5 weeks and counting...
The Competition season is upon us.
British Open Series 2014
The British Hang Gliding Open Series starts on Saturday 3rd May in South East Wales. If you haven't already made a note in your diary, here are the dates and locations for 2014:
Round 1 and British Open - S E Wales
Saturday 3rd - Wednesday 7th May 2014
Round 2 - Mid Wales
Get signed up here.
It will be a bitter sweet start to the year with the absence of Pete Coad being sorely felt. In the true spirit of his passion for life and all things flying, I expect there will be pilots wearing Hawaiian shirts with pride. It could be a glorious sight, especially for Angela who will be coming to visit the competition in SE Wales.
The Joint British and French Nationals
Chabre Open
Sunday 10th to Saturday 16th August 2014, Laragne, France.
After weeks of discussions and organising, it is now official that the British Nationals 2014 will be held alongside the French Nationals. As part of a joint venture, each country will be holding their own competition to identify their National champions, while also participating in the Chabre Open. It has taken some time to get the ball rolling - not surprising really given that the organisation of any of these events is done on a purely voluntary basis, with most members of the competition panel holding down full time jobs and having family commitments.
I for one am really looking forward to this competition. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience spending two weeks with, and getting to know, the French organisers and pilots during the Class 5 Pre Worlds in Annecy last year. A nicer, friendlier, more cooperative bunch you could not hope to meet.
They have a willingness to create well run competitions in an efficient yet friendly manner. I have to admit that the French do seem to have a certain "joie de vivre", something that, in my opinion, does seem to be lacking sometimes in the UK hang gliding community. Maybe we take it all a bit too seriously... Ok, shoot me down, but that's how I see it :) The only thing that I hope they improve on is the entertainment - the pseudo glam-rock band really did kill the party.
Anyway, I minor deviation from what was a brilliant comp. The packed lunches made up for any other short comings. A veritable feast, which, if we are lucky, will be replicated during the joint competition.
The Comp HQ will be located in the Laragne Town Hall, with camp-sites being eyed up to the North side of the town. It will be a shame not to have one central "tent and caravan village" next to the traditional goal field, but the problems experienced at Camping Monteglin left no option but to relocate (the landing field is held municipally so is likely to be used some of the time). The French will be including Class 1, Class 2, Class 5 and Sports Class, while I anticipate that there might not be a Brit Class 2 - however the Chabre Open is also there for the taking if we get a lone Brit Class 2.
The BHGC will be holding a Sports Class, as opposed to a Club Class. That means that pilots for the Sports Class will be restricted to flying a king posted glider as per the FAI criteria.
Registration is now open.
French and Foreign pilots can register on the French website...
http://delta.ffvl.fr/open_comps_registration_form/17/list
and British pilots can register here...
http://bhgc.wikidot.com/nats:registration
Currently there is a limit of 85 pilots, so if you want to guarantee your place, register as soon as possible. Chabre can of course take more, so I am sure that the number will be reviewed. Entry fee before 15th May is €120 on the French site, and £95 on the UK site (then goes up to €150 or £120) - currency fluctuations allowing there is near parity (I can hear the protesting taps on keyboards now!)
Insurance
One thing worth mentioning here is that a question mark hangs over appropriate insurance. Traditionally the BHGC has been aligned with AIB (Airsports Insurance Bureau) who provided insurance specifically for the HG and PG competition scene. Now under new management, it seems that the policies have changed, and that essential cover such as Search and Rescue and Competition Flying are not covered as standard - you have to ask specifically for the cover as an additional option. It might be worth shopping around and making sure you have the right cover. If any pilot has discovered a good insurance policy, please do email me (free.flyer@goskyrocketnow.com) and I will do my best to disseminate the information amongst the community and, with my Vice Chair hat on, bring it to the attention of the BHGC Competition Panel.
Until next time, safe Spring time flying...
PS Parachute repacked? Side Wires replaced? You know it makes sense!
The Competition season is upon us.
British Open Series 2014
The British Hang Gliding Open Series starts on Saturday 3rd May in South East Wales. If you haven't already made a note in your diary, here are the dates and locations for 2014:
Round 1 and British Open - S E WalesRound 2 - Mid Wales
Saturday 7th - Wednesday 11th June 2014
Round 3 - Dales
Thursday 28th August - Monday 1st Sept 2014Get signed up here.
 |
| The late Pete Coad - legendary Meethead |
It will be a bitter sweet start to the year with the absence of Pete Coad being sorely felt. In the true spirit of his passion for life and all things flying, I expect there will be pilots wearing Hawaiian shirts with pride. It could be a glorious sight, especially for Angela who will be coming to visit the competition in SE Wales.
The Joint British and French Nationals
Chabre Open
Sunday 10th to Saturday 16th August 2014, Laragne, France.
 |
| BHGC |
 |
| FFVL Comite National du Delta |
Entente Cordiale!
After weeks of discussions and organising, it is now official that the British Nationals 2014 will be held alongside the French Nationals. As part of a joint venture, each country will be holding their own competition to identify their National champions, while also participating in the Chabre Open. It has taken some time to get the ball rolling - not surprising really given that the organisation of any of these events is done on a purely voluntary basis, with most members of the competition panel holding down full time jobs and having family commitments.
 |
| Members of the French Comp Panel at the Pre-Worlds |
 |
| The French Comp Chairman Fabien Zadora |
They have a willingness to create well run competitions in an efficient yet friendly manner. I have to admit that the French do seem to have a certain "joie de vivre", something that, in my opinion, does seem to be lacking sometimes in the UK hang gliding community. Maybe we take it all a bit too seriously... Ok, shoot me down, but that's how I see it :) The only thing that I hope they improve on is the entertainment - the pseudo glam-rock band really did kill the party.
 |
| The Rocky Horror Show - yes, it really was horrific! |
Anyway, I minor deviation from what was a brilliant comp. The packed lunches made up for any other short comings. A veritable feast, which, if we are lucky, will be replicated during the joint competition.
The Comp HQ will be located in the Laragne Town Hall, with camp-sites being eyed up to the North side of the town. It will be a shame not to have one central "tent and caravan village" next to the traditional goal field, but the problems experienced at Camping Monteglin left no option but to relocate (the landing field is held municipally so is likely to be used some of the time). The French will be including Class 1, Class 2, Class 5 and Sports Class, while I anticipate that there might not be a Brit Class 2 - however the Chabre Open is also there for the taking if we get a lone Brit Class 2.
The BHGC will be holding a Sports Class, as opposed to a Club Class. That means that pilots for the Sports Class will be restricted to flying a king posted glider as per the FAI criteria.
Registration is now open.
French and Foreign pilots can register on the French website...
http://delta.ffvl.fr/open_comps_registration_form/17/list
and British pilots can register here...
http://bhgc.wikidot.com/nats:registration
Currently there is a limit of 85 pilots, so if you want to guarantee your place, register as soon as possible. Chabre can of course take more, so I am sure that the number will be reviewed. Entry fee before 15th May is €120 on the French site, and £95 on the UK site (then goes up to €150 or £120) - currency fluctuations allowing there is near parity (I can hear the protesting taps on keyboards now!)
Insurance
One thing worth mentioning here is that a question mark hangs over appropriate insurance. Traditionally the BHGC has been aligned with AIB (Airsports Insurance Bureau) who provided insurance specifically for the HG and PG competition scene. Now under new management, it seems that the policies have changed, and that essential cover such as Search and Rescue and Competition Flying are not covered as standard - you have to ask specifically for the cover as an additional option. It might be worth shopping around and making sure you have the right cover. If any pilot has discovered a good insurance policy, please do email me (free.flyer@goskyrocketnow.com) and I will do my best to disseminate the information amongst the community and, with my Vice Chair hat on, bring it to the attention of the BHGC Competition Panel.
Until next time, safe Spring time flying...
PS Parachute repacked? Side Wires replaced? You know it makes sense!
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