THE 13TH ANNUAL NorCal Free Flight Championships took place April 27-28. This report contributed by Fred Terxian. "Not to blame it on superstition, but for some reason Contest Director Bill Vanderbeek elected not to have the number 13 placed on this year's plaques. We had hoped for the near-perfect weather conditions experienced at the Sierra Dave Lewis, from San Jose CA, heads back to the pits after the flyoff as he awaits the results of the final scoring for the Sierra Championships. "Wind conditions were brisk on Saturday. Henry Smith made a valiant effort to attack another rise-off-water rubber record with his Drip Dry Mulvihill. His model leaped off the pond and immediately headed downwind, but he was unable to sustain the number of Roger Merrell, Redondo Beach CA, puts the final turns on his rubber-powered F1B Black Magic. "I want to commend Rocco Ferrario, Sterling Davis, Mike Davis, and several others for supporting the junior ranks. Who says that our days are numbered? All of those kids were having a fantastic time and getting well-deserved support from their parents, friends, and mentors. "There are too many to thank for running this contest. 1 know that we had many volunteers within the Oakland Cloud Duster ranks, including relatives. Many non club members helped as well and we appreciated it very much. "Running a contest of this size is not easy, but if the number of participants is any indication, the effort is well worth it. Please join us again for next years event." 'Till next time... Keep 'em safe and Keep 'em fly'n.