Angela's report, August 7

This is IGC Journalist Angela Sheard's August 7, 2014 report from the World Gliding Championships in Leszno, Poland. 

At last, Wednesday 6th August, the weather was not only flyable but better than forecast for the pilots out on course. Minimal outlandings and though speeds were not the fastest, those who completed the task flew home in kind conditions.

It was a RED LETTER DAY for the small Argentinian Team who have come so far to compete. Flying in their very first international competition, brothers Gonzalo and Sebastian Riera took first and second places in the 15m Class, 1000 and 999 points shining next to their names. Both flying Ventus 2a gliders, they rounded the 295.7km task at 85.7 and 85.6kph (unofficial results).

The brothers at Briefing on Day 8 with Team Captain Federico Barrientos on left.

The rest of the team all smiles.

Now for Thursday (07.08.14), Competition Day 8.

At 6 am, sunshine lit up the hotel surroundings and cheered the spirits.

Tasks of 313.5km for 15m Class, 324.6 for 18m and 329.4 for Open Class are set and the weather will hopefully collaborate as well as yesterday.

Former IGC delegate and ULM designer Tadeas Wala from Slovakia flew in from Prievidza with his son to visit old friends and see how Leszno is getting on with so many stars in its sky!

Meanwhile, the OSTIV Congress has concluded and the delegates set off for home with many fine papers to think about. President Loek Boermans of the Netherlands has announced his retirement after 19 arduous years in the post.

No. 1 Fan! Prof. Boermans leaves with a reminder of the Polish sunshine!

Click here for official contest results.