CHRISTCHURCH AND DISTRICT MODEL FLYING CLUB

Annual Rose Bowl Competition

by terry antell

This year’s contest was held at Chalbury.  It was hosted by the Wessex Soaring Association for which we are indebted. It was a pleasant day, broken cloud, super thermal lift and buckets of sink. Many showed great skill and slope soared a line of bushes. Twelve entered. Four from C&DMFC who were, Martin Burr, Brian Brockway, Terry Antell and Derrick Burrowes. One from the Phoenix club, Geoff Collins and 7 representing Wessex. We flew 3 rounds, each being a one hour slot. Competitors had to fly for 10 minutes and land on a spot. Two flights were allowed in the hour. If two were flown only the second one counted, that was my BIG mistake.

Three power winches were used and one bungee. This was reduced to 3 winches only for the third round.  Winch lines were 200 metres in length. After a briefing all were set to battle it out. On the first round wonderful lift was found immediately. Three hawks were enjoying the air, soon to be followed by 8 models.  This continued for about 9 minutes before the birds disappeared along with a few models. Those who had launched early flew out the 10 minutes, those who waited didn’t!! The second and third rounds were punctuated by occasional thermal activity but generally crafty slope soaring of the hedge line was needed to get anything like a decent score.

Notorieties were: Glyn Fonteneau (WSA) flying his Supra. He specked this model out in classic style down wind, an inspiration to all. Dave Camp (WSA) was flying his Allure. Not the wing span of many models that were flying but boy did he use the conditions well. Brian Brockway (CDMFC) demonstrated how to slope soar using a hedge! He flew his Calypso Contest for a full 7 minutes along the hedge and only about 12 feet from the ground. Martin Burr (CDMFC) flew his ancient Sirocco rudder elevator model. This must be 12 years old but in his hands it was a winner. Although thermal soaring local buffs from WSA knew the site and conditions well the Christchurch boys soon appreciated the gradient lift AND the hedgerow, making use of any rising air.

Only one person landed out (twice I think?), a WSA member at that, too!

Derrick Burrowes (CDMFC) persevered with his Easy Glider.  He had two flights better than mine with this foam model, 6.01 mins and 5.41 mins. He didn’t fly the third round, I’m glad to say, if he had he would almost certainly have beaten me.  Well done Derrick, particularly as he hadn’t ever flown from a winch! I’ve included the full results and scores.  Remember, you are looking at minutes and seconds, plus landing bonus. In the total column this has been converted to seconds, plus landing bonus.  Also included is a photo of 8 of those who still remained at the very end, plus the camera man, Dave Camp.

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