New Zealand Gliding Nationals have concluded

The New Zealand Gliding Nationals have concluded after two weeks of tense glider racing in the skies over the McKenzie basin and the Otago Lakes regions.

Weather conditions have been variable but some fantastic racing has resulted. Pilots have been pitted against each other and at the same time tested by nature. Individual battles have emerged, with up and coming pilot George Wills ( 500 hours flying experience ) beating his far more experienced father Gavin Wills ( 15 000 flying hours ). George placed second overall with 5105 points in the 15 meter/standard class.

In the battle of the top position in the 15 meter / standard class , Dane Dickinson , flying a LS8 glider, has beaten two of the other more experienced pilots, Vaughan Ruddick flying an LS 6, 5099 points for third place , and multiple past national champion, Ben Flewett in a Duo Discus, placing forth with 4645 points.

In the open class Doug Hamilton and co pilot Karen Morgan, have snatched victory on the last day from Hororata pilot and former national champion Michael Oakley., flying an ASH 25 glider. Doug Hamilton has flow the conditions to perfection to take the title with 5532 points. Oakley was flying a two seat ASH 25 glider with Garry Wakefield as co pilot and scored 5419 points. Both pilots were flying ASH 25 open class gliders.

The 18 meter wingspan racing class win went to North Island pilot Grae Harrison , 5689 points , flying a Ventus 2cxt narrowly beating Blenheim based pilot Chris Richards .

In the North Island /South Island battle it appears the South island is again at the forefront of the sport with two of the three winners hailing from the South Island.

Nick Reekie

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