This article by Rob Boschen, President, Wimmera Soaring Club was first published in the Australian Gliding magazine, December 1983.
As the title to this article implies, Horsham Week for all classes is on again and will be incorporating the Victorian State Comps.
The Horsham Week regatta has always been an ideal training ground for competition pilots with all levels of experience and this year will be no exception.
Those pilots wishing to fly at Horsham but not wanting the pressure of competing every contest day may compete in Horsham Week as usual by flying at least the minimum contest days required which they have nominated (four if there are eight days competition, three if there are fewer).
Those flying for the State comps will nominate their intentions at the beginning of the competition and fly every contest day. All pilots competing will have equal chance of winning Horsham Week under our averaging system but only those competing every day shall be eligible for the State comps.
The competition will be run under the usual relaxed atmosphere with Maxwell von Hedt as competition director once again.
There will be one noticeable difference surrounding this and future competitions at Horsham and that will be the type of involvement Departmental officers will have on the competition. The Department of Aviation is demonstrating cooperation, goodwill and support for the running of the competitions, all of which has been welcomed and has paved the way for an even more pleasant atmosphere.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals and clubs who supported the Wimmera Soaring Club in this crusade. The support and assistance received over the years not only ensured the future of the Wimmera Soaring Club on Horsham aerodrome but has given benefit to relations between the Gliding Federation and the Department of Aviation.
The aerodrome and surrounding countryside is in a picturesque condition after the devastating drought last year. Good seasonal rains this year ensured good grass development and the whole countryside has a good ground cover. The dust storms we saw last year should not happen again this year.
Because of the favourable weather conditions we have had, our launch procedure this year will be a more practical method and will reduce congestion and increase the safety of the operation. Both runways will be available this year following repairs after last year's drought.
The official opening of the competition is on Saturday 4 February at l0 a.m. Entry in either the State comps or Horsham Week will be received until then and the entry fee is $50 for the week or $10 a day.
Launching this year will be with Pawnees but of course we will have a good selection of low-powered tugs for those who prefer them. Tows will be $14 to the usual 2000 feet.
The traditional start gate will again be used for all classes competing this year. Camera clocks will not be required for time recording but of course can be used for turn point identification.
The final presentation and wind-up dinner will be held on the last contest day, Saturday 11th February. It will be held in the Wimmera Soaring Club hangar and will mark the end of what is expected to be one of the best Horsham Week Competitions for years.