David Beach, our current District I contest board representative for Soaring, sent us the following event report.
Soaring contests have returned to Rhode Island because of the efforts of Alex Hall, treasurer of The Rhode Island Soaring Club. The club hosted The Great Pumpkin Glider Fest October 18-20, 2013. The three-day event drew 21 pilots from six states for a weekend of competition and camaraderie.
Friday was an informal day to practice flights of winch-launched and electric-launched gliders. The open area surrounding the field allowed Bob Rondeau to complete his League of Silent Flight 2K goal and return task.
Saturday’s competition was an open winch Unlimited Thermal Duration contest. The pilots’ meeting began with recognition of Fritz Bien, who was the district soaring representative for the past 40 years.
Sunny skies, mild temperatures, and slight breezes kept a smile on every competitor’s face, regardless of his or her standings. It was a bring-your-own-lunch affair, but contest registration included a special dessert of pumpkin pie and non- alcoholic sparkling apple cider.
The Sunday contest was an altitude-limited electric soaring (ALES) event. These sailplanes use an electronic device that automatically stops the motor when the launch height has been achieved.
The Great Pumpkin event has been held in Vermont and New Hampshire in prior years, but the huge Rhode Island sod farms are the most glider-friendly fields (and people) in New England. Thanks again to the Rhode Island Soaring Club for hosting the event. Go to www.risoaringclub.org to learn more about soaring.
