The UK hang gliding comps committee are very keen to encourage new blood into the comp scene, and so the British Open series comp that is to be held in Crickhowell, SE Wales from 1 – 5 May will feature a new sports class, aimed at pilots who are new to or inexperienced in competitions. It will be run alongside the main competition though with simpler tasks with the focus on improving cross country and competition skills in a relatively stress free environment.
British Champion and Worlds team member Grant Crossingham has kindly agreed to act as mentor, and will be available to offer advice and coaching for the tasks throughout the weekend. In addition, there will be a series of lectures from top pilots should the weather prove inclement, or after flying if the forecast is good. There will also be a retrieve system in place with a dedicated driver and vehicle, included in the sport class entry fee.
Who can enter? All entrants must be pilot rated (to allow them to go XC) and be new, or relatively new to the British Open Series. Entrants do not need a ‘hot ship’ to compete – king posted gliders will probably be the norm for the sports class, but there is no restriction on flying a topless. A radio, vario and a GPS are required. If anyone considering entering does not have a GPS, there are a couple available to borrow for the event – please make a note on your entry form to that effect.
The cost will be £50 per pilot, plus the costs of the diesel used in the retrieve vehicle. A competition T-shirt, dinner during the Open Series social evening and mentoring by a British Team member are included in the entry fee.
The entry form will appear on the Open Series Web site, http://bhgc. wikidot.com/ so keep your eyes open! For further information please contact Steve Penfold on 07770 897419
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- Photo: http://bhgc.wikidot.com
