BERG F3B BASH 2005

Sunday, 12th June - Early morning - BERG's glider field – “BBBrrrrrrr”. It started out relatively cold and windy at first, with the chilly wind averaging about 7-10 knots maxing at about 19 knots. The direction kept the F3B boys on their toes all day as it started out North Easterly and backed all the way to a Westerly around lunch then blew Northerly until it dissipated as the last few tasks were being flown. Marvelous sunshine to sit and bask in, for those not running after chutes, gliders and hats.....

Sadly there were but a few entrants to the competition (is everyone saving their models for that desperate spot spike at the Nats?). The CD, Martin Attwell kept a tight rein on the proceedings and we managed five rounds before it got too dark to see, one of the female pilots making the remark that "He's a slave driver".

Our F3B team was there in force, kitted out with natty groundsheets for their models to park on - "That’s lekker kiff", as one from the Far East (Rand) would say. A strangely shaped and very quiet new bird was seen for the first time and it was not the local Black Eagles either - Stephane du Ponsel had a handsome new wing to try (see posted picture) and it managed the F3B tasks admirably. Stephane however, should make his speed turns a little wider and keep his last leg of the speed run a tad higher. Magnificent red sand explosion Stephane, fortunately there seemed to be no major damage - only the pride was a little bent. Our MGASA Chairman had an eventful day with the one wing of his Shongololo delaminating forcing his withdrawal after only three rounds. Never mind Evan, we all have had to withdraw early sometimes........

Craig Goodrum moved the bar yet again, achieving 14.81 seconds in the speed task and four rounds of 20+ laps in duration. To Craig and the rest of the F3B Team, ons hou duimvas jong! Hier kommie Bokke!!! Michelle, the better half of the Goodrum clan, was seen trying all sorts, from kneeling in supplication to even drastically modifying "her" CG during the speed tasks at one point even getting Craig to "steer" for a while (see posted pictures). The other Craig (Mr. Baker) had a hastily repaired ship, suffering from a collision with Deon Liebenberg's glider at a recent distance task practice. Only two gliders in the air and what happens – “CRUNCH”, one wing torn off, spin, THUD! CraigB's glider came off second best, but he managed to repair it and put in a good show at BERG. That one bluish mottled tip looked quite attractive if the light was just right. After the last task CraigB then proceeded to test the strength of his repair work by lightly springing onto said wing. Needless to say, CraigB won the strength contest!

After a great day’s flying there always someone to thank and this time it's the whole of the BERG club. Our thanks go to CD: Martin Attwell, The Food Ladies: Natasha Otto and Lorna Nel, the "Hired" Help: Johan Oosthuizen, Phillip Otto, Pieter Rheeders, James Shaw, Len Thomas and Charl Vivier. Many thanks guys 'n gals, a great first competition for the BERG flyers - Well done!!!

RESULTS BERG F3B BASH 2005:

1

Craig Goodrum

13932

2

Michelle Goodrum

13119

3

Dion Liebenberg

11538

4

Craig Baker

10224

5

Peter Eagle

9434

6

Stefane du Ponsel

6641

7

Evan Shaw

3664

Charles Flee