Weather was only perfect for this one. Thermals didn't seem huge early but picked up after lunch. Top 5 guys always seem to be able to find the weak ones and stay up though......

I'd like to hear some feedback on running the contest with 3 flight groups. What did you guys think?

Positive or negative please!

Rick

This was only my 2nd contest so my words carry only so much weight, but personally, I liked the 3 groups. More room on the field. Less chances for mid-airs. 21 pilots and the All Up is nightmare for me. I suppose I'll get used to that. Up till now most of my DGL flying has been alone or with one other pilot on the field.
I realize 3 groups would require more time to complete.
Ken

The 3 groups allowed for some relaxation as everyone did not need to fly or time. If the contest attendance continues to grow, I think 3 flight groups is the way to go.

I was pleasantly surprised with how smooth the three groups went. At first I was worried that it would make the whole contest take longer, but I think we did a pretty good job of keeping everything on schedule. In someways it was a bit more work for Rick and I, but at the same time not having to be out on the field each round gave us time to catch up and get organized.

Thanks Rick for CDing you did a great job! Great flying everyone, it was fun to catch up!

Weather was great, cool in the morning and warmed up nicely for the afternoon. Thermals were light in the morning and started to kick up in the afternoon. Very relaxing contest with lots of time to chit chat!

The harder conditions were in the late afternoon. The lift was definately cycling between really easy air and then sink everywhere. Depending on what flight group you were in and when you threw, the sink could really mess you up. I remember a few rounds getting out there and before the round started and finding lift everywhere then the round starting and my read being gone!

My favorite flights...watching Dave work a thermal from 20 feet to sky out for a 4 minute flight and thinking he was burying me only to find out he threw a 3:30 and 1:30 prior and was trying to better his score; Skying out with Tim for the second AULD and fighting hard to make it back to the field, sorry Tim; watching all the new talent out flying! Keep it up guys!

Rick, 3 flight groups for 21 folks work really well. Things were tighter when we switched back to 2 flight groups but the field is big enough to handle it. The only issue that can happen with that many people is when the wind picks up, everyone ends up on one side of the field. It wasnt an issue this weekend but potentially it could be. You did a great job of keeping things moving with 3 flight groups though. I think at that pace we could have put in almost 10 rounds with two groups!

James

PS. Again, if anyone is qualified, close to qualified or thinking about being qualified... GO TO THE TS contest! Even if you may not have a chance of winning, you will learn more in that contest then in any other weekend of flying! Part of the reason we hold the contest is to train up and coming pilots to enrich our talent pool. Come out and have fun!

James, thanks for the Team Select plug. Fire those of you who are interested in attending the contest is in Denver over Labor day weekend. We are planning to take an RV over and camping in-site, and we're looking for a few more pilots to join in and share the cost, driving, and FUN! Drop Rick Jay or myself a line if you're interested.

It was great seeing everyone out there for my short family visit, and I'm happy my absence gave James a chance for the trophey;-)
Red

Greetings from Utah, Red!

Snag Banks...I think he may have qualified with 1/2 point last month and perhaps 1/2 point this contest. If I don't get qualified to fly, I'll be there helping.

Russ

PS...good-looking boy by the way!

I'm very bummed to have missed this contest - sounds like a great day, great weather and a very impressive turnout. One comment on 3 flight groups vs. 2 - it sounds like a good idea, although my preference would be to avoid anything that has the potential to lengthen the contest time. My biggest impediment to getting out for these contests is having to work out spending a whole Saturday or Sunday away from my family (who astoundingly aren't interested in watching me fly gliders all day - crazy, I know!). Shorter contests make this easier. There may be other potential competitors who are in a similar situation. In any case, from some of the other comments here it sounds like the 3 flight groups didn't slow things down much, and made for a nice contest pace. For what it's worth I thought the AULD with ~20 competitors at the last contest was great - talk about some excitement!

Well done Rick and Burton. See you guys at a future contest, although not the next one as I'll be out of town on vacation. Do I have it right that there isn't a SASS handlaunch contest in July for some reason?

-John

You did miss a great day John.

My biggest and really only concern with 3 groups was that it would take too long. Most of the day I felt like I was really pushing (tally scores and call the next group) from round to round to keep it moving . But really guys were on it and ready to go. In the end we finished before 4:00 which is about "normal" anyway.

One thing that will help is to get started a bit earlier. We say 9:00 pilots meeting and I remember looking at my watch and it was after 9:30 and we hadn't started the meeting. This is on me (and Red next month) to get my lazy butt there a bit earlier and get set up.

And yes, no July SASS, June and then August is the two day. Past few years Olympia has had a July contest that's lots of fun, if they have one this year (hint, hint, hint Russ) you might want to think about it.

RdJay

I thought the three groups went really well. It was nice to have time to take a few pictures.

I liked the three groups. It gave you a chance to meet and time for more people. A little less crowded, And it went pretty fast. Rick kept it rolling along but you had a chance to rest if you wanted too.

Chris

I was concerned when we started that there was going to be 3 groups, but as many have mentioned, it worked out well. I liked it. Rick and the rest of the SASS team put on a great contest. I had a great time and I am already looking forward to June.

Ben

Great contest here are a few more photos

Thanks Rick and Burton for CDing the event. Seems like everything went smooth and orderly. I liked the 3 groupings as a change from previous contests in that it gives time to charge batteries, make adjustments and check out others flying skills. Switching over to 2 groups after lunch went well too. A great turnout and we were even missing some of the regulars. Looking forward to June.

Took a few shots to share. Wish I had taken more.

So wish I was there! had other things keeping me busy. Crossing my fingers for June 9th!

Joseph