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1st July 2007
In recent times Whitesheet competitions have not been blessed with the most desirable
of weather conditions, either not enough of a blow, or squawly showers dampening our best efforts. So it
was a great surprise to spend Saturday listening to the forecast for predominantly heavy rain for the very
next day, only to arrive on the slope in sunshine with a brisk south-westerly blowing suspect clouds away.
With just four of our finest clu b members assembled, we set the course ready to begin.
Round 1.
First off was Pete Hatchett. He managed to squeeze 6 loops within the two minutes and put in a very
controlled landing scoring him 70/100. Next up was Graham looping 19 times and landing just short of the
mark. Away was Steve using his Acacia 3 to very good effect with 18 loops completed but unfortunately
landed just outside the landing zone. Using my trusty old Eliminator SR, I managed 19 loops and landed
35/100.
Round 1, part 2, Pylon.
Moving away from the rules at this point, it was agreed to set a 100-metre course and to fly 10 legs
as apposed to 80 metres and 5 legs. The main reason was due to the ever increasing wind-speed and more
stick time for the pilots.
Pete was away but had an impromptu landing. After a brisk relaunch he was away and put in a time of
88.01. Graham flew a very accurate course with his Rampage pulling a time of 53.28. Steve screamed around
in 53.10 seconds and set the fastest time of the day (Well done Steve).
Hot on their heels I managed a time of 57.75.
Round 2.
Continuing with the same flying order, Pete was away and looped 5 times but the increasing wind-speed
blew poor Pete’s model behind the slope, which unfortunately lost him his landing score. Graham
pulled 19 loops and landed 40/100. Steve battled away looping 17 times and then put in the best landing
of the competition scoring 85/100 in the only shower of the day, (very sporting) considering that the
rain was stinging my eyes whilst counting his loops, let alone poor Steve who couldn’t look away!.
(Well done again Steve). I was up next and cranked in 21 loops, landing 65/100.
Round 2, Part2, Pylon.
With the wind speed increasing to about the 40 mph mark, and hanging onto models with both arms,
Pete launched and flew a very smooth 78.85 seconds around a very blustery course. Graham showed some
superb flying skills by storming his Rampage around the course in 61.34 seconds. And Steve followed by
blasting around in 47.66 and I fought well but only managed 55.96 Seconds.
Results.
After a small mistake on my part by reversing the second round of landings (very embarrassing) the
confirmed results are as follows.
1st Steve Clutterbuck
2nd Joe Cubitt
3rd Graham Tolhurst
4th Pete Hatchett
A big well done and a great win for Steve Clutterbuck. My thanks to Steve, Graham and Pete
for supporting the event and braving the elements when you consider the weather forecast. Just goes to
prove that the weathermen can still get it wrong even with today’s technology.
Next comp is the thermal trophy, which forms part of the Dorset Federation events on Sunday 15th July at Lower Barn Farm. I’m looking forward to a few more members participating!
Till then keep fiddling with your sticks and have many happy landings.
Joe Cubitt
Competition Director WSRFC.
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