Race & Rally: Day 5

We left Quest Air today and headed north.  The daily meeting was repeatedly postponed as we waited for the task committee.  That usually means the committee is having a tough time designing a task and it also usually means the task will be difficult.  The committee sent us north with a crossing tailwind to a turn point at John Travolta's airstrip northeast of Ocala and then into the west southwest wind to Williston.

I saw plenty of evidence for a strong westerly sea breeze which would make that last leg nearly impossible.  Since I was slated to launch near the end of the ordered launch, I rushed to get ready for the 15 minute open launch window before the ordered launch started.  I had trouble deciding between launching early and stressing my sore shoulder for 1:20 before the first start gate or launch at the end of the line and risk missing the first start.  I finally decided to launch early and do as little as possible until it was time to race.

I had a good start and was one of the leaders on the first long glide.  We found a climb but I notice Ollie climbing better to the west.  Should I give up the moderate "sure thing" or go for the "better thing"?  I decided to stay put but regretted the decision when I noticed Ollie climb above everyone else and leave.

Things started rattling apart as I crossed the turnpike and woods south of the Villages.  I was low and watched a couple gliders land below me.  I struggled to get some maneuvering room and couldn't find a good climb.  A bald eagle shared my climb for 5 minutes as I continued to drift off course line.

I finally spotted pilots from the second start so I turned back and finally climbed out with them.  We meandered across the countryside, flicking from one weak climb to the next.  I was pinched off and left to fend for myself.  A bit later, Richard flew by and we shared a climb before we pushed upwind and landed about 20 km (12 miles) short of the turn point.

I hovered down into a large pasture field full of frisky cattle.  Luckily, I was scary looking enough that they kept a comfortable distance.

Amy showed up as I was sliding the glider through the gate.  We rounded the corner and picked up Richard.  While there, a crew from the Marion County Firefighters stopped to check out the activity.

I don't think anyone made goal, but a large group rounded the turn point and pushed upwind about 10 km (6 miles).

Amy, Richard, and I stopped for Mexican food in Gainesville, before driving on to Live Oak, Florida where we will launch tomorrow.

Flights: 1, Duration: 3:24, Distance: 41.6 miles