3rd August 2008 - Mount Annan Outlanding Competition

A great day for the outlanding comp saw a good turn out for the eagerly awaited challenge.  Eleven entrants made the trek and the day was surprisingly warm and sunny with the winter conditions holding off for the day. Early south westerlies had some of the early risers getting good air prior to launch time. By the 11am start many were confident of getting their hands on the host of prizes on offer.  First prize, a carton of Crownies and a supplementary prize of a voucher for $100 from Andrew at Falcon Gliders. 

The rules were simple.  Hand launch of any slope plane with no power or launch enhancements.  One launch per entrant, with a relaunch for anyone who didn't make it out from the hill into the clean air.  The winner would be the one who landed closest to the red blanket placed out in the fields some distance away (about 400m). 

Sounds easy and from the results obtained on the day, the guys made it look easier than it actually was.  

Early contenders for the crown was Greg with a good early attemp to be placed around 20m from the target. This was quickly eclipsed by a few metres and then by Matt who placed his plane around 5 metres from the prize.  It all look decided until Steve W, who had been posted at the traget for the early part of the comp, came back up to the top to try his hand.  He floated his little fox to about 2 metres from the prize and it was clear, he had used his local knowledge and supurb flying skills to blitz the competition.  Luckily, Steve had placed himself out of the comp from the start and we went for a second launch.

This time the prize had jackpotted with the beer plus the voucher so the pressure was on.  It was decided todo a mass launch instead of individual and it looked great to see all 11 planes take off and head out from the hill at the same time. It was difficult at times to work out which plane was who's but after a few minutes the leading contenders were on track and homeing in on the target fast.  One by the one they dropped into the zone and one after another fell by the wayside.  Finally, with his orange Windrider EPP Fox, Brett V put her in right next to the blanket to take honours for the day.

Like a true sporting legent, Brett put the $100 voucher back into the kitty and kept the beer.  A lucky draw was made for the voucher and Steve M picked up an early chrissy present or possibly a few more rolls of tape for his slope war bird that flew so well in the light winds.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the challenge and it was great to catch up with the other slope enthusiasts who came out to make it a great day out.  Thanks to Steve W for his planning and we hope to see you all next year for the return match of the Mount Annan Outlanding Competition.

The gangs all here, weather good, wind about 10kts west.  Final winner Brett V with his EPP Fox that took the prize.

Brett M is an early leader but falls at the last hurdle.  Right - The target (can you see it?) Over there right next to Steve!

 
One of the wing men launch from the hill.  Right - Matt is all smiles when he gets his plane nice and close.

The long trek back to the top, some of us just couldn't make it the second time.  The plethora of planes and wings that took the challenge.

Even blatent advertising was permitted, hopefully Zipper will come to the next comp :)