The forecast for today showed promising conditions with 4 kt lift over the entire task area. Tasks were set and gliders gridded at noon. During the morning weather briefing high cloud from a system over Michigan was a concern. At grid time there were some cu in the area, but one of the club k-21's reported very smooth air.
At 1250 with cu now over the airport a sniffer was launched and reported about 2 kts to 4500 ft. The launch started and most gliders were able to connect with a band of cu moving in from the south and climb to 4500. As gate opening time approached the high cloud was a little thicker and there were no cu along the course line. The day was scrubbed before the gate opened and the 2009 Nationals came to an end.
At the beginning of the contest the weather looked like it might cause big problems and we could lose the contest. In the end we were able to fly 5 days as the weather improved from the forecasts. Sometimes even overnight! We had great conditions and fast speeds on the 5 days we flew and the task committee set demanding tasks each day.
We are now off to the Holiday Inn Cambridge for the Banquet with Salmon and Beef entrees, yummy!
Dave
At 1250 with cu now over the airport a sniffer was launched and reported about 2 kts to 4500 ft. The launch started and most gliders were able to connect with a band of cu moving in from the south and climb to 4500. As gate opening time approached the high cloud was a little thicker and there were no cu along the course line. The day was scrubbed before the gate opened and the 2009 Nationals came to an end.
At the beginning of the contest the weather looked like it might cause big problems and we could lose the contest. In the end we were able to fly 5 days as the weather improved from the forecasts. Sometimes even overnight! We had great conditions and fast speeds on the 5 days we flew and the task committee set demanding tasks each day.
We are now off to the Holiday Inn Cambridge for the Banquet with Salmon and Beef entrees, yummy!
