Day 9 (final day) at the Logan 15m nationals

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Today was the last flying day of the 2011 15m Nationals at Logan.  The weather and the task was pretty straightforward for once, with the exception of a slow start to the thermals on the Logan ridge off tow.  The slow start problem was (mostly) solved by using 3000′ agl tows vs the 2500′ ones we had been using – it slowed the launch a bit, but with only 20 or so gliders that wasn’t a major consideration.  The slow start to the weather also caused the CD to change from task A to task B (a welcome change in my mind) and ultimately to also shorten the time.

Most pilots left as soon as the start gate was open and they could get to start height, and we all headed out in a big train north to Mink Creek, looking for that climb to get us over to Meade Peak and then on into the Afton/Alpine area.  The going was good but not spectacular for most of us, but it started to dry out and get a bit weaker on the way home.  In the end, all but two pilots made it back home for the awards banquet, and a good time was had by all.

OK, enough suspense – the day winner for today was Tim Taylor (TT), with a superbly executed flight as only ‘Mr Logan’ could do.  He hit everything just right, and not only won the day, but won it big enough to edge out Rick Indrebo for the top spot overall – well done Tim!  Another Logan regular David Leonard (ZL) also had a good flight and vaulted into 3rd place overall.

I came to Logan knowing it was a ‘technical’ site, and that even the preparation I had done in the Condor simulator couldn’t do the area justice.  After seeing the area on the practice day (and on the Day 1 mass landout day), I decided that I was going to change my priorities to making sure that I left Logan with all my body parts and all my glider parts in the same condition they were when I arrived, and I think I accomplished that.  Flying a new site is always fun, but it does require some attention to the basics (like survival!).

Tomorrow Mark Hawkins and I break camp, and the micro castle goes back onto the pickup truck.  My next stop is the Denver Colorado area for a mini-vacation with my ever-supportive wife, and then its on to Uvalde for the super regional there.

Stay tuned for more contest reports!

TA