) and we could see much of the task from there.  We watched the guys race up and down the ridge and then land back at goal at the airfield.  Not surprisingly, Manfred came in first with a nice loop over goal.  Bob Baier was second and Steve Cox came in third.  Brian Porter and Jacques Bott both had difficult days and landed short.  

Now I am sitting in at HQ eavesdropping on the Class 2 meeting regarding the Archeopteris (I'm sure I've spelled that wrong).   From my understanding, it is a fairly new design by a Swiss company.  It has not been demonstrated to be foot landable and so it doesn't qualify as a Class 2 glider.  It seems it wasn't noticed before the comp started, so now after there has been a task it is unclear whether it should be included.  Interestingly, all of the guys here in the Class 2 comp want it included in the comp and they are discussing ways to get it in.  Heather asked who would protest if the pilot flying the glider won the meet.....they all agreed that they would not.  In light of the small number of Class 2 pilots and gliders, I think most everyone wants to find a way to encourage more of them.  

According to Section 7 rules, it must be demonstrated that the glider can be foot landed.  Brian Porter is currently arguing that there is no time period for making this demonstration and that if the pilot wanted to demonstrate it here, he should be allowed in the class.  I think the CIVL reps are very very reluctant to allow for this.  

Here is the Archeopteris at goal yesterday.   

With the discussion coming to an end, the final decision is that they will not allow it to be included in the world championship competition, but they will do two sets of scores, one with him and one without.  So he could win, but not be the world champion.  He will also be allowed to line up with the other Class 2 gliders at launch time and he will not be required to launch first or last or have any less priority than the others.  It is interesting to me to see how fervently all of the Class 2 pilots are arguing to get this glider in the class.  

Another interesting tidbit I just learned....although Manfred arrived at goal first yesterday, the Archeopteris won the day because of the leading bonus.